On the night of November 29, 2005, twenty University of Alabama students were inducted into the new local chapter of Eta Sigma Phi, a national Classical honorary society. The society is open to Classics majors and minors with sophomore standing who have maintained a 3.0 overall GPA. Students who have at least twelve hours of Classics related credit may also petition for membership in the society. Mallory Niemzak, the chapter’s first Prytanis, presided over the ceremony. She was assisted by Hyparchos Samantha Dansby. Initiates wearing togas and chitons were led into a torch-lit area outdoors by Chrysophylax Megan James, where they stood before a table containing the symbols of the society. After Prytanis Niemzak explained the significance of the symbols and the tenets of Eta Sigma Phi, as outlined in the society’s constitution, initiates pledged throughout their lives to follow the principles of wisdom and beauty attained through the study of Classical culture. Then Kybernetes Walker Cyrus led the initiates to three stations where they heard inspirational words from Homer (recited by Tatiana Summers), Plato (recited by Allen Jones), and Vergil (recited by Kirk Summers). Each initiate grasped the ceremonial Golden Bough as they listened to the mysteries of the Sibyl. Finally, Prytanis Niemzak encouraged initiates to be ever mindful of the ancient sources of inspiration and to accept the treasure placed within their grasp. She welcomed them, on behalf of the national society, as active members of Eta Sigma Phi. The members then recited in unison, “Let the spirit of earnest endeavor, good will, and friendship pervade the body of Eta Sigma Phi and bind us all together.”
The purposes of Eta Sigma Phi are to develop and promote interest in Classical Studies among the students of colleges and universities; to promote closer fraternal relationship among students who are interested in Classical Studies, and to stimulate interest in Classical Studies, and in the history, art, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. There are 182 chapters of Eta Sigma Phi throughout the United States. Members receive a biannual newsletter from the society, have the opportunity to attend an annual national convention, and are eligible for summer travel scholarships to Greece, Rome, or Southern Italy, or for a Latin teacher training scholarship. Honor cords and sashes are provided for graduation.
All questions concerning the local chapter should be directed to sponsor Tatiana Summers (asummers@ML.AS.UA.EDU) or Kirk Summers (ksummers@ML.AS.UA.EDU).
