Ripon College Days

Like most other colleges and universities Ripon has numerous honor societies that are targeted for students with a variety of interests and areas of study.

"Honor societies set standards for achievement and reward those students who meet the standards," says senior Sara Sanford. "They bring people together who share common interests and goals and give them a chance to take action concerning their interests."

Although most students have heard of these societies, most are uncertain of their role on campus.

"I don't know very much about honor societies because they aren't widely advertised on campus," says senior Ryan Joas.

Some of the better-known and more visible societies include Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta), Eka Francian and Psi Chi.

Tri-Beta holds fundraisers such as plant and bagel sales.

"Other activities have included sponsoring speakers and field trips, as well as the Farr Hall outing for students taking courses in Farr Hall," says Peggy Stevens, professor of biology and advisor for Tri-Beta.

Eka Francian, along with Tri-Beta, holds a picnic for students interested in a science major. "It gives anyone that is interested in science a chance to talk with science majors and learn more about this area of study," says Colleen Byron, professor of chemistry and Eka Francian advisor.

Psi Chi is another of the more public honor societies on campus. It is known for holding events that not only benefit the campus, but the wider community as well.

"We are educational in that we bring psychology to others, including high schools and the public at large," says Tim Petersik, advisor for Psi Chi and professor of psychology. Psi Chi also plans a number of fundraisers, this year's monies being donated to the March of Dimes.

Most of the honor societies are not especially active on campus because most members are busy with other things.

"Every year the option [of becoming more active and visible on campus] is mentioned to them. Almost all have other activities," says Paul Schoofs, professor of economics and advisor for Omicron Delta Epsilon.

However, it may be in the students' best interest to get involved. According to Tom Vaubel, associate dean of students and director of career development, employers and graduate school like to see honors or achievements on resumŽs. "It's an honor bestowed on you," Vaubel says.

Some of Ripon's honor societies have national affiliations and have been around campus for a long time while others are solely Ripon based. Pi Kappa Delta, a society for those interested in forensics, started in Ripon in 1915 and is one of the oldest honor societies at Ripon. Ripon College is also home to the Wisconsin Alpha Chapter and the Pi Kappa Delta Hall of Fame.

A society that has relaxed its entry standards over time is the Laurel Society, which was started in 1965 in recognition of outstanding women on campus. "The Laurel society is just for students at Ripon College. It was only for women in the beginning," says Dominique Poncelet, assistant professor of French and advisor for the Laurel Society. In the 1970's it allowed men to join.

Most of the honor societies accept students based on their academic standing and major. There is usually a minimum general GPA requirement, as well as a GPA standard within one's major. Most students involved are either juniors or seniors. All students are invited and accepted in the spring semester, with the exception of Tri-Beta, Psi Chi and Pi Kappa Delta.

Senior Andy Beswick thinks honor societies are a link to future opportunities. "I think the secret to success is really having connections, and honor societies are just another connection to help you," Beswick says.

Junior Sandy Patrowsky agrees. "I think they are looked on as a good thing."

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