Education Honor Society at University’s Staten Island Campus Wins Excellence Award

Alpha Beta Gamma, the St. John's Staten Island chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, won the honor society’s 2007-2009 Achieving Chapter Excellence (ACE) Award. Members of the Executive Board and Counselors of the Alpha Beta Gamma chapter will accept the chapter’s second consecutive ACE award at Kappa Delta Pi’s 47th Biennial Convocation in Orlando, Florida on October 29-31.

Kappa Delta Pi is an International Honor Society that is committed to recognizing excellence and fostering mutual cooperation, support and professional growth for educational professionals. St. John’s School of Education installed the Alpha Beta Gamma chapter, which includes both undergraduate and graduate students, at the University’s Staten Island campus on April 6, 2003.

Kappa Delta Pi has recognized St. John’s Alpha Beta Gamma chapter twice, once in 2005-07 and once in 2007-09, for being among the top chapters worldwide.  In 2007-2009, Alpha Beta Gamma ranked in the top 30 out of 550 Kappa Delta Pi chapters for demonstrating dedication to the ideals of Kappa Delta Pi.

The stringent criteria Alpha Beta Gamma met included its commitment to excellence in the areas of programming, service ideals, recognition, practices, reflection, inquiry, professional development, leadership development and retention. Alpha Beta Gamma takes part in service activities to promote the University’s mission by assisting the community at large.

To qualify for membership, an undergraduate student must have a minimum of a 3.3 cumulative grade point average and a graduate student must have a minimum of a 3.7 grade point average.  In addition, Alpha Beta Gamma requires its students to participate in various activities and service projects and attend meetings each semester.

Assistant Dean and Alpha Beta Gamma Counselor Susann Ragone says of her chapter, “In order for a chapter to be awarded two consecutive ACE Awards, it takes the support of many active members and executive board members, who are willing to give their time, efforts and ideas to the chapter.  The most rewarding aspect of serving as counselor is when our chapter reaches out into the community to serve those less fortunate.  Our work with Alpha Beta Gamma supports the mission of St. John's University as well as Kappa Delta Pi.”

For more information about Alpha Beta Gamma or The School of Education, Staten Island campus, please contact ragones@stjohns.edu.