Huntington Alpha Chi Members Earn Variety of National Recognitions
Students showcase high level of academic work across Alpha Chi settings
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Students from Huntington University recently received national recognition through Alpha Chi, the University’s highest academic honors society, highlighting achievements in research, scholarship and the arts.
Among those recognized was Morgan Harlan, a junior in the art education major, fine arts minor, whose artwork was selected for publication in Kalo, Alpha Chi’s national journal that celebrates the achievements and excellence of its members. Publication in Kalo is highly competitive, with many submissions not accepted.
Harlan’s work draws inspiration from impressionist artists such as Renoir, aiming to capture a sense of journey while remaining true to the original subject. Reflecting on the honor, Harlan emphasized the importance of creative disciplines within academic spaces.
“Creative endeavors have so much to offer the academic sphere,” Harlan said. “To see art, including my own, being published like this proves that art isn’t ‘lesser than’ other subjects, but that both coexist and help fuel the world.”
In addition to Harlan’s achievement, Olivia Robbins was recognized nationally through Alpha Chi’s Wall of Fame, an honor awarded to only 24 students across the country. This recognition highlights her selection as a recipient of the $3,000 Edwin W. Gaston Scholarship for her research titled “A Brief Review of the Role of Plumage Color in Bird Mating.”
Huntington University students also represented the institution at the Alpha Chi National Convention, where several students presented original research and creative work. Presenters included:
- Merari Williams — “Investigation of Nickel-Catalyzed Sonogashira Reactions Using Imidazolyl Sulfonates as Leaving Groups” — Winner of the “Pryor Prize” in Chemistry
- Gracie Porter — “More Than Medicine: How Christian Education Equips Healthcare Professionals to Serve the Whole Person”
- Amanda Moseng — “The Never House: How Animate Project Goes from the Sketchbook to the Screen” — Winner of the “The Floyd and Rosana Tesmer and D.C. Gamma Prize” in Original Visual Art
- Olivia Robbins — “Rooted in Resilience: Strategies of Herbivory Defense in Raphanus Sativus”
Students also competed for national scholarships, with Emily Huhn earning a $2,000 award.
Several Huntington students received top honors at the conference. Williams earned a presentation prize in the chemistry category, while Moseng received a presentation prize in the mixed humanities category.
“Simply being invited to Alpha Chi is an honor because it is the highest honors society we have on campus,” said Dr. Jeremiah Davis. “Seeing our students have success on the national stage demonstrates just how hard-working and impressive our students are, even when compared to larger universities nation-wide.”
Additionally, Dr. Tanner Babb was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award for his many years of contributions to Alpha Chi.
These accomplishments reflect Huntington University’s continued commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning and the development of students who contribute meaningfully both within and beyond their fields.
Photo provided:
- Huntington University Alpha Chi students enjoy time at Disney World during their trip to the Alpha Chi National Convention.
