USAO Inducts 13 into Hypatia Honor Society

CHICKASHA – The University of Science and Arts recently added 13 students to the fold of Hypatia, the University’s 80-year-old prestigious honor society. The students were inducted during an awards luncheon attended by faculty and family members Nov. 29.

The initiation featured comments by current Hypatia officers and USAO administration, as well as a performance of “Oklahoma Rising” by Rush Springs psychology freshman Blake Trammel and Dr. Ken Bohannon and Dr. Dan Hanson, members of the USAO music faculty.

Dr. Nancy Warden, professor of mathematics and chairman of the Hypatia committee, said she enjoys spotlighting the selected students.

“Recognizing students through the Hypatia Honor Society is a highlight for me, because these students don’t always get the recognition they deserve for being outstanding students,” Warden said. “I am thrilled to be the faculty chairman who gets to let the students know they’re being honored and then be a part of honoring them the day of the luncheon.”

Warden was joined by faculty sponsors Dr. Nancy Hector, assistant professor of education, Dr. Charles Mather, professor of biology, Kent Lamar, professor of art, and Dr. Sanders Huguenin, vice president of academic affairs. Huguenin brought greetings and opening remarks.

The Hypatia Honor Society was founded in 1923 to honor students for their high academic achievements, character and integrity and service to the university and their community. The honor society was named after Hypatia, the famous Greek female mathematician. Students are selected for Hypatia by a faculty committee, and it is not possible for any student to apply for membership in the Honor Society.

Additionally, every student inducted into Hypatia is a multiple trimester member of the USAO honor roll and/or the Regents honor roll.

One of the features of the annual initiation luncheon is the signing of the Hypatia member book, a book that contains the signatures of every member of the elite honor society since its inception more than 80 years ago.

Student officers Amy Widener, president, Kati Wint, vice president, and Carissa Jones, secretary, initiated the new students into the distinctive organization.

The following students were inducted into Hypatia:

Bobby Arnold is a psychology senior from Beaver. He serves as the vice president of the Psychology Club, is involved in an American Psychology Association research study and works with the University of Oklahoma’s Schools for Healthy Lifestyles program. Arnold is a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society and a member of the Zombie Survival Club.

Dale Bellamy is a natural science junior from Chickasha. He is a member of the USAO baseball team.

Jennifer Bridgforth is a senior from Yukon earning a degree in political science with a minor in economics. She is actively involved in the President’s Leadership Council, the USAO Ambassadors, the Em Hi Sorority and the Volunteer Action Council. She serves as treasurer in the Student Government Association and has participated in the annual Relay for Life fundraiser. Bridgforth also is student athlete as a member of the USAO softball team.

Helen Chappell is a junior from Fletcher earning a degree in English with a minor in professional writing. Chappell is a member of Sigma Tau Delta and works in USAO’s Writing Center as a tutor.

Kyle Dake is a Bridge Creek psychology senior. Dake is active in the President’s Leadership Council, the USAO Ambassadors, the Student Government Association, the Student Activities Board and the Baptist Student Union.

Sheila Guerrero, a senior from Chickasha, is earning a degree in business management with a liberal arts minor. Her community activities include the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, where she serves as a committee member and as a team captain.

Stacie Hill is a deaf education junior from Broken Arrow. She is president of the American Sign Language Club and is a member of the Baptist Student Union.

Ricky James is an Oklahoma City psychology senior. A member of the Psi Chi Honor Society and the Psychology Club, James currently is involved in an American Psychology Association research study and is working with the University of Oklahoma’s Schools for Healthy Lifestyles program.

Ashley Luckett, an English senior from Tipton, is a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Alpha Lambda Delta and works in USAO’s Writing Center as a tutor.

Kelsey Rowland is a Salina chemistry senior with an emphasis in pre-pharmacy.

Jeremy Teel is an Oklahoma City fine arts senior with an emphasis in graphic design. Teel has served as president of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is active in the Baptist Student Union and the Art Club. Over the past two years, he has designed the University Musicians Droverstock t-shirt. Teel is a recipient of the Regent’s Baccalaureate Scholarship.

Keena Wayland, a Blanchard elementary education senior, is an active member of Kappa Delta Pi and Student National Education Association, where she served as the Books for Tots coordinator. She also is an active member of her home church. Wayland currently is enrolled in her professional trimester during which she is student teaching.

Joshua Vaughn, a communication senior from Maysville, is the sports editor and photographer for the student newspaper, The Trend.