The National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizes outstanding academic achievement among students in their freshman and sophomore years of college. The organization’s mission statement indicates that it is committed to “Honoring and inspiring academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime,” making the goals of NSCS the same as those of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship. Each year, NSCS assists our recruiting efforts by promoting the Institute to their eligible members. Institute scholars who attend universities where no NSCS chapters exist serve as catalysts for starting chapters. Today’s ceremony was held at the offices of the Washington law firm, Epstein Becker & Green.
Institute senior, Christopher Binns, is a recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Collegian Award on behalf of the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as the charitable division of the Fraternity. Their focus is on scholarships, training programs, and development for its members.
For over 20 years, the Foundation has honored brothers who have exemplified outstanding scholarship, community service, and leadership within their fraternity chapter and campus community. This year there are 16 recipients from around the country.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was the first fraternity founded for African Americans in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Some famous members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. include W.E.B DuBois, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Robeson, and Thurgood Marshall.
Chris is a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter at Virginia State University. He has served as historian and corresponding secretary for the Chapter. Currently he serves as the step master and associate editor of the Sphinx, one of the world’s preeminent fraternal magazines. Chuck Redmond, an Institute junior, is also a member of the fraternity.
This year the fraternity will celebrate its 100th Anniversary, with a Centennial Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. July 25-30th, during which Chris will accept his award.
Darius Graham was presented with a Points of Light Award from Florida Governor Jeb Bush today. Among his many other activities, his work with Books All Around prompted the Governor to give him the award. John Marks, mayor of Tallahassee presented Darius with the award during a ceremony to donate a library of books to the Lawrence-Gregory Community Center in the city. The presentation caught Graham off guard, since he was under the impression that he was there to introduce the mayor and talk about the benefits of reading.
Institute scholar Darius Graham was named to the All-USA College Academic First Team by USA Today for his exemplary service and academic achievement. The 17th annual undergraduate award program drew over 600 nominations this year, with Darius joining the ranks of the top 20. Members of the First Team receive a $2500 prize and a trophy. More information on Darius and his many accomplishments can be found on his profile page.
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The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is an honors organization which recognizes outstanding academic achievement among students in their freshman and sophomore years of college. The organization’s mission statement indicates that it is committed to “Honoring and inspiring academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime.” This makes NSCS a compatibale partner for the Institute for Responsible Citizenship. Each year, NSCS assists our recruiting efforts by promoting the Institute to eligible NSCS members. This year, two students were selected from NSCS member applications – Joseph Jenkins of the University of Pittsburgh and Ashley Simms of the University at Albany.
Today, the remaining members of the junior class were inducted into NSCS during a luncheon ceremony held at the offices of the Washington law firm, Epstein Becker & Green.
On July 30, nine students were honored at a special graduation ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. The three hour event consisted of a luncheon, acknowledgement of special guests, and remarks by Institute president William A. Keyes. Professors William B. Allen and Thomas C. Rustici also addressed the graduates.
Each student was recognized for his achievements during his two years in the Institute and presented with a diploma and Institute pin. As members of the inaugural class the students also signed the Institute's charter. Parents, friends, and members of the junior class also signed the charter as witnesses.