What The Lambda Pi Eta Induction Ceremony Meant To Me

By Julia Strugala

Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communications Association’s official honor society that has more than 500 active chapters at four year colleges nationwide. Kean University is one of them and the induction ceremony was held on Thursday, April 28.

Back in February, The Communications Department sent out an email to all students in the School of Communication, Media, and Journalism that met the requirements. A short essay was required to be submitted by March 1 on why you believe you should be chosen to be inducted.

To be eligible, one must have completed 60 semester credits, have an overall GPA of 3.0, have a minimum of 12 completed semester credit hours in Communication, have a GPA of at least 3.25 in Communication courses, and currently be enrolled as a student in good standing.

After reviewing the requirements and filling out the Google Form, I got to the bottom of the page where it asked for a short essay to be submitted. I began to think about my accomplishments thus far and really thought to myself, Why did I deserve to be chosen?

After sitting in front of a blank Google Doc for a while, I began to write about my life experiences and what led me to where I am today. I planned to write until all of my thoughts were laid out on paper and then compile a final draft based off of my initial composition. 

“I am a passionate journalism major in the first semester of my senior year,” it began. “Writing has been a continuous aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I took ESL (English Second Language) classes in elementary school because my family immigrated from Poland to New Jersey in 2003”.

I wanted my essay to encapsulate all of the life experiences I had gone through that led me to Kean University. “As a five year old, I would get pulled out of my normal spelling classes to attend ones where I received special help to catch up on my English speaking. After first grade, these classes were not needed anymore,” I wrote. “Growing up, I found a passionate love for reading and writing”.

I went on to talk about my experience at a community college that did not offer journalism as a major and how I chose Kean as the school to finish my education. I clicked submit and on March 28, I received a letter of acceptance from the CMJ Honor Society Committee. 

On the day of the ceremony, I sat in the first two rows of the North Avenue Academic Building auditorium along with the other students that were being inducted. As our families and professors that have helped us along this journey arrived, the induction began shortly after. 

Kean University Provost David Birdsell was the Keynote Speaker who explained the history of Lambda Pi Eta and what the society truly represents. The three ingredients of persuasion are logos (Lambda) meaning logic; pathos (Pi), relating to emotion; and ethos (Eta), defined as character credibility and ethics. 

Birdsell spoke on the importance of using these elements in your career life to succeed and prosper in the world of Communications. Dantee’ Ramos, Kean graduate of the Class of 2018, was the alumni speaker for the ceremony.

“If you consistently create your own shows, articles, podcasts, and ideas, other projects and opportunities will fall on your lap or knock at your door and you’ll be more than ready to showcase what you have,” Ramos said.

Ramos touched on the significance of letting your creativity and passions shine through your work, especially in a field such as Communications where that is not only recommended but encouraged.

“Be open to suggestions, critique, and assistance because it will make you better. Lastly, I hope that all of you guys are proud of yourselves and I want to say congratulations. You should be so proud and honored,” Ramos said.

As everyone’s names got called to accept their award, I thought about the world of opportunities that awaits us all after we graduate from Kean. The possibilities are endless to create and be anything that you want in this world. 

“Julia Strugala,” I walked across the stage and my graduation cord was placed around my neck. I glimpsed into the crowd to see everyone’s support systems clapping proudly for the student they came for. 

National Honors Society is a way to be recognized for your accomplishments and receive recognition for all of the hard work you put in throughout your college career. I congratulate all of the students that were inducted into Lambda Pi Eta and wish you great luck in your journeys!

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