Mobile, Ala. – Spring Hill College’s Chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Honor Society of Jesuit Institutions of Higher Education, hosted its annual induction ceremony on Thursday, December 5. Alpha Sigma Nu inducted 16 students and two instructors as honorary inductees. There were 12 juniors and four seniors who were selected into the organization. Father Michael Williams, the Alpha Sigma Nu faculty advisor, said being inducted into this organization is the highest honor bestowed upon a student. He shares that the expectation for the inductees is to absorb as much Jesuit spirituality as possible, form partnerships with Jesuits wherever they end up after graduation, and carry out the work of justice and faith.
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“I am just honored to be a part of this and just to be able to be in contact with so many of our very best, brightest, and engaged students. They are going to really make a different in the world when they leave here. They will carry their values out in the world. The motto here is, you may leave Spring Hill, but Spring Hill never leaves you,” said Fr. Williams.
Student inductees were required to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, follow Jesuit values, and submit a resume and an essay about how they exemplify leadership skills. Senior Elementary Education major Darby Roberts expressed her gratitude for being chosen to join such a distinguished group.
“I take great pride in my education and leadership abilities. Being a future teacher and being a leader means so much to me. Being acknowledged for my hard work, education, and grades, it means the world to me,” said Roberts.
Dr. Victor Di Fate, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and one of the honorary inductees, spoke at the induction ceremony about the importance of the three pillars of the Alpha Sigma Nu, which are scholarship, loyalty, and service.
“As a professor, I get up everyday to teach students, which exemplifies scholarship. The principle of loyalty is showcased by trying to constantly improve and better serve the students every day. Our form of service while we are here is to help educate. Being a part of this organization means that students appreciate me as a professor. To have students think you are doing a good job to bestow this honor on me is a major moment in my life,” said Dr. Di Fate.
Student Inductees:
- Brenna Becker
- Walker Carlisle
- Davincia Cox
- Mya Falgout
- Camden Hemstreet
- Will Huckell
- Calvinae Jolly
- Molly Kirkman
- Abigail Krus
- Giuliana Renda
- Elizabeth Talbot
- Ella Willoughby
- Santiago Day
- Grace Forbes
- Anna Lintz
- Darby Roberts
Honorary Inductees:
- Dr. Victor Di Fate – Associate Professor of Philosophy
- Dr. George Gilmore – Professor of Humanities and Theology
After 25 years, Fr. Williams will no longer be Alpha Sigma Nu’s faculty advisor. He will be passing the torch to Katherine Swendei, an Associate Professor of English. Swendei has been at Spring Hill for 20 years and is excited to take on the role.
“This is such an important organization and has wonderful people involved with it. I just can’t wait! I know this organization has been a labor of love for Father Williams. I hope I can fill his very big shoes in the year to come,” said Swendei.
Swendei will start as the new Alpha Sigma Nu advisor in June of 2025.
Click here for more photos from the Alpha Sigma Nu Induction Ceremony.