Alpha Chi’s hallmark event, the National Convention, celebrates and showcases student scholarship by giving our members the opportunity to present their work to a multidisciplinary audience. The 2025 convention, though held on a virtual platform, was no different.
Member presenters from 15+ disciplines shared their academic and creative works with convention attendees, and their presentations were judged based on the originality and depth of their subject matter, use of audio-visuals, focus, and engagement.
Nine undergraduate presenters were awarded a “best presentation” prize in a number of specific disciplines, and one prize each was awarded from among graduate students and alumni presenters, regardless of discipline.
| Winner | University | Award | Presentation Title |
| Emily Kledzik | Carson-Newman University | Thelma Hall Prize in Creative Writing | Allure of Appalachia |
| Leslie Osborne | Carson-Newman University | Ann Kneavel Prize in Economics | S&P 500 Market Efficiency: A Measure of the Relationship Between the S&P 500 and Presidential Election Outcomes |
| Laura Hand | Fresno Pacific University | Dennis M. Organ Alumni Member Prize | I am Io |
| Madeline Ross | Fresno Pacific University | Patricia A. Williams Prize in Education | Beyond the Right Answer: Cultivating Creativity in Math Education |
| James Noah Seip | Gardner-Webb University | Patricia Graham Prize in World History | Encouraging the Empire: How British Propaganda Posters of 1940-1943 Attempted to Encourage the Home Front |
| Olivia Robbins | Huntington University | Blake and Trish Janutolo Prize in Organismal and Ecological Biology | A Brief Review of the Role of Plumage Color in Bird Mating |
| Saskia Fuchs | Lindenwood University | Mary Waterstreet Prize in Psychology | Trapped in Contradiction: Cognitive Dissonance and the Psychology of Climate Inaction |
| Hannah Todd | Mars Hill University | Gayle Webb White Prize in Business Management | RSM Profession Challenge: Volunteerism Solutions |
| Nisa Sindhi | Texas State University | Suzanne and J. T. Pundt Graduate Student Member Prize | PAX6 and Actin Filament Co-Localization in Hair Cells of Neuromasts of Lateral Line System in Eurycea Salamanders |
| Destiny Forrest | University of Arkansas at Monticello | Ellen Millsaps Prize in American Literature | "Beyond" a Kiss: False Salvation in the Realistic American Novel |
| Samantha Stokes | William Carey University | Avery Grenfell Church Prize in Anthropology & Sociology | At Different Times |
The academic excellence of our members was on full display, and each and every presenter should be proud of their dedication to scholarship. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next year when we convene in Orlando, Florida, Mar. 12-14!
Alpha Chi’s 2025 National Convention was held this year for two full days, Apr 4-5. With participants enjoying a novel virtual experience using a platform called Gatherly, delegates could easily enter one-on-one and small group video conversations, allowing for a more natural conference feel.
Forty student presenters virtually showcased their work with recorded presentation videos and live sessions according to their discipline where they fielded questions from their peers and faculty advisors. Eleven students were awarded presentation prizes for outstanding work in their fields, including one graduate student and one alumni member. Read all about it here!
On Friday, five collegiate teams competed in the Trisha Yarbrough Collaborative Research Competition. Texas Psi’s student team from Abilene Christian University came out on top with the $5,000 prize, and Fresno Pacific University’s California Zeta team followed close behind, securing the $2,500 prize.
Zach Anner, author, comedian, television writer, and disability advocate, delivered the keynote address on Friday evening, where he weaved his experience as a person living with cerebral palsy with inspiration and life lessons. He exhorted listeners to believe and know that they too are worthy of “being carried.” He also warned them not to take themselves so seriously that they can’t find the humor in every day life. Zach generously answered questions and took the time to connect with each person he spoke with.
Members attended development workshops designed and led by chapters themselves. These sessions centered around the practical skills of resume writing, applying to grad school, job interview strategies, and how to hone powerful soft skills that help us become effective leaders. Faculty advisors attended sessions focused on strengthening their collegiate chapters and how they can serve undergraduates looking to be published through Alpha Chi’s peer review process. Everyone who participated left with something to enrich their chapters and personal careers.
On Saturday, undergraduate delegates had the opportunity to visit with several graduate school programs during Alpha Chi’s inaugural Graduate School Fair. A variety of different programs were represented, and members had the opportunity to network with the representatives and learn more about their offerings for advanced degrees.
Important society business such as elections for national and regional leadership positions also occurred with results announced during the closing gala. Four student members were elected to serve regional and national roles as Student Representatives to the National Council. Four Council Members-at-Large won national elections with two current members being reelected and two new chapter advisors elected alongside them to serve four-year terms. Click here to meet our new board members!
While most of Alpha Chi’s signature events took place adequately in this virtual modality, and the reactions to the conference were that of excitement and appreciation, students and advisors alike are already looking forward to an in-person conference in 2026. So be sure to save the dates of March 12-14 when Alpha Chi will travel to Orlando, Florida.
Ashley Larson, an Alpha Chi member from the Arizona Alpha chapter at Grand Canyon University, was recently published in the ninth volume of Aletheia, Alpha Chi’s Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship. Her paper, titled “Perfecting Perfectionism: Exploring Cultural Influences of Perfectionism Experiences,” details her research into the impact that collectivistic and individualistic cultures can have on one’s level of perfectionism.
Read Ashley’s article here!
Though the deadline for members registering to give an individual presentation has passed, it's not too late for members and alumni to join us for this year's virtual Alpha Chi convention!
Convention Highlights
Curious about the Gatherly platform? Check out this video to see what it’s all about!
Check out our Graduate School Fair partners!
This fall, Alpha Chi launched its “In Scholarship and in Service” Grant Competition to help members advance in their professions and pursue lifelong learning. Each region awarded up to five $200 grants that will be used to cover graduate school application fees, exam fees, certifications, conference registrations, or service-related travel.
Congratulations to all the winners listed below, and a big thank you to the dedicated advisors who reviewed the applications!
Region I Recipients
| Sierra Carter, Wayland Baptist University | |
| Avery Cottrell, Abilene Christian University | |
| Erica Otto, Southwestern University | |
| Nisa Sindhi, Texas State University | |
| Eowyn Stewart, Abilene Christian University |
Region II Recipients
| Jackson Edds, Ouachita Baptist University | |
| Janiya Fellows, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | |
| Alexandria Herrington, University of Texas at Tyler | |
| Abigail Jansen, Ouachita Baptist University | |
|
Jackson Trahant, Harding University |
Region III Recipients
| Kylee Condra, Carson-Newman University | |
| Abigail Gilbert, Union University | |
| Caroline Jacky, Charleston Southern University | |
| Anna Jones, Milligan University | |
|
Natalie McVay, Union University |
Region IV Recipients
Region V Recipients
| Rachel Carpenter, Grace College | |
| Lisa Scranton, Indiana Institute of Technology | |
| Bhumibol Shakya, University of Indianapolis | |
|
Paige Thamer, Indiana Institute of Technology |
Region VI Recipients
| Julia Goetz, Point Park University | |
| Jate' Harrington, Bowie State University | |
| Dania Minor, Bowie State University | |
|
Emmanuel Osuntuyi, Bowie State University |
Region VII Recipients
| Sharon Asariah, California Baptist University | |
| Matthew Ludy-Goodman, Grand Canyon University | |
| Maria Morgan, Grand Canyon University | |
| Allison Rogers, Grand Canyon University | |
|
Ron Wolfart, Fresno Pacific University |
This new program replaces the previous regional scholarship competitions and is open to all alumni and current student members. With over 80 applications submitted across Alpha Chi’s regions, the competition has seen a significant increase, and the new award structure allows more members to benefit.
One of Alpha Chi’s primary missions is to make scholarship effective for good in our communities and the world around us. Our society’s dedication to this mission is an active pursuit, and every year our members are given unique opportunities to get involved in local, regional, national, and global service that contribute to the greater good.
For this year’s national service initiative, in an attempt to meet the needs of those affected by these tumultuous times, Alpha Chi chapters were called to collect and donate new socks—something that is desperately needed by adults and children who find themselves without a home—to their chosen organization. Chapters were encouraged to find an organization that works on a local, regional, national, or even global level, and several made sock and monetary donations during the convention itself.
In addition to local efforts, Alpha Chi ordered branded argyle dress socks and received a matching donation from Franklin Morrow so that 500 pairs of black dress socks were able to go to the Birmingham Urban League for use in their Workforce and Entrepreneurship and Community Outreach departments.
2024 National Service Leaders
Four Alpha Chi chapters competed in our Sock-It-To-Me Chapter Competition: Abilene Christian University, Mars Hill University, Roger Williams University, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In addition to donating their collected socks, these chapters were asked to compose a narrative discussing the rationale behind their chosen organization, how the project is indicative of the mission and values of Alpha Chi, and how it ties into themes of social justice and leadership.
The Texas Psi Chapter at Abilene Christian University donated socks to the Christian Service Center in Abilene, TX, a group that assists people meet basic needs such as food, rent, and clothing.
The North Carolina Epsilon Chapter at Mars Hill University chose to donate their collection of socks to Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, a local women’s shelter in Asheville, NC. Their chapter also hosted a bake sale to raise money for The Lotus House, the biggest homeless shelter for women and children in the United States.
The Rhode Island Alpha Chapter at Roger Williams University chose Providence Rescue Mission in Providence to send socks and additional proceeds that they collected. This organization offers physical, emotional, educational, and rehabilitative services to any community members in need.
And finally, the Oklahoma Theta Chapter at Southeastern Oklahoma State University donated their collected socks to the Ron Cross Senior Activity Center in Durant, OK. Their decision was influenced by the challenges facing many in the elderly community: financial instability, limited mobility, chronic illness, and lack of comfort, to name a few.
These four chapters were named Alpha Chi’s National Service Leaders for 2024, and each walked away with a one-of-a-kind prize—a giant Alpha Chi sock handmade by our very own Dr. Teddi Deka, Missouri Western State University chapter advisor and National Council Secretary.
Thank you to the other chapters and individuals who contributed to this year’s service initiative by donating socks and proceeds to this cause. We truly appreciate your participation and commitment to service!
While in Birmingham, we challenged our members and advisors to document their experiences through a variety of prompts for a chance to be featured on Alpha Chi’s social media platforms and win their very own pair of AX argyle socks. After carefully considering each submission, we were able to narrow it down to six photos that best represented their respective categories. The winning photographs were presented during the Awards Gala on Saturday evening.
Presenter or Poster Pics
Submitted by Katalina Inzunza Herrera, the winning photo shows the Fresno Pacific University collaborative research team presenting their work, titled “Derailed: Embedded Contradictions in California’s High Speed Rail,” to a large audience of faculty advisors and peers. Fresno Pacific placed second in the Collaborative Research Competition.
Group During Convention Events
Submitted by Ishika Agarwal, this photo of the West Liberty University student delegates was taken during the Meaningful Experiences portion of the convention, where attendees were encouraged to visit multiple historic sites around the city of Birmingham. These four students spent time exploring the Civil Rights Trail located in Kelly-Ingram Park.
Delegates at Historic Sites
Submitted by Megan Allemand, this picture captures the delegates from Abilene Christian University standing outside of the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of a tragic terrorist bombing in 1963. The attack was in response to the growing movement for civil rights, and the tragedy garnered international attention as the world’s eyes turned to the struggle unfolding in Birmingham. Convention delegates were encouraged to attend the 16th Street Baptist Church to learn more about its history and lasting impact on today’s world.
Creative Chapter Dining
Submitted by Dr. Breanna Naegeli, the Arizona Alpha chapter creatively captured their convention dining experience using a Polaroid camera.
Chapter Duos
Submitted by Lauren Pribyl, this winning photograph captures not one, but TWO chapter duos! These four student reps represent four different Alpha Chi chapters: West Liberty University, Hastings College, Franklin Pierce University, and Angelo State University.
Creative Perspectives
Submitted by Rebecca Luckey, this photo features an exhibit in the Procession Gallery of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, where visitors are encouraged to walk among the replica statues and “join the movement.” Rebecca likened this exhibit to this year’s convention theme by captioning it, “Leaders for Tumultuous Times.” Her connection was creative and insightful; may we see it as a call to action to be leaders in today’s tumultuous times.
Congratulations to our 2024 Photo Competition winners, and thank you to all who participated!
In light of this year’s convention theme, Leaders for Tumultuous Times, the Dr. Trisha Yarbrough Student Collaborative Research Project Competition centered on innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to aid in this rapidly changing era. Nine teams competed for the prize with Missouri Western State University and Fresno Pacific University coming out on top. The judges evaluated the teams based on their written research report, printed poster, and live convention presentation with Q&A.
The Prevalence of AI and Opinions of the Public: Missouri Lambda Takes the Crown
Missouri Western State University’s winning team sought to understand the benefits, concerns, and impact of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives by taking a look at the public’s attitudes toward the already prevalent technology. The multidisciplinary team was comprised of four undergraduate students: Jordon Anderson (nursing), Juniper Brown (political science), Mercedes Mareske (digital animation), and Tia Vernon (education).
Their paper, “Artificial Intelligence and Selective Exposure: Generating a Public Perception,” highlights both the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI in the students’ respective fields and explores the awareness and attitudes among university students. Informed by the mere exposure effect, the group hypothesized that selective exposure to the advantages of AI would result in a more positive public perception.
Their findings indicated that the majority of students surveyed were unaware of their AI usage and expressed a favorable perception when presented with the benefits of the technology. They concluded that public perception of AI can shift depending on how information is presented to them.
The team took home the grand prize of $5,000 for their research. Congratulations to the Missouri Lambda team!
Fresno Pacific University: Controversy in California
The $2,500 second place prize went to the California Zeta team from Fresno Pacific University for their project titled, “Derailed: Embedded Contradictions in California’s High-Speed Rail.” Students Brooke Barham, Jan Bialecki, Paola Gonzalez Mendez, Cailey Lessel, and Jasmine Sirvent explored the innovation behind the largest infrastructure project in the US and the failure to bring it to fruition.
While many may see this high-cost project as a lost cause due to its many obstacles, the team’s analysis insists that by approaching the issues of geography, environmental justice, economics, and public rhetoric with a problem-solving lens, the high-speed rail can persist and avoid derailment.
Their suggestion? Project organizers must commit to securing funding through federal and private investments, respecting the land of Indigenous tribes, adhering to the law, and properly educating the public on the tangible benefits of this ambitious project.
Collaborative Leadership During Tumult
Missouri Western State University and Fresno Pacific University presented alongside teams who also showed their dedication to collaborative innovation in the shadow of this tumultuous era, and we want to recognize and celebrate their scholarship:
Congratulations to all of the teams that participated in the 2024 Collaborative Research Competition!
The Alpha Chi chapter at Grand Canyon University celebrated big upon receiving the 2024 President’s Cup for Outstanding Chapter of the Year at the national convention’s Awards Gala. This distinguished award, given at every national convention since 1987, recognizes the excellent achievements of the winning chapter and its members. Grand Canyon University was nominated for this prestigious accolade along with the chapter at Lindenwood University.
According to the Awards and Honors Committee, the Arizona Alpha Chapter “has truly made a remarkable impact on both its campus and broader community, inspiring us all with their pursuit of excellence.” They were applauded for their extensive work on their campus, which included multiple professional development and networking opportunities, a week dedicated to service, and collaborations with other on-campus honor societies. The chapter also boasted a large number of scholarship applicants, student presenters, and convention attendees.
Arizona Alpha was awarded a $200 honorarium in addition to the President’s Cup trophy, marking a historic moment for its student members and advisors.
Congratulations to the members of Arizona Alpha at Grand Canyon University as they continue to make scholarship effective for good!
Over the dates of April 4-6, Alpha Chi members from around the country gathered in Birmingham, Alabama for the 2024 National Convention and celebrated the innovative scholarship of its student and alumni members. Around 100 presenters from 20+ disciplines shared their work with an audience of their peers and were judged based on the depth and complexity of their subject matter, originality in their field, engagement with the audience, and presentation skills.
Student presentations are a central component of Alpha Chi’s annual conventions, as they demonstrate the ingenuity and tenacity of our dedicated scholars. An atmosphere of excitement was evident as participants geared up for the culmination of months of research, practice, and preparation. In each presentation, members demonstrated the scholarly and professional qualities that have propelled them to the top ten percent of their classes at their respective collegiate institutions.
16 discipline-specific prizes were awarded to undergraduate winners while graduate and alumni members each competed for an overall prize.
The dedication of our presenters to their work does not go unnoticed, and Alpha Chi is so proud of each and every one of them! Delegates left Birmingham feeling inspired by the scholarship on display and confident that the future is in good hands with Alpha Chi members leading the way.
Alpha Chi believes that those who use their scholarship to learn the truth can better serve the community as leaders. We work to support, develop, facilitate, encourage, and celebrate our future leaders! We believe that those who use their scholarship to learn in their respective disciplines are best prepared to serve the community as leaders. Because these things are true, please join us for the 2024 Alpha Chi National Convention, Apr. 4-6, next spring in Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham, Alabama, known as The Magic City, has a history and a present that speak to truth and leadership in the area of social justice. As a municipality, it faced the tension between those who were unwilling to move beyond Jim Crow laws and those who courageously fought for justice and reform. Much of today’s public rhetoric is similar to the public dialogue in the Birmingham of the past and the present. There are lessons to be learned from the Birmingham community’s trajectory, and there are applications for today’s tumultuous times. There are lessons for us all, though we may describe them differently. The Birmingham experience represents a microcosm of the unique challenges and struggles that we continue to face as a nation built on the reality of a multicultural society. The Magic City reflects the variety of people, processes, institutions, and behaviors implemented that stand for the promise of equity and social justice.
Those attending the Alpha Chi convention will have an incredible opportunity to consider the role of scholarship in meeting challenges and what it means to sit with the inevitable discomfort that comes with awareness, so that we may act with courage in developing the leadership our world and our communities need us to find. As leaders, we are obligated to elevate the safety, value, mental health, and well-being of all people.
From a Birmingham jail, a man wrote his reflection on justice. If you have a chance, read Letter from Birmingham Jail by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many courageous People of Color lived and died for the truth, forcing society to confront the realities of racial inequity. Unsung and determined White Allies asserted the truth at great personal costs. Leadership requires an honest and courageous exploration of the sociopolitical realities our society faces, which are its “truths.”
This Alpha Chi convention has the potential of being a life-changing, watershed moment for each member, advisor, and guest who attends. There will be sponsored events that challenge the understanding of history and its relationship to the present. Attendees will increase the depth of their understanding of the present social justice challenges both domestically and globally. We hope that everyone will consider questions like:
What makes a leader, and how do they know what to do?
Why should one become a leader? How does one become a leader?
How can we use the truths and facts that we learn about the world to better the world for all?
When does the “comfortable truth” serve to hide the actual truth and at what costs?
What are the costs of the denial of truth for society at large?
What is a convincing justification for social justice when a loss of privilege may be involved?
These questions will serve as the basis of the self-reflection for all attendees and are questions that should occur throughout the convention experience. These questions will provide a basis for many creative collaborative projects as well as a prism to challenge realities we thought we knew. To prepare for this place and this convention all participants are encouraged to read Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies, and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days by T. K. Thorne who will be our keynote speaker in Birmingham.
On Friday afternoon when we break for lunch, convention delegates will be encouraged to spend a few hours visiting nearby historical sites such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and the Kelly-Ingram Park & Civil Rights Trail. Afterward, we will gather for a discussion and “debriefing,” if you will, so that our student delegates especially may process their experiences together.
Convention participants will consider the potential and necessity of leadership in the wide variety of areas related to our diverse society in such areas as immigration, disparate health care, the disparate impact of the criminal justice system, and environmental disparities. The primary point of consideration for the convention and the theme for the convention is: How does one lead in times as tumultuous as these?
It is our hope and plan that Alpha Chi’s aspiring student leaders who attend the convention will be inspired and more capable of answering that question.
For complete information on the upcoming convention, click here!
It's that time of the year again when the academic world witnesses a special display of talent and intellect. Alpha Chi National College Honor Society recently announced the winners of several convention presentation prizes at the 2023 National Convention, an annual event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of its student and alumni members across various disciplines.
With a history dating back to 1922, Alpha Chi has consistently championed the cause of "making scholarship effective for good." Today, we're proud to celebrate the winners who have upheld the tenets of Truth and Character and have made a difference in their respective fields.
This year's Alpha Chi National Convention was extra special because it was originally intended for 2020. The long-awaited event finally brought together hundreds of students and alumni, providing them with the opportunity to present their scholarly and creative work to a multidisciplinary audience comprising peers and faculty advisors. In addition to 30 discipline-specific prizes, the convention also awarded an overall prize for graduate student presenters and one for alumni presenters, regardless of their academic field.
The excitement in the air was palpable as participants showcased their work, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, innovation, and camaraderie. Each presentation was a testament to the dedication and perseverance of these exceptional individuals who have risen to the top ten percent of their classes at their respective institutions.
Each year, our outstanding convention presenters continue to inspire each other with their outstanding work and research. Each one of them has contributed immensely to their respective fields, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and scholarly pursuit. The following 20 Alpha Chi members were selected from roughly 100 student and alumni presentations that were awarded at the 2023 National Convention (in order by university name):
As the curtains close on yet another successful Alpha Chi convention, it's clear that the future is in good hands. The brilliance and creativity exhibited by these winners are a testament to the power of scholarship and its potential to transform lives.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and express our gratitude to the friends, colleagues, and sponsors who have generously contributed to the establishment of these prizes. Here's to another year of making scholarship effective for good and inspiring generations to come!
For more information on Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and its Convention Presentation Prize Endowments, please visit www.alphachihonor.org/convention-presentation-prizes.
This year's Trisha Yarbrough Collaborative Research Competition brought together some of the brightest minds across seven Alpha Chi chapters, with Fresno Pacific University and Gardner-Webb University securing the top spots. The competition culminated with posters and presentations given during the 2023 Alpha Chi National Convention in Albuquerque. Teams answered to challenge to address real-world environmental issues under the theme, "Action for Our Atmosphere."
Fresno Pacific University's winning team delved into the territory of understanding climate change within the Mexican-American community. The team, comprising senior Luke Smith (software engineering and philology), senior Magdalena R. Wenger (biology, intercultural and religious studies), and junior Paola Guadalupe Gonzalez Mendez (applied math and environmental studies), worked collaboratively to research and write their paper, "Language, Perception, and Climate Change: The Unique Understandings of Spanish-Speaking College Students." Their research earned them the grand prize of $5,000, which is being distributed among the student team members.
The team's innovative approach involved examining the relationship between spoken language, cultural background, and the current framing of climate issues, shaping the perceptions of Mexican-American, Spanish-speaking college students. Their study aimed to reveal potential explanations for diverse opinions on climate change and to identify the unique understandings deeply rooted in the cultural and social locations of the participants.
The team’s work emphasized the necessity of understanding people's existing beliefs and the factors contributing to their ideas to work towards a common understanding of climate change. The team identified key issues for the local Mexican-American community in Central California, such as pollution and temperature changes. Their interdisciplinary approach demonstrated the value of combining different perspectives to address climate change, and their research pointed to several areas for future exploration, concluding that tailoring future policies, communications, and education to cater to unique understandings and terms used by different communities can have a significant impact on addressing climate change.
The North Carolina Zeta team from Gardner-Webb University secured the $2,500 second-place prize with their project, "Environmental Impact of Waste at Gardner-Webb University: A Proposal for Change." The student team, comprising Alyssa Church, Alexandra Haasser, Delaney Willette, Trevor Wyatt, and Anna Yeater, was guided by their faculty mentor Dr. June Hobbs. Together the team examined waste production at their own university and its environmental impact, specifically focusing on an on-campus dining hall, The Caf.