DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton inducted new members into the Nu Alpha Sigma chapter of the Kappa Omicron Nu honor society for human sciences during an on-campus ceremony recognizing academic achievement among human development and family studies (HDFS) students.
The event included human development and family studies faculty, students, family members and campus administrators.
Kappa Omicron Nu is a national honor society dedicated to recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership and research within the human sciences. The society was formed in 1990 through the consolidation of Kappa Omicron Phi, founded in 1922, and Omicron Nu, established in 1912. Today, Kappa Omicron Nu has more than 80 active chapters nationwide and more than 150,000 members.
All members of the Nu Alpha Sigma chapter at Penn State Scranton are human development and family studies majors. Eligibility requires a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 and completion of at least 45 credit hours.
New inductees Juliana Anderson, Ciara Dennis, Kylie Gardner, Laura Kane and Alexa Williams received a Kappa Omicron Nu pin and certificate. Graduating students Sky Bower, Leila Moran and Gardner received honor cords to be worn at commencement. Gardner was recognized as both a new inductee and a graduating member.
Ray Petren, associate professor of HDFS and chapter adviser, said the faculty recognized students for both academic performance and their commitment to the field.
“The human development and family studies faculty couldn't be more proud of our honor students and their accomplishments,” Petren said. “Their dedication, passion and commitment to excellence are clear, not only in the work that they produce, but in who they are as people. We know they are all going to go on to do meaningful and impactful work in the future.”
Human development and family studies degree program
Penn State’s bachelor of science in human development and family studies emphasizes applied learning and prepares students to work with children, adults and families across a wide range of settings, including human services, health care, public and nonprofit agencies, business and industry, or advanced professional and graduate programs.