With no honor society recognizing other communication departments, Lambda Pi Eta has created a new chapter to help honors students who are not properly recognized.
Alpha Gamma Sigma, which started in April 2014, is a new chapter created specifically for students who take classes in journalism, public relations, communications, linguistics and certain communication disorder and sciences.
“We want as many of our students, who are honor students, to be inducted into an honor society,” PSUC Communications and Journalism Lecturer and Chapter Adviser Nora Montanaro said.
Montanero said she wanted to start this chapter in order for all classes of communication to be recognized.
Delta Xi, another chapter within Lambda Pi Eta, is another honor society which focuses specifically only on Communications majors.
With Alpha Gamma Sigma, the society gives the opportunity for Journalism and Public Relations majors to be a part of an honor society.
In order for students to be eligible, they must have an overall GPA of 3.0 and have at least 12 credits of communication classes in Journalism, Public Relations, Communication, Linguistics and Communication Disorder and Sciences, along with receiving a 3.25 GPA in these courses.
“No matter where you are or what you are studying in communications, the academic part of it and knowledge you gain from it is important,” Chapter President Chenney Vassi said.
The chapter’s mission is to bring interest in communication as well as helping students network with faculty and alumni.
‘This is an honor society that is actually doing something, not just bringing people who are being recognized,” Montanero said.
Students who are eligible for Lambda Pi Eta also qualify for Alpha Gamma Sigma, but students in Alpha Gamma Sigma are not eligible for Lambda Pi Eta.
Vassi, who is a member of both chapters, said she joined for extracurricular activities and experience but, more importantly, to work with Montanero.
“I just like working with Nora,” said Vassi. “She’s very fun and energetic and puts a smile on my face.”
Vassi said she enjoys the fact that she gets to be part of the philanthropy program for African growth through education, knowing she is doing something bigger than herself.
The chapter’s philanthropy, PAGE Inc., is an organization that helps improve communication and literacy in Burkina Faso, Africa.
“We’re really building walls, but we’re building bridges between SUNY Plattsburgh students and Burkina Faso, Africa, and that’s really beautiful,” Montantero said.
Lambda Pi Eta was founded in 1985 at the University of Arkansas and became a part of the National Communication Association in 1988.
For any students interested in joining Alpha Gamma Sigma, they must submit an application and, if accepted, must pay a $40 fee before Oct. 21 to help cover national membership and chapter dues.
Alpha Gamma Sigma will have their induction ceremony Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Newman Center, located on Broad Street.
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