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Members of Gardner-Webb University’s N.C. Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi hosted the 48th annual induction ceremony Nov. 15 through a Zoom webinar. Alpha Chi is a national collegiate honor society that promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction.

Membership is open to students with junior and senior classification who demonstrate strong character and whose GPA ranks them in the top 10 percent of their academic classes.

Weslyn Almond, of Albemarle, was one of 30 students inducted into the honor society. She chose Dr. Jeffrey Hartman, professor of exercise science, as her sponsor.

In recent years, students in Gardner-Webb’s Alpha Chi chapter have earned national recognition for their academic achievements, including honors for presentations at the annual Alpha Chi National Convention. The GWU North Carolina Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi was established in 1972.

Dr. June Hobbs, Alpha Chi sponsor, presided over the ceremony. The prelude was presented by cellist MacKenzie Quattlebaum, who is diversity coordinator for Alpha Chi. Dr. David Yelton, associate provost for Arts and Sciences gave the invocation, and GWU President Dr. William M. Downs greeted the honorees and guests.

Ben Schade, Alpha Chi vice president, gave the history of Alpha Chi. The program offered highlights and a presentation from filmmakers of “The Dancin’ Bulldogs” documentary. Produced by Christian Jessup, a GWU Alpha Chi alumnus, and Thomas Manning, a current GWU student who also serves Alpha Chi as a diversity coordinator, the two offered thoughts and perspectives on the creation of this documentary.

Samantha Wilkie, Alpha Chi oresident, and Hobbs presented the candidates for membership and the Alpha Chi Pledge. Emily Rhew, an Alpha Chi National Delegate, conducted the “Passing of the Light of Knowledge.” Wilkie presented the charge to the 30 candidates and delivered remarks.

The program ended with soprano Madeline Bame, Alpha Chi Special Events co-chair, presenting a song, and Makayla Fewster, Alpha Chi Secretary, saying the benediction.