Honor Societies - Undergraduate Students

The Department of Theology and Philosophy sponsors two honor societies which qualified students are encouraged to attend: Theta Alpha Kappa and Phi Sigma Tau.

Theta Alpha Kappa

Theta Alpha Kappa is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Theta Alpha Kappa was admitted to ACHS in 1985. A national honor society in theology, Theta Alpha Kappa promotes excellence and scholarship in the fields of religious studies and religious education. It is open to persons of all faiths. Members are encouraged to provide scholarly lectures and contribute articles for national publication.

Sr. Gloria Schaab, SSJ, PhD, serves as faculty advisor for Barry’s chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa. Barry’s chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, along with Phi Sigma Tau, regularly presents debates on current issues.

New members: Inducted into Barry University’s chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, Spring 2008, were Mary Ellen Cassini, DMin student; Francisco Castillo, DMin student; Dave Fletcher, DMin student; Alexander Garvey, MA in Practical Theology and Ministry student; Veronica Rop, ASE, MA in Practical Theology and Ministry student; Valerie Turner, DMin student; Rodolfo Vargas, IV, DMin student; Quentrese Walker, BA in Theology student.

Phi Sigma Tau

Phi Sigma Tau is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Phi Sigma Tau was admitted to ACHS in 1958. A national honor society in philosophy, Phi Sigma Tau encourages the highest ideals of academic excellence through presentation of papers and debates on philosophical issues. Undergraduate students are eligible for membership after they have completed three semesters of class work.

Members of Barry’s chapter of Phi Sigma Tau have argued for more inclusivity within the Society, recently drafting a letter to the national office calling for a change in the induction ceremony wording; the ceremony currently alludes to "streams of world thought" without mentioning aboriginal traditions, much of which is philosophically significant. Barry’s chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, along with Theta Alpha Kappa, regularly presents debates on current issues.

New members: Inducted into Barry University’s chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, Spring 2008, were Martine Cadet, Virginia Clark, Jeanette Garcia, Felipe Hernández, and Raquel Ramírez.