Honor Societies

Phi Beta Kappa

Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest honor society, with chapters at 249 of the foremost institutions of higher education across the country. One cannot “apply” for membership. Almost all members are elected by the chapters from candidates for degrees in liberal arts and sciences, usually from the top 10% of the graduating class.

President: Ian MacInnes, professor, English

Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, was founded in 1866 as an honor society for scientists and engineers. The Albion chapter, started in 1959, includes faculty and students who are involved in scientific research. Students who have done research at Albion or in an approved off-campus program who anticipate a career in science are eligible for nomination as associate members.

Advisor: Darren Mason, Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science

Mortar Board

Mortar Board is a national honor society of college seniors recognized for their superior scholarship, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the college community, most specifically, in the area of literacy promotion. Membership promotes and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Prospective members identified as exemplifying the motto “Scholars…Chosen for Leadership…United to Serve” are invited to apply during the spring semester of their junior year.

Advisor: Mareike Wieth, Associate Professor, Psychological Science

Omicron Delta Epsilon

Omicron Delta Epsilon is one of the world’s largest academic honor societies. The objectives of Omicron Delta Epsilon are recognition of scholastic attainment and the honoring of outstanding achievements in economics; the establishment of closer ties between students and faculty in economics within colleges and universities, and among colleges and universities; the publication of its official journal, The American Economist ; and sponsoring of panels at professional meetings as well as the ODE Graduate Research and Undergraduate Research Award competition.

Advisor: Carrie Adamczyk, Visiting Assistant Professor, Economics & Management

Omicron Delta Kappa

Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society that was established at Albion College in 1942. Its purpose is to bring together student leaders in order to create an atmosphere for fostering mutual interest and understanding between students and faculty members. ODK recognizes the achievements of juniors and seniors in the following five areas: scholarship; athletics; campus/community service, social/religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech, and the mass media; and creative and performing arts. There is an emphasis placed on helping members develop as members of the college community and as contributors to a better society.

Advisor: Pam Schuler, Assistant Director for Service & Leadership, Campus Programs and Organizations

Alpha Lambda Delta

Alpha Lambda Delta encourages superior academic achievement among students in their first year, promotes intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning. It assists women and men in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society. Alpha Lambda Delta provides a unique opportunity to take initiative and show leadership among some of the brightest students on campus.

Advisor: Drew Dunham, Registrar

Chi Alpha Sigma

Chi Alpha Sigma is a nonprofit organization established to recognize college student-athletes who earn a varsity letter in at least one sport while maintaining a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA throughout their junior and senior years. Its purpose: “To encourage and reward high academic scholarship of collge athletes at four-year accredited colleges and universities. To recognize outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity letter winners. To encourage good citizenship, moral character, and friendship among the high academic achievers in college athletics. To recognize and honor the individual athlete, his/her team, sport, athletic department, and college or university. To mentor and provide leadership to other athletes.”

Advisor: Mike VanHouten, Co-Director, Stockwell-Mudd Libraries