Phi Eta Sigma continues expansion,
programs
by:
Natalie Smith
Staff Writer
From Campus Activities Board to Student Government Association and Biology Club, St. Ambrose University offers a variety of clubs and organizations for students to take part in.
One of the most prestigious organizations on campus is Phi Eta Sigma, which is a national honor society for students who have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher their first semester of college. The honor society hosts activities and takes on projects throughout the year.
One of the organization's major projects was the sponsoring of the Ntawemeras, a refugee family from the impoverished African country of Rwanda, the site of a civil war in the 1990s that caused the deaths of an estimated 800,000 citizens.
On December 12, the Monday of finals week, Phi Eta Sigma held a somewhat formal dinner for the Ntawemera family.
The activity that kicked off the start of the school year, however, was a barbeque. Unfortunately it had to be moved inside due to rain. October soon followed with a ceremony for new members.
“We encourage present members to come to the ceremony and show their support,” Sara Miller, member of Phi Eta Sigma, said. This year Miller holds the title of co-senior advisor along with Gil Cervelli.
Miller explained the senior advisors are people who held the offices of president and/or secretary last year and stay on the executive board to offer insight on past events and help out when needed.
Miller said the organization attended a national convention in Savannah, Georgia, back in October 2004.
Even with all Phi Eta Sigma has done thus far, they are not even close to being finished with what they plan to accomplish before the end of the school year.
On February 2 in the Gottleib lounge, Phi Eta Sigma will hold their second annual superbowl euchre tournament to raise money for the Ntawemera family. Tickets are $5.00 and the event includes food, prizes, and entertainment.
In addition to the superbowl euchre event, the club usually plans an outdoor activity in the spring before May. That is when the graduating members will be honored and the Ambrosian Spirit recipient will be announced.
Ryan Dye, faculty advisor of the club, has worked hard to bring back Phi Eta Sigma.
“Dye has been absolutely amazing,” Miller said. “He is the one person who wanted to get this group up and running after years of inactivity.”
The members who were inducted in October 2005 are as follows:
David Adams, Ashley Alvarez, Megan Aubry, Alex Backes, Melanie Brackey, Elizabeth Brandt, Natassia Brinning, Olivia Broadus, Erica Carauana, Emily Cleigh, Marissa Countryman, Natalie Cox, Emma Crino, Rebecca Cronow, Amanda Crunk, Kristin Cumbow, Matthew Dale, Emily Dean, Susan Feldman, Andrea Fischer, Colleen Fisher, Molly Fisher, Laura Forgrase, Ashlee Gillen, Jacob Gorman, Jessica Harms, Jackie Harris, Carol Haywood, Tia Hillers, Jason Huffman, Mindy Isaacson, Bridget Kearns, Nicole Keeney, Jacie Knewtson, Courtney Koch, Michelle Kron, Ann Lamb, Meaghan Leggins, Julia Liesen, Anne Martin, Megan Matyasse, Nicholas Manrique, Kaitlyn McDonough, Joshua McIntyre, Sarah McSweeney, Amber Meyer, Lucas Murray, Gregory O’Brien, Jessica Olsen, Elizabeth Olson, Stephanie Persaud, Stephanie Phillips, Ashtin Rice, Jessica Riess, Emily Roling, Elizabeth Russell, Emily Russell, Jessica Scovil, Amanda Seddon, Holly Smack, Amy Spilger, Kelly Staub, Michelle Stevens, Jill Sweeney, Molly Temming, Ashley Tracy, Kayla Tramp, Makenzie Tunning, Katie Voelliger, Kaitlin Ward, Christine Webber, Ashley White, Amanda Wilford, Ashley Wise, Rebekah Woodard, Abigail Young, and Kayleigh Zurcher.