Owens Community College students were recently recognized for their academic excellence and leadership
within the community, earning membership into the Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National
Honor Society.
"Owens Community College’s Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon is extremely honored and proud to
recognize the academic achievements of students who enter college through non-traditional
criteria," said Sharon Badenhop, Owens professor of English and co-adviser of Chi Alpha Epsilon.
"The inductees are outstanding young men and women, many of whom have defied the odds and overcome
obstacles in pursuit of a college education. This honor society provides such a means to encourage,
motivate and reward individuals for continuing to grow and develop into role models for fellow
students."
Selection criterion for acceptance into the honor society is based upon students achieving a 3.0 or
higher cumulative grade point average for two consecutive full-time semesters or three-four part-time
semesters. In addition, individuals must have taken at least one developmental education course at
Owens. The college’s chapter was founded in April 2006.
The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society was founded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in
1989 in response to the increasing need to acknowledge the continuing successes of students within the
academic institution’s academic development program.
Recognizing that students who share similar experiences could serve as models for others, founder Dr.
Elbert Saddler proposed a Greek letter honor society. In 2001, Chi Alpha Epsilon received official
endorsement from the National Association for Developmental Education. Today, there are over 150
chapters of the national honor society.
The honor society promotes continued high academic standards, fosters communication among its members and
encourages community service and participation in academic support programs where individuals may serve
as role models to entering students.
The local Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society student inductees are:
Dunbridge: Robin Hoffman, CAD technology.
Northwood: Jennifer Basinger, pre-business administration; Nikoy Wallace, diesel technology; Myron
Draime, electrical, and Brittany Morris, radiologic technology.
Walbridge: Erica Davenport, licensed practical nursing, and Katlyn Keller, occupational therapy
assistant.
Perrysburg: Jodi Dlugoleski, medical assisting; Adam Masters, massage therapy technology; Debra Shannak,
office administration technology, and Krissada Wongsa, automotive technology.
Fostoria: Kimberly Nieset, medical assisting; Kevin Leemaster, biomedical electronics, and Kathy Smith,
accounting technology.
Cygnet: Katrina King, business management technology;.
Millbury: Andrew Pinciotti, commercial art technology.