Students, faculty, and guests gathered on April 13th to be part and witness the installation of a new biological honor society, the Beta Beta Beta Nu Kappa Chapter, as well as its members.
“Almost every week we have something new and exciting at TAMIU and Beta Beta Beta is one of them,” stated Dr. Nasser Momayezi, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, “we are so proud of these outstanding students.”
“The students have been working real hard all semester towards this,” expressed Dr. David Beck, an associate professor of Biology.
“I think the university and its students can be pleased and proud,” said Dr. Ron Humphrey, District Director, South Central Region for the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. During the ceremony, Humphrey explained the purpose and benefits of the honor society.
According to the society’s website, “Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students…dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.” Founded in 1922, TriBeta has more than 175,000 lifetime members and over 430 chapters established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
As the evening progressed, Dr. James Earhart, the guest speaker, shared personal anecdotes and words of inspiration with the inductees and guests. When addressing the students, he stated, “I hope you use your scientific training to better the world around you…Most of us aren’t superstars in science, but we can add a bit of information to it.” Earhart hopes that students will get more involved with projects concerning the quality of life and share this information with the Laredo community and others.
The numerous people involved in the ceremony expressed joy over the installation. Melissa Martin, the 2006-2007 vice president and 2007-2008 president, stated, “Hopefully the honor society will bring new people into the biology field.”
“I’m proud of how far the biology club has come. It’s setting a foundation,” stated Sarah Jenkins, the 2006-2007 president.
“It’s more stable and has longevity. It’s no longer just a club,” said Nathan Brown, an honorary charter member, who assisted in the pushing for the honor society. Both Jenkins and Brown stated that Dr. Beck and Dr. Joshua Stevenson, an assistant Professor of Biology, aided immensely with the Tri-Beta Honor Society being brought here and being the sponsors.
After the ceremony, Beck stated, “Hopefully the students will take these accomplishments in life and continue to excel.”
Those individuals inducted are as follows:
[Regular Members:] Marc Christopher Andres, Patricia Briseno, Eliezer Castaneda, Yesica Chapa, James Cortez, Geoffrey Daves, Juan Davila, Cynthia Gallardo, Christina Garcia, Francisco Garcia, Carina Gonzalez, Jennifer Gonzalez, Julissa Gonzalez, Monica Gonzalez, Vanessa Gutierrez, Alexandra Hernandez, Maria Guadalupe Hernandez, Oneida Ibarra, Sarah Jenkins, Melissa Martin, Priscilla Martinez, Valerie Martinez, Selina Mata, Linda Mercado, Larry Miller, Vanessa Murillo, Briana Neira, Audrey Ortega, Justin Pepper, Gabriela Perez, Gisselle Perez-Milicua, Victoria Ramirez, Jorge Serrato, Thao Vu, and Arianne Zecca.Graduate Members:] David Beck, Analisa Garza, Sushma Krishnamwrthy, Dan Mott, Fernando Quintana, Oscar Ramos, Joshua Stevenson, and Thomas Vaughan
[Honorary Members:] Nathan Brown and Sam Flores [Associate Members:] Rene Camacho, Nancy De La Fuente, Christopher Kimmel, Leonardo Lopez, Yvette Mendoza, Paul Miranda, Lori Montalvo, Juan Orozco, and Josue Zavala.