FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The National Communication Association has recognized the University of Arkansas chapter of its honors society, Lambda Pi Eta, as the national chapter of the year. The U of A chapter was the first in the nation, founded in 1985 by Communications professor Steve Smith. There are more than 400 chapters of Lambda Pi Eta across the country.

The award will be presented Saturday, Nov. 22 at the National Communication Association’s Centennial Convention in Chicago.

The honor society, inducted 40 new graduate and undergraduate members Sunday evening. Lambda Pi Eta inducts new members during the fall and spring semesters.

Stephanie Schulte, associate professor and Laurie Brady, instructor in the Communications Department serve as faculty advisors for the honors society, which is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.

“Students in the Alpha Chapter feel a special responsibility and dedication to the organization, to its principles, to its goals, and, in particular, to its preservation as the premier national honors society in the communication discipline,” said Schulte.

The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to

• Recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in communication studies
• Stimulate interest in the field of communication
• Promote and encourage professional development among communication majors  
• Establish and maintain closer relationships between faculty and students
• Explore options for graduate education in communication studies

 

The Alpha Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta holds two annual professionalization events: a workshop led by a faculty member and an annual alumni roundtable event, bringing back recent and established graduates to meet with students.