On Tuesday, April 8, Sacred Heart University’s department of history held their annual Phi Alpha Theta Society dinner at the Hearth Room in Linda’s Cafe.
Source: Will Morgan, Staff Writer and Photographer
Phi Alpha Theta is an exclusive honors society for history majors and minors who have completed a required 12 hours in history and have maintained a GPA of at least 3.1 on a 4.0 scale. The chapter at Sacred Heart is called Phi Iota and has been at SHU since the 1970s.
Dr. David Thomson and Prof. Jennifer McLaughlin led the ceremony, with faculty and student members of Phi Alpha Theta reading from the initiation ritual script.
Each stood for one of the “Six Great Ages.” The Prehistoric Age, when early humans learned to hunt, farm, and create. The Ancient Age, when humans began creating complex societies. philosophies and religions, recording it all through writing.
The Medieval Age, when much of humanity lived in prosperity with a renewed ethical view of living. The Early Modern Age, when European colonialism and capitalism spread around the world, and material wealth was viewed as more favorable.
The Contemporary Age, which we currently occupy, where globalization has brought both collaboration and conflict. The ritual reads, “The Historian believes that individuals and nations may approach nearer to the ideal of harmonizing responsibility with freedom through the study of the human experience of the past which will afford content and wisdom for our lives.”
The Future Age, what is yet to be is unknown, but armed with the full knowledge of history, students of Alpha Phi Theta can strive to make it the greatest age.
Next, the new members had to swear to uphold the values and ideals of Phi Alpha Theta: the spirit of respect, the condemnation of injustice and hatred, and to always search for the truth. Once these were affirmed, students were initiated as members of Phi Alpha Theta. New members received a membership certificate and a red rose.
Dinner was served as Thai Chicken, Beef Sliders and Chicken Sliders. Dessert included blondie brownies and red velvet cupcakes.
“Phi Alpha Theta is another instance of where we’re able to celebrate our students and their accomplishments in a given year,” said Thomson. “In this case, it’s a recognition of their journey here at Sacred Heart. It’s wonderful to see those students be able to shine and thrive. The numbers continue to grow every year, that’s something we are very fortunate to have here given the fact that history numbers as a whole can vary widely from institution to institution, so we’re very excited about the direction of the department and the strong numbers that we have.”
“It’s a real honor and a privilege to be a part of this great chapter and I’m already excited for the newbies to be inducted next year,” said inductee Matthew Holfester. “This dinner means a lot, hanging out with my buddies, some who’ll be here next year and some who won’t. It’s great to take a little time and celebrate them.”
“It’s pretty cool, it just shows that history means a lot to us, and we’re able to hang out as a group and have intellectual conversations and get to spend some time together outside of the classroom,” said inductee Tori Aufiero. “It definitely has allowed me to have more friends in the history department, I only knew a handful but now I feel like I know a majority of the history majors here tonight.”
“I’m looking forward to making more connections with fellow history majors,” said inductee Zach Vogt. “It’s made me continue to look into topics my friends have talked about in class. This night has it all, good food, good people, good professors and good futures ahead.”
