Thirty-six communication majors were inducted into the Alpha Rho Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society last Saturday during the 17th annual ceremony, which took place at Paxon Hallow Country Club in Media, Pa.  

All students inducted displayed academic excellence throughout at least 60 hours of completed college coursework and 12 hours of communication study. New members were also required to complete service hours prior to induction.  

In addition to honoring communication students for their academic achievement and commitment to service, the ceremony also awarded Lambda Pi Eta President Kathleen McFadden with the Pathos Award for her efforts to promote excellence in communication through her service within the larger community. 

“The Pathos Award recognizes excellence in an area central to the mission of Villanova University –– service,” said Lambda Pi Eta Faculty Adviser Stacey Wieland. “Service is just as important in scholastic achievement as classroom performance.”

Prior to the ceremony, McFadden was unaware she would receive the award.

“I was surprised, and most of all so honored, to receive the Pathos Award,” McFadden said. “The leadership board has worked extremely hard all year to host events for communication students. Having our society see increased participation and involvement this year was enough of an award, but to be recognized with the Pathos Award was such an honor and an added bonus to a successful year.”

Lambda Pi Eta also recognizes distinguished Villanova alumni who demonstrate excellence in the field of communication through the Ethos Award. 

This year the award was given to broadcast journalist Alby Oxenreiter for his commitment to service through multiple projects and organizations. He is best known for being the sports anchor for Pittsburgh’s Channel 11 News. 

Oxenreiter is a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Service Society Advisory Board and annually hosts the Alby Oxenreiter Golf Classic to benefit the society. 

He also emcees the Golden Apple Awards dinner, an event that celebrates outstanding teachers in the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. 

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the 2010-’11 Lambda Pi Eta Executive Board.  

Junior Cristin Parise was named as the new chapter president. 

Following the ceremony, Rev. David Cregan, O.S.A, gave the blessing, which preceded a three-course meal shared with the friends and relatives of the honorees. 

The Alpha Rho Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta was founded at the University in 1993.  

Communication students at the University of Arkansas initially founded the honor society in 1985. There are currently more than 400 chapters worldwide.