DUBOIS – The Alpha Sigma of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society has been successfully established at DuBois Business College. The official Charter was sent to Chapter Coordinator Mary Jones, Academic Dean.
Alpha Beta Kappa is the premiere national society for America’s private postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities. The purpose of the Society is to encourage and recognize superior student academic achievement, character and leadership.
ABK places chapters in institutions that have demonstrated high standards over a period of many years in the education of women and men in the numerous fields, trades and occupations essential to modern society.
Society candidates should generally have marks of “A” or rank in the upper 10 percent of the graduating class. Qualifications for regular membership are excellence in the classroom, shop, studio, and laboratory work; leadership and service in class and school activities; and personal integrity and good moral character.
Each honor graduate elected to membership receives a personalized certificate that includes the candidate’s name, institution, Chapter affiliation and graduation date. Each certificate includes the Alpha Beta Kappa Gold Seal of Distinction and Official Crest. They receive a Gold Key bearing the letters ABK, a five-pointed star, laurel branches, and the words Integrity and Excellence.
Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, stands for Athena, the goddess of Wisdom and patroness of the arts, crafts and sciences. Beta, the second Greek letter, represents Brasidas, a distinguished Spartan General who fought with courage and gave his life in the fourth century B.C. Kappa, tenth Greek letter, stands for Kudos, meaning glory, credit and praise.
Accordingly, A.B.K. means recognition and praise for those who have worked valiantly and successfully in one or more fields of the applied arts and sciences. On the Gold Seal of Distinction Crest is a Star that represents the ideals and dreams of the society. The five points stand for the fields of Trade, Technology, Science, Industry and General Studies. The Laurel Branches indicate honor and distinction. The Official Flower of the fraternity is the red carnation and the colors of the order are red and blue. The Latin Motto of Alpha Beta Kappa is “Faciemus” meaning “We Shall Build.”
The names of Charter Members including students, faculty, and staff are: Jackie Syktich, President of DBC; Mary Jones, Academic Dean; Cathy Steiner, instructor; Lucinda Neville, instructor; Stephen Wolfe, instructor; Kristy Auman; Stacie Hull; James Pence; and Meredith Thomas.
