Dickinson State University's (DSU) Alpha-Lambda-Pi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society has been recognized with a 2024 Division I Best Chapter Award.
“This is a big deal,” said Dr. Jeff Wells, Dennis and Vaune Johnson Endowed Chair in U.S. History, professor of history, and chapter advisor. “This is like winning the national championship in history student engagement.”
The Phi Alpha Theta Best Chapter Award recognizes chapters that promote the study of history on campus and in the community, participate in charitable events across the community, encourage scholarly activities including attending professional conferences, and provide students with history-related field trips. Phi Alpha Theta Division I includes colleges and universities with enrollment under 3,000 students.
DSU’s Alpha-Lambda-Pi chapter was established in 2005. Dr. David Meier, professor of history, was among the founding members. To become a member, undergraduate students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.1 in history with an overall GPA of 3.0. While being a history major is not mandatory, students must complete at least 12 credit hours in history to be eligible.
The chapter remained active until 2019 but went dormant during the pandemic. Under the leadership of Dr. Wells, Alpha-Lambda-Pi was reactivated in the fall of 2022. The revitalized chapter has worked diligently to establish its presence on campus.
“When Dr. Wells approached me about reviving the history and political science clubs on campus, I leaped at the opportunity to be involved in something I have a deep passion for,” said Maddie Olsen, a Spring 2024 DSU graduate and the chapter’s Spring 2024 president. “Our first meetings had only a few attendees, but they were passionate. From there, we began building momentum.”
The chapter worked to create educational events for students and the community while simultaneously bringing awareness to Phi Alpha Theta. In 2023, the DSU chapter received an honorable mention from the national office, along with constructive feedback to enhance its efforts. Specifically, the national office encouraged to expand its field trips and community outreach. Despite the geographic challenges of coordinating field trips from western North Dakota, the chapter organized visits to Medora and to the State Historical Society of North Dakota in Bismarck. This dedication paid off.
“It is an honor for Alpha-Lambda-Pi to be nationally recognized as the best chapter for Phi Alpha Theta,” Olsen said. “As vice president and president during this time, I hope this recognition elevates our status on campus as a rejuvenated and exciting group to join.”
Logan Greef, a December 2023 graduate, served as the president during the Fall 2023 semester. Lucas Bussman, a senior history major, serves as the chapter’s current president.
The chapter will celebrate its Best Chapter Award and fall initiation during a reception, 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the Theodore Roosevelt Center’s Fisher Industries Galley on the first floor of Lowman Walton Hall. The campus community and public are invited to attend.