The Psi Lambda Chapter of the TriBeta Biology Honor Society welcomed new members during its annual induction ceremony at 6:30 PM on 6 May 2021. In accordance with university COVID-19 protocols, the typical banquet ceremony was replaced with an outdoor event hosted on the Quad between Old Main and the Mary Livermore Library. Family members and faculty were invited to join a live stream of the ceremony instead of attending in person.
Susan Severson, RN, returned to UNCP to speak to new members in person. Severson spearheaded the effort and was the leading student who worked with Drs. Bruce Ezell and Lisa Kelly to establish the Psi Lambda Chapter over 18 years ago. Severson has worked as a nurse since graduating from UNCP. She started her speech by recounting how she helped begin the Psi Lambda Chapter at UNCP, then shared a little bit about her journey as a UNCP student, double majoring in biology and chemistry. Her stories of completing a zoology final, rushing to submit a lab notebook on time, and hosting TriBeta fundraisers were at once relatable and heartwarming. Further, she emphasized the value of the biological sciences and biologists’ contributions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. She ended her speech by thanking members for their efforts towards excellence in the biological sciences.
The Psi Lambda Chapter began over 18 years ago in 2002. The first induction ceremony was also hosted in 2002. The annual induction ceremony is an opportunity to recognize the academic achievements of students with an interest in the biological sciences. Traditionally, the ceremony involves introducing new members to the symbolism, history, and mission of TriBeta, then formally welcoming new members into the society. During the ceremony held this spring, the chapter officially inducted all students who have joined the Psi Lambda Chapter since April of 2020, including16 Associate members and 18 Regular members. The ceremony was organized by officers Cari Spivey (President), Brandon Le (Vice President), Cierra Alford (Secretary), Sara Baxley (Treasurer), Carlee Epting (Historian), and faculty advisor Dr. Amber Rock. Despite the pandemic, the Psi Lambda Chapter has discovered how to celebrate its new members and, like Severson, find meaning in the study of life.
The Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) National Biological Honor Society strives to promote scholarship, research, and scientific discourse in the biological sciences. Please visit https://www.tribeta.org for more information about TriBeta and https://www.uncp.edu/departments/biology/student-resources/bio-clubs-societies/eligibility-requirements-psi-lambda-chapter-tribeta for more information about the Psi Lambda Chapter of TriBeta!
Article Written by Brandon Le