Department Celebrates Student’s Achievements

The Department of History, Cultures & Ideas had two induction ceremonies for honorary societies this spring. The purpose of these ceremonies is to celebrate the academic achievement and the honest pursuit of knowledge exemplified by our amazing students in different disciplines.

Phi Alpha Theta is an American honor society for students and teachers of history. This Spring, faculty advisor Mustafa Banister welcomed 30 new students into USU’s Delta Xi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. Inductees joined fellow members, students, and faculty members as the historical background and symbolism of the society was explained by Chapter President, Tennessee Tarrant (if you too are interested in understanding more about Phi Alpha Theta’s Greek letters and symbolism, you can find an explanation here). Following this presentation, Prof. Kirtan Patel gave a wonderful Keynote talk titled, “The Archive and the Mirror: Evidence and the Choices Historians Make” which touched on the importance of primary sources and how they are used by historians.

Phi Sigma Tau is an international honor society for students and teachers of philosophy. The induction ceremony for USU’s philosophy students into the Utah Gamma chapter of Phi Sigma Tau is marked by traditional activities overseen by the faculty advisor, Charlie Huenemann, and Keeper of the Stoles, Harrison Kleiner. Initiates are asked by the President and Vice President of the club to pledge their loyalty to the pursuit of wisdom and honor. Following this pledge, tradition states that the inductee’s stole must pass through the hands of all current members of Phi Sigma Tau before they are bestowed with it. The ceremony concludes with food and drink alongside pleasant conversation between students and professors.

While these induction ceremonies may differ in tradition and discipline, they share a wonderful commitment to learning and seeking out knowledge. Congratulations to the Phi Alpha Theta and Phi Sigma Tau 2026 inductees!