Psi Chi Celebrates 30th Anniversary

On November 2, 2004, Barry University’s Psi Chi chapter celebrated its 30th birthday. To mark this special occasion, the chapter received a special award from the Psi Chi National Office. Over the past 30 years, Barry’s Psi Chi chapter has grown tremendously. As Dr. Koncsol said, “the most impressive growth is that we have gained national recognition as a local chapter.” The chapter is currently under the supervision of Dr. Gerene Starratt, Barry’s Psi Chi Faculty Advisor.

Welcoming in new members each semester, the chapter holds only one formal induction ceremony per year, which is held at the Psychology Research Forum. Here new members are formally inducted and are given Psi Chi cords to be worn at graduation. One year, as Dr. Koncsol recalled, the chapter’s induction ceremony became quite eventful when, “someone had the bright idea of lighting incense. By the end of the ceremony, practically everyone was choking to death, including the parents who were invited to attend the ceremony!”

The chapter has also provided all members with an opportunity to gain leadership experience. As Dr. Starratt said, “Psi Chi membership provides unique leadership opportunities for members [and] letters of recommendation that will make them stand out from the crowd.”

While contributing to the Dr. Desrosiers' Scholarship Fund is an annual fundraising event, the activities and projects that Barry’s Psi Chi chapter participates in vary from year to year. “Each semester, the chapter tends to take on the personality of the particular cohort of active student members in any given semester,” explained Dr. Starratt.
One of the many goals that Dr. Starratt has strived for the chapter to fulfill each year is being published in Eye on Psi Chi, Psi Chi’s national publication. In order to be published, chapters must submit an overview of their events and activities, along with any photos they wish to include. In the Summer 2004 issue, a brief summary appears of the chapter’s involvement in the Dr. Desrosiers’ Scholarship

Melyssa Sueiro

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