On Thursday, October 6, 2016 the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences’ (AREAS) Department of Human Sciences hosted an induction ceremony for Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. Held in the Eunice Powell Multipurpose Room, two faculty members and numerous students were inducted into the Kappa Gamma Alpha Chapter at Alcorn State University, where Cinda J. Catchings, Director of the Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DDP)/Instructor, serves as advisor.
The students inducted consisted of: Secretary I’maan Bracey, Angela Davis, Keniya Davis, Chapter President Kermesha McGee, Renada Mosby, Editor Khalia Peavie, Jasmine Sargent, Chapter Vice President Tiara Steward, Dennis Walker, Treasurer of the Chapter Amber Washington, and Carla Amaris Wyatt. Dr. Carrie Ford, Chairperson of the Department of Human Sciences, and Dr. Martha Ravola, Associate Professor in Child Development were inducted into the Society as faculty inductees.
Michael Trusclair, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 program liaison for Alcorn State, presented the words of encouragement. Speaking on professionalism as inductees prepare for the next phase of their lives, Trusclair encouraged students to maintain high grade point averages by stating, “Grade point averages equal dollars and cents.”
Trusclair went on to state, “We look for individuals who have good grade point averages, and we pay them the most money.”
Stressing professionalism throughout his presentation, Trusclair provided students with insightful advice in the workforce as well as situations to avoid.
“In the field of Agriculture in Human Sciences there are so many opportunities, you too could never be unemployed. The key thing is being mobile and having a good attitude,” he added.
Primary Chapter adviser, Cinda Catchings explained the importance of Kappa Omicron Nu, “Being an adviser for Kappa Omicron Nu is challenging sometimes, but it’s very rewarding, because I get to play the role of a mentor for the students. To encourage them to always achieve their greatness and to plan for even better.”
“I decided to join Kappa Omicron Nu as a Freshman when I saw the upperclassmen doing community service. And also, it’s hard maintaining the 3.0 or higher average in our department, especially in Nutrition and Dietetics. So, I knew that I wanted to join this club to motivate myself and others to do well,” expressed newly installed member Kermesha McGee.
As well as inducting members, the Department honored three students who have achieved the highest grade point averages (GPA) in the department. Chapter president Kermesha McGee received recognition for attaining the highest cumulative grade point average in the Honor Society. Receiving honor for the highest GPA in the Child Development curriculum was Tiara Steward. Khalia Peavie received recognition for the highest GPA in the Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum.
The ceremony concluded with refreshments being served.