Pi Gamma Mu Key
International Honor Society in Social Sciences
The mission of Pi Gamma Mu is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service.

CHAPTER NEWS

Newman University Plans a Week in Celebration of the Kansas Theta Chapter’s 50th Anniversary

Courtesy of Newman University

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Members of the Kansas Theta Chapter at Newman University participate in a service project for the Open Door Food Ministry.

At Newman University, there’s an entire week dedicated to celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the Kansas Theta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, an honor society for social sciences.

neumannWhile the Kansas Theta Chapter celebrates 50 years, Pi Gamma Mu itself is one year away from celebrating its 100th anniversary. The honor society is 200 chapters strong across the U.S.

Vianey Rivera, president of Newman Pi Gamma Mu, said she is thrilled to bring recognition and appreciation to the honor society. 

“It is an honor to be able to incorporate Newman University traditions such as Jet Fridays and medallion hunts during our week,” she said. “What I am looking most forward to is the service project that will be held the Friday of Pi Gamma Mu week. This is where students will be able to see and get a feel of what Pi Gamma Mu is all about.”

From March 20-24, Newman students, staff and faculty can expect multiple on-campus events and activities to celebrate 50 years of Pi Gamma Mu.

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Monday, March 20

Thursday, March 23

Friday, March 24

  • 8:30 a.m. – Jet Friday donuts are sponsored by Pi Gamma Mu in the Fugate Student Center. 
  • 1-6 p.m. (come and go) – A tree branch removal service project will take place off campus at the Arthur B. Sim Golf Course, 2020 W Murdock St. This event is co-sponsored by Newman Circle K International (CKI) and Kansas Theta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu. Those interested in participating can email CKI president Ashley Dinh at [email protected]

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Members of Pi Gamma Mu host a bake sale in the Bishop Gerber Science Center in 2017.

Elizabeth Raehpour, vice president of Pi Gamma Mu, said “Participating in Pi Gamma Mu week is a simple and easy way to get better involved in our community and connect with some of the organizations we work with. For social work students especially, this week should involve activities that interest them.” 

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Professor Emeritus Larry Heck, chapter cosponsor of Kansas Theta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu

Professor Emeritus Larry Heck began his role at Newman in 1974, just one year after the Kansas Theta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu was chartered. He jumped at the opportunity to serve as the chapter sponsor when he was approached and has never looked back.

“I really believe in honor societies and when I finally got an invitation to join one, I thought ‘Wow,’” Heck said. “In that spirit of appreciation, I have been a sponsor to try and pass that appreciation on to our excellent students.”

Rivera said she was inspired by Heck, former classmates, Newman’s mission and the mission of Pi Gamma Mu to become a member. “

As a student at Newman, most of what I chose to participate in — through acts of service — made me a better version of myself,” Rivera said.

 

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Heck (second from left) shows off books donated to United Way on behalf of Pi Gamma Mu’s book drive.

Being a part of Pi Gamma Mu meant Rivera could help other students feel the same way about their own efforts.

“As students of Newman we are called to help others and transform society,” said Kelly Mai ‘22, an officer of Pi Gamma Mu. “And through these events, we are able to live out what St. Newman wanted us to do as a university. It’s important for us to continue to keep Pi Gamma Mu’s presence alive on campus and I’m glad other student organizations are helping with it.”

‘Where we’ve been, where we’re going’

Heck explained that almost every discipline has an honor society, but Pi Gamma Mu is unique for its interdisciplinary nature.

“We have lots of historysociology and psychology majors, but by being interdisciplinary, it’s a way to honor and recognize many students across the disciplines,” he said.

In 50 years of Pi Gamma Mu at Newman, the honor society has hosted a variety of events, from pig roasts during the Renaissance Faire and “Book and Bake” sales to campus-wide service projects and sweatshirt sales.

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Sister Charlotte Rohrbach, former Pi Gamma Mu sponsor, helps prepare the pig roast during a Newman Renaissance Faire in the early 90s. (Courtesy photo)

“There are three big pillars to Pi Gamma Mu mission: academic excellence, service and leadership,” Heck said. “We’ve always tried to do service projects through the years and are excited to target the week of March 20-24 for more events to celebrate Pi Gamma Mu.”
“I love seeing where we’ve been and where we’re going,” Heck added with a smile.

 

Courtesy of Newman University

 

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Front Page

[Read]

SPEAKER SERIES - DR. LAURA RODRIQUEZ KITKOWSKI

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CHAPTER NEWS - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

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CHAPTER NEWS - NEWMAN UNIVERSITY

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UPDATE YOUR CHAPTER'S HISTORY

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LECTURESHIP AND CHAPTER EVENT GRANT

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CHAPTER ANNUAL REPORTS DUE AUGUST 15

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INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT

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SHOW OFF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH A STOLE AND HONOR CORDS

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SPRING MEMBERSIP DRIVE - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

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INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SCIENCE REVIEW

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ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE HONOR SOCIETIES

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MISSION, IDEALS, and SYMBOLS OF PI GAMMA MU

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