Arcadia University’s Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on Nov. 15. The chapter, established at Arcadia in 2003, is a branch of the national honor society that was founded in 1986 to recognize scholarly achievements in international education.

Dr. Nancy Rosoff, dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and president of Arcadia’s Epsilon Kappa Chapter, expressed her enthusiasm for the society and the accomplishments of the new inductees in her welcome address. As an accomplished international scholar, Dr. Rosoff noted the importance of academic research and collaboration in a globalized world.

Dual International Studies and Spanish major Heidi Specht ’20, a new inductee, reflected on her first year at Arcadia, when she was uncertain of her career path. Through study abroad, she discovered a passion for serving underprivileged and underrepresented youth. Specht has participated in several Arcadia international programs, including First-Year Study Abroad Experience, Global Field Study, and long-term study abroad in Chile and Spain. 

“I came to Arcadia because of the opportunities to study abroad,” said Specht. “Now that I’m back on campus as a senior, I know my experiences gave me clarity on what I want to do in the future.” 

Among the 94 inductees were faculty and staff members, including Dr. Jeffrey Rutenbeck, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs; Christina Good, associate director of The College of Global Studies; May Their Aye ’12, ’14M, coordinator of Diversity Programs and Initiatives for the Office of Institutional Diversity; Yueling Cheng, a visiting scholar from Jiangsu University; and Dr. Angela McNeil, director of ACT 101/Gateway to Success.

“I feel like all my hard work has been worth it,” said Their Aye. “Beyond just the staff position, but as an alumna as well. I always follow my instinct, and I put my heart into whatever I do. I don’t expect anything in return. This award means that people are recognizing me for the work that I do–work that I’m passionate about.”