Computer Science Major Receives National Honor Society Scholarship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2004
CONTACT: Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Computer Science Major Receives
National Honor Society Scholarship
Dominique Ralph, a computer science major and mathematics minor at California State University, Chico, has received a $2,000 scholarship from the National Office of Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society for 2004-2005.
The Phi Eta Sigma Scholarship Committee (with headquarters in Bowling Green, Ky.) reviewed the largest number of applications in the history of the program, and Ralph received one of the 109 awards presented.
Phi Eta Sima is the only nationally recognized honor society for freshmen. Students are identified on the basis of a 3.5 or higher grade point average during their freshman year and invited to join. The organizing themes of the society are scholarship, friendship and service.
Ralph was selected to represent the CSU, Chico chapter on the basis of her excellent scholarship, participation in service and professional organizations and dedication to the CSU, Chico chapter.
Ralph’s development of the Phi Eta Sigma, Chico Web site and overall leadership resulted in improved communication with and participation of members.
Ralph initiated the process for designing and printing a Phi Eta Sigma banner and spearheaded the development of a member points system documenting participation in activities in order to qualify for local scholarships.
Ralph is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and holds a regional position as telecommunications chair. She is a member of the American Indian Society of Engineers and Scientists.
“Dominique is a dedicated, committed young person who never gave up on the development of our fledgling organization. Thanks to her, we created an organizational structure and calendar of yearly events that serves as a guide to the officers who will follow her,” said Mimi von Rotz, adviser to the group.
This past year, members of Phi Eta Sigma attended the Associated Students Leadership retreat, participated in the campus and community cleanup Scour and Devour, assisted with the exercise physiology department’s Adaptive Physical Education Play Day, donated to needy families through the Student Records Office at Christmas and sang Christmas carols at a local residence for the elderly.
The honor society has plans for a pilot project this fall in which members pair with freshmen as an extension to the Getting Connected program. Members will serve as mentors to the new freshmen throughout the fall.
Phi Eta Sigma was established at CSU, Chico in April 1967. It has 40 active members and approximately 150 total members. The honor society was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 to recognize and promote superior scholarship among freshmen. Currently, there are established chapters at more than 250 institutions of higher education across the United States.
Advisers for the chapter are Mimi von Rotz, Academic Advising, and David Hull, Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA). For more information on Phi Eta Sigma, CSU, Chico Chapter, please visit http://www.csuchico.edu/phieta/ or contact von Rotz at 530-898-5712.
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