The Diversity Enrichment and Achievement Program (DEAP) in IUPUI’s University College, Division of Undergraduate Education, collaborated with Chi Alpha Epsilon to charter the IUPUI Eta Alpha chapter. The new member pinning ceremony was held during a luncheon at Taylor Hall in late January. 

Eric D. Williams, director of the Diversity Enrichment and Achievement Program, introduced the ceremony, stating that the new chapter was chartered on December 5, 2014. Normally, the pinning ceremony occurs upon confirmation of a new chapter, but as Williams stated, “That was right before finals and the holiday break, and we didn’t want to rush it.” He continued by commenting that “Chi Alpha Epsilon was formed to promote high academic standards, to foster increased communication among its members, and to honor academic excellence achieved by students.” 

Honorees of the new charter are Amadin Agho, Kelly School of Business; Efrain Alvarado, School of Liberal Arts; Sha’Lenn Ballard, School of Education; Mariah Barber, School of Public and Environmental Affairs; Courtney Ceja, School of Engineering and Technology; Mikia Davis, School of Public and Environmental Affairs; Atrisha Gardner, School of Social Work; Fatima Gunn, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; Dorothy Jones-Ray, Fairbanks School of Public Health; Javecia Johnson, School of Engineering and Technology; and Sierra Lee, School of Science.

Alvarado, first president of the chapter, stated, “As a new honor society on campus my goal is to get the name of Chi Alpha Epsilon out there and let it be known to students what our purpose is, which is to recognize underrepresented students who have obtained a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have shown a past history of earning a 3.0 from each previous semester.… More importantly, I want people to recognize that there are many students of color who are achieving in school!”

Many family members and friends came from as far away as East Chicago. To make the pinning ceremony more special to the students, Williams had students select a friend or family member to do the honor of pinning. Those pinning were mothers and fathers, grandfathers, and cousins. One grandfather stated, “It was an honor to be the one chosen to pin my granddaughter—it was a surprise,” while a mother stated, “It meant the world to me….It made my heart melt.”

James Martin provided musical entertainment during the luncheon which helped set the tone of being a champion and victorious. 

Also present at the luncheon ceremony were Cathy Buyarski, Executive Director, Student Success Initiatives, and Dr. Khalilah Shabazz, director of IUPUI’s Multicultural Center and founder and former director of DEAP. 

Chi Alpha Epsilon was founded by Elbert M. Saddler from West Chester University in 1989.

For more information, contact Harriett Bennett at 317-274-5036 or email hbennett@iupui.edu.