Membership is lifeblood of Alpha Zeta Eta

So, the fall semester is underway! Hustling feet with flip-flops and Nikes, overloaded backpacks with laptops, chattering students on cell phones, and iPods galore and still the voice echoes around campus that Alpha Zeta Eta is at it again. Who? What? When? Huh?

Who is Alpha Zeta Eta? AZE is not a sorority, not a fraternity; it is in the world’s top 25 academic chapters of Phi Theta Kappa and is currently in the midst of recruiting new members.

Membership is the lifeblood of our chapter. The acclaim of the chapter is built by and supported for those who will participate in chapter activities.

Who is eligible? Everyone is eligible to participate but to become a member, the requirements are as follows — at least a 3.5 grade point average with 12 completed hours of associate degree curriculum.

There are no further requirements other than attending one of several orientations being held this month.

Orientations provide a short synopsis of the history of Phi Theta Kappa, an introduction to our advisor, Dr. Yolanda Romero, the various chapter officers, and an overview of our four hallmarks — Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.

Although scholastic achievement is essential to becoming a member and maintaining membership, involvement defines and reinforces membership.

What could you possibly do to get involved? Well, here is the lowdown on upcoming events that may interest you.

In response to Mother Nature’s divine thrust on Louisiana and Mississippi, Alpha Zeta Eta, in conjunction with sister Phi Theta Kappa chapters, will be providing a spaghetti dinner to those affected by Katrina.

We will be selling “virtual” tickets at $5 each to feed one person at the North Texas Food Bank. We will serve a yet-to-be-determined shelter on Sept. 30, and we would love to have volunteers to help serve, set up and sell tickets. Our goal is 500 tickets.

If you are interested in volunteering in any way, contact Vicky Riley, AVP of Service, at vikkii@comcast.net.

On a lighter note, it’s time to begin our Satellite Seminar Series again. The satellite seminars are live broadcasts on popular culture with world-renowned Ph.D.s, authors and professors who will be educating any who wish to attend.

Our first satellite seminar is titled “The Sexualization of the Culture,” presented by two Ph.D.s who founded the “Sex and Body Industry Research” (SABIR) project, which explores the implications and effects of the sex industry in and on American culture.

This first satellite broadcast will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m., in K-216. Other seminar topics include fashion in culture (Oct. 11), stereotyping (Oct. 25), consumerism (Nov. 8), and “Jesus in America” (Nov. 15).

Whether you are looking for scholarly debate or just something to do on a Tuesday night, there is always an opportunity to tune in and bring your thoughts and a helping hand to the table.

Huh?
Did I lose you?
Let’s recap.

If you are looking for volunteer hours, S.E.A credit, leadership opportunities, scholastic growth, or just want to come hang out with us, you can find us every Friday at 4:30 in room A-206 for our general meetings.

Do not forget that by participating in chapter activities and involving yourself in chapter events, you will be able to market yourself for your fair share of the $36 million dollars that Phi Theta Kappa has to offer in transfer scholarships, and help in gaining admission into the most sought-after schools. The level of involvement depends solely on you.

See you on Friday.

— Aaron Van Audenhove is assistant vice-president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa, and a political science major.