Trine chapter joins Phi Eta Sigma's 100th anniversary
December 07, 2022
Share
By John Lewis Communication ’23
From left, Dr. Haseeb Kazi, Trine University professor of mathematics, Dr. Mary Lee
Caldwell, executive director, Dr. Golam Mathbor, executive board member, Timothy Lemper,
J.D., national president, Etseoghena Alieme and Nicholas Andrews, Trine University
student delegates.
On the weekend of Oct. 14, Trine University’s chapter of the Phi Eta Sigma freshman
honor society joined the organization’s convention celebrating 100 years of inspiring
and supporting students, the first time Trine participated in a national event.
The convention, held in Birmingham, Alabama, lasted three days and was filled with
personal and professional growth opportunities for the student leaders in attendance.
The current treasurer of the student-led chapter, Etseoghena Alieme, as well as last
year’s vice president, Nicholas Andrews, and faculty advisor Haseeb Kazi, Ph.D., attended
the event.
“We went to fun events and discussions on growing one’s chapter,” Alieme recalled.
“ A business event was also organized, as well as team-building events and a chapter
sustainability discussion.“
Activities included a tour of the city, exploring places like the Birmingham Museum
of Arts, as well as talks presented by regional leaders and celebrities, including
Birmingham’s city management and Phi Eta Sigma’s national leadership. There also were
informal get-togethers, networking opportunities and volunteer opportunities at places
like the local library.
Trine University's Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma freshman honor society at the organization's
convention. From left, Etseoghena Alieme, Dr. Haseeb Kazi and Nicholas Andrews.
“All these discussions and events greatly enlightened me and brought up many ideas
to help improve Trine,” said Alieme. “Overall, it was a great event… Contacts were
exchanged and connections were made. I am grateful to the National Committee of Phi
Eta Sigma, and Trine’s chapter, for this opportunity.”
Trine’s involvement in the convention was in large part due to the contributions of
Trine’s chapter president Savri Bhatt, who worked closely with Kazi in order to secure
travel and attendance grants from the national office of Phi Eta Sigma, as well as
additional funding from Trine University Student Government. The Trine student delegates
made the most of their time at the conference, with the full support of Trine University’s
chapter behind them.
From left, Etseoghena Alieme, Dr. Haseeb Kazi, Jaylin Goodwin, national coordinator
for chapters and membership, Dr. Mary Lee Caldwell, Nicholas Andrews.
“Our chapter delegates actively participated in all activities including the business
meetings,” Kazi reported. “As a future goal, we plan to get our student officers involved
with the Midwest regional leadership of the honor society. Encouraging and facilitating
our students’ active involvement and participation in such national events play a
pivotal role in their personal and social development, thereby preparing them to succeed,
lead and serve.”
The chapter extends special thanks to Trine University’s Student Government and to
Clare Danner, David Cox, Deb McHenry and Christine Freed of Trine University’s administration
for their help in facilitating and supporting the university’s presence at this event.
Larry Garatoni, Board President of Career Academy Network of Public Schools, an Education One Charter School Network, has been appointed to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, as announced by Governor Eric J. Holcomb in June.
The Trine University Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is hosting their second annual car show on Saturday, Sept. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. This event will take place in the Best Hall parking lot across from the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.