Phi Alpha Theta

In April 2012, four new members were inducted into Alpha-Kappa Sigma, the Messiah College Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. They were: Sarah Gross, Brianna LaCasse, and Eli Kane

Alpha-Kappa-Sigma Induction Ceremony, April 2012

Alpha-Kappa-Sigma Chapter History
On April 4, 2003, sixteen history majors were inducted into the Alpha-Kappa-Sigma Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, one of the oldest national honor societies in America. Phi Alpha Theta is "a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians." The society seeks "to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by its members in a variety of ways." (Phi Alpha Theta Mission statement). Founded at the University of Arkansas in 1921, there are currently over 850 active Phi Alpha Theta chapters throughout the United States, with over 270,000 initiates.

During Commencement, Phi Alpha Theta members are identified by the red sashes draped from their gowns.

Requirements for membership: Students considering membership in Alpha-Kappa-Sigma, the Messiah College chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, must be a history major or minor, have taken at least four history courses, and have a 3.5 cumulative GPA. The next initiation ceremony will be in the Fall of 2003. Students interested in applying for membership in Alpha-Kappa-Sigma should contact the chapter advisor, Professor Norman Wilson.

*For further information on Phi Alpha Theta, please check out there national web page.

CLASS OF 2011	From left to right: Danelle Nolt, Megan Keller, Anya Zook, Tera Martin, Caleb Benner, Natalie Burack, David, Jennifer Schmalbach (Michelle Bennett & Sharon Hoeck not present)

CLASS of 2010	From left to right: Melinda Maslin, Amanda Mylin, Katie Garland, Valerie Weaver (Kelly Dobbs and David Fox not present)

CLASS of 2009	From left to right: Jennifer Cline, Elizabeth Coon, Alexander Lovelace, Jason Stussy, Jason Potoka, Lauren, Thomas DeShong, Andrew Henry, Rachel Skotnicki, Nick Schmuck

CLASS of 2008	Courtney Weller, Caitlin Babock, Tim Beirne, Christine Kelly, Scott Orris, Marty Zimmerman

CLASS of 2007	Michelle Bomboy, Dillon Keeks, Kelly McElligott, Jennifer O'Connor, Daniel Richards, Matthew Smith, Bethany Stine, Brian Swayne, Chad Watkins

CLASS of 2006	Blake Benner, Matthew Bucher, Matthew Caligiure, Rebecca Clarke, Peter Fowler, Andrew Hermeling, Jennifer Howell, Sarah Mose, Cali Pitchel, Alison Polivka, Joshua Roth, Mary Lee Shade, Laruen Smith, Lisa Stubbs, Justin Wenger

CLASS OF 2005	Philip Bess, Justin Bollinger, Cheryl Cliver, Heidi Dunkle, Krystal Egleseder, David Gilbert, May Harmer, Rachel Heeter, Kelly Knight, Angela Lohman, Corrine Major, Kelsey Spencer, Shawn Truppo



CHARTER MEMBERS and Class of 2003	Laura Dody, Jeffrey Erbig, Megan Giordano, Sharon Hopper, Megan Jones, Wayne Kantz, Timothy Klein, Janet Kraft, Lisanne Roth, Myron Sauder, Meghan Sears, Kevin Schneider, Derek Stanton, Nathan Tillman, Vanessa Walters, Brian Womer