CCGA inducts members into international honors society
By LAUREN MCDONALD lmcdonald@goldenisles.news
College of Coastal Georgia’s newest international honors society recently gained 30 members at its first induction ceremony.
The Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Delta, an honors society for international scholars, received its official charter at CCGA in 2016.
Phi Beta Delta, founded at California State University, Long Beach in 1986, recognizes and promotes scholarly achievement in international education.
Jim Lynch, the director of institutional effectiveness and interim director of international education at CCGA, spearheaded the college’s application for the chapter.
He said CCGA is one of nine higher education institutions in Georgia that have a society charter, including University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University and Columbus State University.
“The honor organization helps promote CCGA’s vision of internationalizing our campus,” Lynch said.
Lynch said the college brought the honors society to campus to further emphasize the importance of international experiences. The chapter will also help develop academically-based international programming and create a network of students, faculty and staff pursuing international experiences.
And the honors society already has big plans for next school year.
“Among discussed activities for the upcoming academic year include offering campus forums for faculty, staff and students to get together to discuss issues relating to international education, providing cross-cultural communication workshops, sponsoring an international scholar lecture series, offering an International Education Week event and engaging in fundraising activities to help generate funds to support student, faculty and staff international travel,” Lynch said.
Phi Beta Delta recognizes and honors outstanding domestic and international scholars for their global achievements, Lynch said.
The students who were recently inducted had to demonstrate academic excellence, have completed a study abroad program and/or participated in international educational activities.
Several faculty, staff and honorary members were also recently inducted. The faculty and staff were recognized for their interest and involvement in international studies.
“Having the Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Delta at CCGA serves as a catalyst in fostering a greater sense of community in different cultural contexts and promoting the total integration of international and multicultural dimensions into all aspects of the college’s mission,” Lynch said.
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Provided photo by the College of Coastal Georgia
The Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Delta at College of Coastal Georgia inducted 30 new members on April 27.