Scholarship, loyalty, and service - Jesuit honor society inducts new members

Scholarship, loyalty, and service - Jesuit honor society inducts new members


Image: Fairfield University Fairfield University's chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN), recently inducted 48 students and four university employees during their Oct. 24 ceremony at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the president, welcomed the new members.

Alpha Sigma Nu, the honor society of Jesuit colleges and universities, recognizes those students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty, and service. To qualify for election, students must rank in the top 15 percent of their classes, must have demonstrated a proven concern for others through involvement in extracurricular activities and service to the university, and must have manifested a true concern and commitment to the values and goals of the society. Kathryn Reilly, president of the Fairfield chapter, says it's a great honor to represent an amazing group of individuals. A senior from Albany, NY, Reilly was excited to join the Alpha Sigma Nu community and said, "It's a wonderful opportunity to further engage the Jesuit philosophy of spirit, mind, and body."

Allen says members of ASN, both undergraduates and graduates, have a proven record of academic excellence and service to the community. "In many ways, the purpose of the society is to recognize them for what they have done and to give them the opportunity to confirm that scholarship and service will be a part of their lives for many years to come," he said.

In addition, four staff members received honorary membership to the society−Judith Dobai, associate vice president for enrollment management; Eugene Doris, director of athletics; Peter Duval, visiting professor of English; and Dawn Quintiliani, assistant dean of arts and sciences. Dobai says her work with students at Fairfield has been very meaningful. "I've been grateful to have the opportunity to help Fairfield achieve its fulfillment of our mission. I am honored to be recognized through induction into Alpha Sigma Nu," she added.

Every year, Fairfield President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., asks each of the vice presidents of the university to suggest recommendations to him for honorary membership. Allen says he usually picks two or three who have demonstrated long service to the institution and a strong commitment to the Jesuit ideals of academic excellence and service to others. "Having been the product of a Jesuit education and having served at both my alma mater, Fordham and now at Fairfield, has enhanced my commitment to be a person for others," Fairfield athletics director Eugene Doris said.

The Fairfield chapter was reactivated in 1981, and includes outstanding seniors who are encouraged to promote service to the university and provide greater understanding of the Jesuit ideals of education within the university community. Those inducted were 33 seniors and 15 graduate students. "Alpha Sigma Nu chapters are active at all 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the US, at our American Jesuit seminaries and at Sogang University in Seoul, Korea. In joining ASN, a student becomes a member of a very active, service oriented, organization with a variety of activities and regional clubs across the US," Allen said.

Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1915 at Marquette University, and the purpose of the society is to reward and encourage scholarship, loyalty, and service to the ideals of Jesuit higher education. The new members are among 1,500 students that will be inducted into the honor society this year.

Posted On: 11-03-2010 10:11 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 100