CHICKASHA -- Twelve students were inducted into the Hypatia Honor Society April 10 at the University of Science and Arts. Hypatia is the university's only campus-wide honor society. Students cannot apply for membership; they are hand-selected for Hypatia by a faculty committee.

The Hypatia Honor Society was founded in 1923 to honor students for their high academic achievements, character, integrity and service to the university and community. Every student inducted into Hypatia is a multiple trimester member of the USAO Honor Roll and/or the Regents Honor Roll. The honor society was named after Hypatia, the famous Greek female mathematician.

Dr. John Feaver, president of USAO, and Dr. Nancy Warden, professor of mathematics and chairman of the Hypatia committee, served as guest speakers during the luncheon.

Officers for the spring initiation were President Carissa Jones, Mustang communication senior; Vice President Kati Wint, Kingfisher speech language pathology senior; and Secretary Sarah Powers, Lawton English senior.

Hypatia's other faculty sponsors are Dr. Nancy Hector, assistant professor of education and coordinator of field-based experiences; Dr. C.M. Mather, professor of biology; Kent Lamar, professor of art; and Dr. Sanders Huguenin, vice president of academic affairs.

Following is a list of the students honored, along with a brief summary of their academic major and activities.

Joshua Vaughn is a communication senior from Maysville. A member of the USAO Communication Club, Vaughn has served the student newspaper The Trend as both the sports editor and a beat writer. He graduates this spring.

Angela Baeza is a Duncan business senior with a psychology minor. She is a member of Pi Gamma Mu and graduates this spring.

Courtney Crowder is a Chickasha business administration senior with an emphasis in accounting. In the community, Crowder is active at Calvary Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday School and volunteers in the nursery. She graduates this spring.

Susanna Hayworth is a graduating music senior from Anadarko with an emphasis in piano performance. A member of the USAO Concert Choir and Key Players, her past performances have included USAO's Five B's Festivals. She is a member of the University Musicians. Outside of USAO, Hayworth is a member of the 99's, an international women pilots association, and the Commemorative Air Force, a program that works to preserve old military planes. She also serves as a piano accompanist at her local church.

Gus Lovelace is a business administration senior from Alex. Lovelace graduates this spring.

Tierney Rasch is an art senior with a graphic design emphasis from Harrah. A member of the USAO Art Club, she has participated in on-campus art exhibits. She has submitted recent designs for the USAO student planner and a logo for " Friends with Four Paws," a local non-profit animal rescue organization.

Alex Wiggs is a biology senior from Sioux City, Iowa.

Jacqueline Benda is biology junior from Union City with a pre-medical emphasis. Benda recently was named the new president of the President's Leadership Council and treasurer of Women in Science. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Volunteer Action Council, Ambassadors, Biology and Associated Sciences Club, Student Activities Board, College Republicans and Habitat for Humanity. She also is a freshman orientation leader.

Mary Cagle is an elementary education junior from Rush Springs. Her campus activities include membership in Student National Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She is an active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Rush Springs where she teaches a young girls Missionette class and a toddler Sunday School class.

Corey Coles is a biology junior with a pre-medical emphasis from Oklahoma City. Coles is a member of the Biology Club, African American Association, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Invisible Children.

Gayle Eggleston is a physics junior from Edmond.

Ellen Fitzwater is an early childhood education junior from Ninnekah. She is an active member and officer in both Student National Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi and participates in USAO's Books for Tots and the 2008 statewide " Outreach to Teach." Fitzwater is a Sunday School teacher and pianist at her local church. She has received the James H. Guest and High Noon Society Scholarships. In addition, she is a wife and mother of three children.