Pi Delta Phi members include, from left to right: (front) Joy Ellis, John Fulk, Andia Augustin, Dr. Patricia Hopkins, Adrienne Riso, and Leigh Ann Nitz; (back) Laura Meeks, Coral Neurohr, Robert Waycott, Rebekah Jervey, Lisa Eulo, Kjerstin O'Leary, Dr. Jim Wilkins and Dr. Jean Eledge.
photo by Vanessa Wood
Lee University has recently been approved to launch a chapter of the Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society. Lee University's Mu Nu Chapter now joins the rank of nearly 300 chapters across the United States and in France, with membership of over 60,000 members.
Pi Delta Phi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and has representation in both private and public colleges and universities all across America.
"Having a national honor society chapter on campus lends recognition, not only to its student membership, but to the university's standing in the larger academic community. Lee University students who devote their energy to a rigorous study of French language and literature are identified in Pi Delta Phi as members of a larger 'family' striving to continue a long standing appreciation of Francophone culture throughout the world," said Dr. James Wilkins, faculty moderator for the Mu Nu Chapter.
The Society recognizes outstanding French major and minor students that have distinguished themselves in their studies of the French language and literature. The purpose of the Society is to increase knowledge of the contribution of French-speaking countries to world culture, and to stimulate and encourage such cultural activities that will lead to a deeper appreciation of these countries.
"It is an honor and indicator of quality for Lee University to have been granted a chapter of Pi Delta Phi," said Dr. Jean Eledge, chairperson of the Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages, a long-time member of Pi Delta Phi. "I am pleased that our French students now have the opportunity to add this prestigious affiliation to the Lee University experiences and to their résumés.
Dr. Patricia Hopkins, Regional Vice President of PDP from Texas Tech University, inducted the students. The new inductees of this chapter are: M. Andia Augustin, President; Lisa N. Eulo, Secretary; Rebekah D. Jervey, Treasurer; Jonathan K. Fulk, Laura M. Meeks, Coral L. Neurohr, Adrianne M. Riso, Robert G. Waycott. Recent Lee graduates who are members of Pi Delta Phi include: Joy Ellis, Leigh Ann Nitz, Kjerstin S. O'Leary, and Jill N. Schollaert.
Pi Delta Phi asserts to represent the French culture on campus by sponsoring events such as La Soirée Française, an upcoming event scheduled for February 23 where students and the community will be able to have a taste of the French culture through literature, music and games.
For more information, contact Andia Augustin at 614-2471.