University--even when that university is "Smaller Smarter"-- can be incredibly challenging, with demanding coursework, tight deadlines, and the pressure to balance academics with other responsibilities. In the midst of all that, being inducted into an honor society is a truly meaningful achievement. It reflects academic excellence, dedication, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. It’s a moment for students to shine — a sign that their hard work is paying off.

On the evening of Wednesday, April 15, the disciplines that make up the Department of Social Sciences and Religion hosted an induction ceremony to initiate outstanding students into the honor societies associated with the diverse array of disciplines that comprise the Social Sciences and Religion. Transfer and first-year students were also recognized. Recipients met the rigorous academic standards of the respective society and were given certificates as well as distinct honor cords to wear proudly at graduation. The reception was attended by Dr. Ric Rodriguez, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, social science faculty, student inductees, family, and friends.

Because of their outstanding academic achievement across the disciplines of criminal justice, economics, history, paralegal studies, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, 39 students were inducted.

In addition, 21 transfer students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement at the university by being inducted into Texas Wesleyan’s transfer student honor society, Tau Sigma. The department was also proud to recognize 13 outstanding first-year students, who were inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta.

In all, 73 students were recognized.

Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)

• Gianna Farias
• Holland Hancock
• Alijah Jones

Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice) 

• Gianna Farias
• Nevaeh Finley
• Leah Ford
• Nataly Gonzales
• Perla Mora
• Rose Borja Santos
• Sara Villatoro
• Ka'Ryan Williams

Phi Alpha Theta (History)

• Michael York
• Ariel Armstrong
• Robert Shannahan
• Joshua Murphy

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)

• LaQuetha Allen
• Karen Gutierrez
• Alijah Jones
• Joshua Murphy
• Xavier Rodriguez
• Raelynn Samsill

Pi Gamma Mu (Social Sciences)

• LaQuetha Allen
• Jonathan Arzuaga-Portugues
• Cory Buchanan
• Benjamin Coleman
• Gianna Farias
• Nevaeh Finley
• Holland Hancock
• Desiree Ibarra
• Alijah Jones
• Alissa Laguna
• Perla Mora
• Joshua Murphy
• Ashley Rieco
• Raelynn Samsill
• Amaris Tamayo
• Migleanette Torres
• Ka'Ryan Williams
• Michael York

Alpha Lambda Delta (First-Year Students)

• Bethel Addo
• Raynee Davis
• Sephera Davis
• Yonis Descieux
• Braden Forsythe
• Laney Jordan
• Hien Long Ly
• Ilse Martinez
• Yareli Mendoza
• Joseluis Rosas
• DaNaiya Terrell
• Rags (Kaitlyn) Walker
• Mason Hooper-Willis

Tau Sigma (Transfer Students)

• Kesha Agrawal
• Jayson Christian
• Ashley Darilek
• Jordan Dixon
• Alyssa Eichele
• Jonathan Fellers
• Christine Figiel
• Holland Hancock
• Shazarria Johnson
• Shellby Nalette
• Karina Orona Bernal
• Ashley Rieco
• Jack Rogers
• Irving Silva
• Eric Steele
• Emily Suarez
• Robert Tracy
• Brendon Vela
• Johnathon Ward
• Ka Ryan Williams
• Michael York

For more information about these honor societies or the Department of Social Sciences and Religion, please contact your instructor.