The University of Arkansas chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, inducted 37 new members at a ceremony Oct. 27 in the Graduate Education Building.

Amy Daly, U of A alumna and a sixth grade teacher at Carolyn G. Bukhair Elementary School in Dallas, gave the keynote address.

"Her inspiring message was about how to choose happiness and share that happiness with students," said Gaby Hundza, membership chair of the Alpha Beta chapter. "As a past student of Ms. Daly, it was exciting to hear her speak about her experience as a teacher. Her message was encouraging and empowering. I loved learning about ways she brings value, care, and joy into the classroom. I can't wait to choose happiness in my own future classroom."

The 37 new inductees increased the Alpha Beta chapter membership to 58, the largest it's been in five years. New 2019 members include candidates from seven different preparation programs. The chapter also initiated Global Campus students for the first time. In addition to the formal ceremony, the event included an interactive scavenger hunt that allowed candidates to meet the 2019 Executive Council and win teacher gifts.

The society inducts only those individuals who have exhibited the ideals of scholarship, integrity in service and commitment to excellence in teaching and its allied professions. Selection is based on high academic achievement, a commitment to education as a career and a professional attitude that assures steady growth in the profession.

At the U of A, members must have at least sophomore status and have earned a cumulative 3.0 GPA for undergraduate students and 3.25 for graduate students. 

"I am so thrilled that we were able to initiate so many new members," said Ally Roberts, Alpha Beta chapter president. "I can't wait to see the ways in which they grow in our chapter with their diverse contributions. We have really exciting things coming up this year and I'm overjoyed for our new members to experience this with our chapter."

Kappa Delta Pi was established in 1911 and has more than 600 chapters and 40,000 worldwide.