Chi Alpha Sigma (ΧΑΣ), also known as the National College Athlete Honor Society, is an honor society for collegiate student-athletes.[1] Established in 1996, it was the first national society to honor scholar-athletes who excel in both the classroom and athletics.[2][1]
| Chi Alpha Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΧΑΣ | |
 | |
| Founded | May 17, 1996 DePauw University |
| Type | Honorary |
| Emphasis | Athletics |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Excellence in Athletics and Academics |
| Colors | Gold and Black |
| Chapters | 347 |
| Executive Director | Kellen Wells-Mangold |
| Headquarters | PO Box 898 River Falls, Wisconsin 54022-0898 United States |
| Website | Official website |
History edit
Nick Mourouzis formed the National College Athlete Honor Society at DePauw University in Greencaslte, Indiana on May 17, 1996.[3][2] Mourouzis was the head football coach and a professor of kinesiology at DePauw.[2][3] Although there were existing organizations that honored athletics for academic accomplishments, Mourouzis wanted student-athletes who lettered in their sport while also maintaining a high-grade point average.[2] He worked on the legal aspects of such an organization during a sabbatical in 1995.[1]
Mourouzis envisioned an organization to honor student-athletes the way Phi Beta Kappa recognizes scholars.[1] The Greek letters Chi Alpha Sigma were chosen to represent the honor society.[1] He recruited coaches for the society's governing board that represent various levels on competition.[1] The charter board included:[1]
- Jona Braden, Butler University
- Scott Duncan, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Mary English, DePauw University
- John Friend, Purdue University-Calumet
- David Huffman, University of Indianapolis
- Elizabeth "Buzz" Kurpius, Indiana University
- Nick Mourouzis, DePauw University
- Joe Romine, Taylor University
The Alpha chapter was chartered at DePauw University.[1] From there, the honor society expanded to other colleges and universities in Indiana.[1] It then expaned into other states and across the United States.[4]
Symbols edit
The honor society's colors are gold and black.[5] Its motto is "Excellence in Athletics and Academics."[1]
Chapters edit
Chi Alpha Sigma has chapters located across the United States.[4] As of March 19, 2024, it has inducted 347 chapters.[4]
Membership edit
Varsity athletes in all college sports are eligible to join Chi Alpha Sigma provide a local chapter has been established on campus.[1] Its membership requirements are:
- Attendance at a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)[2][6]
- Completion of five full time academic semesters and junior or senior academic standing[7][2][6]
- A minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA[7][2][6]
- Endorsement from their head coach as to their good moral character [2]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Coach Nick Mourouzis Establishes First Student-Athlete Honor Society". DePauw University. February 28, 1997. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "37 Student-Athletes Inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma". Rutgers University Athletics. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ a b "About Chi Alpha Sigma | National College Athlete Honor Society". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ a b c "Chapter Directory". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ "Graduation Cords". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ a b c "Scholars". Northeast Times. 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ a b "Shenandoah announces 139 student-athletes inducted to Chi Alpha Sigma". Potomac Local News. 2023-03-17. Retrieved 2023-07-19.