Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi inducts 29 members

Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University inducted 29 new members into the Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi in a convocation held Friday in the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Students were recognized for their superior academics and exceptional character.

"Membership in Alpha Chi is the highest academic honor at Huntington University and represents both a recognition of scholastic achievement and a commitment to promoting academic excellence on- and off-campus," said Dr. Paul E. Michelson, distinguished professor of history and chapter sponsor for the Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi.


Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University, speaks at the induction ceremony.
The following students at Huntington University received induction into Alpha Chi in 2008:

Junior Alicia Bonham is a theatre performance major from Upland, Ind. She is the daughter of John and Deborah Bonham and plans to pursue a career in acting with an emphasis in film.

Senior Ryan Bonner is a business management major from Liberty Center, Ohio. He is the son of Chris and Jennifer Bonner and plans to pursue a career in business.


Some of the Alpha Chi inductees
Junior Kiersie Dianne Burkhart is an English major from Stevens, Pa. She is the daughter of Glenn and Sherri Burkhart and plans to travel following graduation.

Senior Brittany Christian is a broadcasting major from Carmel, Ind. She is the daughter of Michael and Tawny Christian, and she would like to work at a church as head of production, at a museum as head technician, or to broadcast the gospel to other countries.

Junior Jennifer Coplen is an elementary education major from Fort Wayne, Ind. She is the daughter of Jim and Lesa Coplen and would like to work at a school in Africa.


Faculty and Alpha Chi inductees
Junior Scott J. Cressman is a chemistry/pre-med major from Sturgis, Mich. He is the son of Terry and Sharon Cressman and plans to attend medical school.

Senior Karisa Ann Donaldson is a biology/pre-med major from Peru, Ind. She is the daughter of John and Mary Ann Donaldson and plans to attend optometry school.

Junior Jason Eberly is a digital media arts major with a concentration in digital video cinema from Fort Wayne, Ind. He is the son of Bruce and Cindy Eberly and plans to pursue a career as a film editor or cinematographer.


Faculty and Alpha Chi inductees with Claire Bates making her remarks

Junior Valorie Freeland is a computer science major from Andrews, Ind. She is the daughter of John and Debby Freeland and plans to pursue a career as a computer programmer.

Junior Megan M. Fulton is a psychology major from Huntington, Ind. She is the daughter of Dan and LuAnn Fulton and plans to become a social worker.

Senior Kim J. Geiger is a recreation management major from Andrews, Ind. He is the son of Ruth Hawley and plans to become a therapist in a wilderness therapy program.


Dr. Paul E. Michelson, distinguished professor of history and chapter sponsor for the Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi, addresses the audience at the induction ceremony.

Junior Laura Groth is an elementary education major from Winchester, Ind. She is the daughter of Alfred and Linda Groth and plans to become an early elementary teacher.

Junior Jarod Hammel is a mathematics education major from Andrews, Ind. He is the son of Jeff and Marie Hammel, and while at Huntington, he has been part of the baseball team and Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society.

Senior Stephanie Hollister is an English major from Huntington, Ind. She is the daughter of Gregory and Shelly Ping and plans to pursue a position in public relations.

Junior Elizabeth G. Holtrop is a political studies major from Huntington, Ind. She is the daughter of Stephen Holtrop and Sharon Bouma and plans to become a political officer for the U.S. Department of State.

Junior David P. Lash is a business management major from Mentone, Ind. He is the son of John and Darlene Lash and plans to return home to manage his family farm.

Junior Caitlynn A. Lowe is an English major from Bedford, Ohio. She is the daughter of Tom and Cindy Lowe and plans to pursue a career in writing, possibly as a novelist.

Senior Jordan McClain is a biblical studies major from Greenwood, Ind. He is the son of Mark and Joy McClain and plans to attend seminary and become a pastor.

Junior Brett McQueen is a worship leadership major from Marysville, Ohio. He is the son of John and Debbie McQueen and plans to pursue a career in church ministry or missions.

Senior Hannah Morris is a digital media arts major with a concentration in animation from Terre Haute, Ind. She is the daughter of Mabel Morris and Kevin Morris and plans to pursue a career as an animator, puppet builder or set builder in a stop-motion studio.

Junior Jesse Earl Dodge Nelson is a digital media arts major with a concentration in animation from Gladstone, Mo. He is the son of Joseph and Faith Nelson and plans to work in the film industry.

Junior D. Cole Phillips is a digital media arts major with a concentration in animation from Waldrof, Md. He is the son of Don and Ruth Phillips, and while at Huntington, he has conducted an independent study in short, stop-motion film.

Senior Deanna Repic is a theatre performance major from Alquippa, Pa. She is the daughter of Harold and Linda Repic and plans to pursue a career in dance/movement therapy.

Senior Samuel Schoutko is a missions and biblical studies double major from Mansfield, Ohio. He is the son of Walter and Geraldine Schoutko and plans to pursue a career in missions and as a Bible translator.

Junior Susanne M. Shepherdson is a history major from Longwood, Fla. She is the daughter of Dan and Annette Shepherdson, and while at Huntington, she has served on the Student Activities Board and as a Joe Mertz Center volunteer.

Junior Brendan Shick is a film studies major from Grand Rapids, Mich. He is the son of Steve and Wendy Shick and while at Huntington, he has been involved in HTV, the weekly student news program.

Senior Christopher Sutton is a history major from Huntertown, Ind. He is the son of Michael and Sandra Sutton and plans to become a college professor and author.

Senior Krista Warner is an elementary education major from Huntington, Ind. She is the daughter of Roger and Joan Warner and plans to become an elementary school teacher.

Senior Leah Winger is an elementary education major from South Whitley, Ind. She is the daughter of Matt and Debbie Winger and plans to teach second or third grade and become a mentor for pre-service teachers.