Texas Alpha Xi, the UT Tyler chapter of the Alpha Chi national college honor society, was named a Star Chapter during the society’s 2003 national convention March 13-15 in Washington D.C.

The Star Chapter award is presented to the top chapters in the nation. Only 32 of the more than 300 chapters received the distinction. UT Tyler has received the award for the past four years as well as in 1997 and 1998. The award was created in 1996.

Graduate students Karen Taylor (left) and Dana Dudley at the convention hotel in Washington D.C.

(L-R) Dana Dudley, graduate student; Catherine Davis, alumnus; Karen Taylor, graduate student; and Suzanne Pundt, sponsor, at the National Cathedral

Also representing UT Tyler were chapter sponsor Suzanne Pundt, senior lecturer of biology, and assistant sponsor Darrell Pogue, assistant professor of biology. Pundt served as a presider for a student presentation session and received an award for 15 years of service as the Texas Alpha Xi Chapter sponsor.

More than 500 students and faculty from 111 Alpha Chi chapters attended the convention, which featured 222 student presentations. In addition, delegates heard an address by the society’s 2003 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Dr. James Clifford of Washington University School of Medicine, attended chapter workshops and enjoyed sightseeing.

Alpha Chi is a coeducational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.

The society inducts students from all academic fields who rank in the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors at member institutions. Induction at UT Tyler occurs every fall semester and is by invitation.

For information regarding Texas Alpha Xi, contact Suzanne Pundt at 903-566-7166; Darrell Pogue, 903-566-7257; or Melinda Hermanns, 903-566-7094.