Approximately 200 of Stetson University’s top students were inducted into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, the oldest and largest freshman honor society, at a Re-Chartering and Induction Ceremony at Stetson’s Carlton Union Building this week.

Phi Eta Sigma was originally chartered at Stetson in 1978, but the chapter had been inactive since the mid-1990s. All current undergraduate students who met the qualifications of having earned a 3.5 or higher GPA during their first year at the university were invited to become members.

Additionally, four Stetson faculty members were selected as honorary members this year – Dr. Michael Denner, associate professor of Russian studies; Dr. Phillip Lucas, professor of religious studies; Dr. Carolyn Nicholson, professor of marketing; and Dr. Stephen Robinson, professor of music.

Stetson is the only central Florida college or university to have chapters of both Phi Eta Sigma, which is specifically for freshmen, and Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious honor society for all undergraduate years.

Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 and now has more than 350 chapters and more than a million members nationwide. Phi Eta Sigma is headquartered at Western Kentucky University. Grand Secretary-Treasurer Dr. John W. Sagabiel attended the Stetson ceremony and told the students he hoped it would inspire them to continue pursuing academic accomplishment. Denner, chapter adviser, and student President Joshua Solomon accepted the new charter.

Offering advice gleaned from colleagues at a class reunion, Dr. Grady Ballenger, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, told the students to find, explore and share their passions for learning and teaching. “Love your studies. Love the people you study with. Pass it on.”

Provost Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Paul told the students she was proud of them, and she encouraged them to continue “relishing challenge” as they pursued lives of significance in the world. She said, “This is a very exciting day for all of you and a very exciting day for Stetson University.”