ERIE, Pa. -- In conjunction with the National College Athlete Honor Society, Mercyhurst College recently announced the formation of the Pennsylvania Pi Chapter of Chi Sigma Alpha to recognize annually the most academically outstanding student-athletes during the course of an academic year. 

In its inaugural class, Mercyhurst will induct 83 members into the chapter, including three varsity water polo players: Andrew Sekulski (Jr. Mohnton, Pa./Governor Mifflin), Christine Becks (Jr., Canton, Ohio/Great Oak) and Catherine Korenich (Sr., Allison Park, Pa./North Allegheny).

Chi Sigma Alpha is the first national scholar-athlete society to honor collegiate student-athletes who have excelled in both the classroom and in athletic competition. It recognizing college students who received a varsity letter in their sport while earning a 3.50 or higher cumulative GPA after five full- time semesters of enrollment. 

The following is the purpose and criteria that the Selection Committee uses when looking at candidates that are put forth by each student-athletes respective coach: 

Purpose:

• To encourage and reward high academic scholarship of college athletes at four-year accredited colleges and universities.
• To recognize outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity letter winners.
• To encourage good citizenship, moral character, and friendship among the high academic achievers in college athletics.
• To recognize and honor the individual athlete, his/her team, sport, athletic department, and college or university.
• To mentor and to provide leadership to other athletes.

Selection Criteria:

• Must attend a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the NCAA or NAIA.
• Must have earned a letter in a varsity intercollegiate sport sponsored by the NCAA or the NAIA.
• Must have achieved at least junior academic standing by the fifth semester or seventh quarter as determined by the certifying institution.
• Must have achieved a minimum cumulative 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent grade point average by the time of the selection process. Local chapters may require a higher minimum cumulative grade point average, if they choose.
• Must have endorsement from the head coach of his/her sport.
• Must have official documentation from the registrar's office as to class standing and grade point average.
• Must be recommended by the college or university Chapter Advisor.
• Must be of good moral character.

The National College Athlete Honor Society was founded at DePauw University on May 17, 1996, by DePauw head football coach and professor of kinesiology, Nick Mourouzis. Mourouzis recognized that there were many organizations that honored top or elite athletes with high academic achievements, but none that honored all participants of athletic teams who were letter winners of their sport and who maintained a high cumulative grade point average. Chi Alpha Sigma hopes to bring honor and recognition to deserving student-athletes, their families, teams, athletic departments, and colleges in much the same way as Phi Beta Kappa honors scholastics.

Release courtesy Mercyhurst Athletic Communications