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The ��Ӱֱ��’s chapter of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology, recently welcomed 24 new undergraduate members during its spring induction ceremony.

PSI CHI recognizes outstanding academic achievement in psychology and related fields. At ��Ӱֱ��, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences extends eligibility for membership not only to psychology majors and minors, but also to students in the animal behavior and neuroscience programs. 

These disciplines align with the broader study of psychology, and their close integration at ��Ӱֱ�� provides students with a rich, interdisciplinary experience in the behavioral sciences said PSI CHI faculty advisor Jennifer Stiegler-Balfour, Ph.D., professor and assistant academic director in ��Ӱֱ��’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The induction ceremony, held on April 11 with family and friends in attendance, was organized by the PSI CHI executive board — Class of 2025 psychology majors Sarah Gray (president), Magdalene Meek (vice president), Bridget Lynch (treasurer), and Keely Kaputis (secretary) and social media editor Megan Burns (Psychology, ’26). The ceremony was coordinated with Stiegler-Balfour’s support.

��Ӱֱ�� President James Herbert (left), a clinical psychologist, and PSI CHI faculty advisor Jennifer Stiegler-Balfour (right) deliver remarks at the induction ceremony on April 11.

��Ӱֱ�� President James Herbert offered opening remarks and heartfelt congratulations to the new inductees and their families. President Herbert and First Lady Lynn Brandsma, both clinical psychologists and longtime PSI CHI members, have been strong and appreciated supporters of ��Ӱֱ��’s PSI CHI chapter, Stiegler-Balfour said.

Also in attendance to honor the student inductees were Amy Keirstead, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, along with several social and behavioral sciences faculty members.

“Being part of PSI CHI has been an incredible experience and a valuable opportunity to connect with others who share my passions. The induction ceremony was a meaningful way to close out my year as social media coordinator and step into my new role as vice president,” Burns remarked. “Helping organize and participate in the event was a memorable experience that prepared me for this next chapter and gave me a chance to celebrate our accomplishments and reflect on our hard work.

“I’m excited to be part of this amazing group and hope to serve them well during the 2025-26 year,” Burns added.

PSI CHI inductees, friends, and families celebrate in ��Ӱֱ��’s Harold Alfond Forum on April 11. Incoming PSI CHI officers are pictured at bottom-center. 

Founded in 1929 at the International Congress of Psychology, PSI CHI is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is affiliated with both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science. With more than 1,000 chapters worldwide and over 1 million members, PSI CHI is one of the largest and most prestigious honor societies in the world. Its mission is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship in the science of psychology and related fields.

PSI CHI membership is a lifetime distinction that offers students meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Beyond the honor of induction, members gain access to valuable résumé-building experiences, leadership roles at both the chapter and international levels, and exclusive eligibility for a wide range of awards, grants, and scholarships. Each year, PSI CHI distributes more than $400,000 in funding to support the academic and professional pursuits of its undergraduate and graduate student members.

Graduating PSI CHI members will wear silver and blue honor cords or stoles during ��Ӱֱ��’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17, marking their academic excellence and commitment to the fields of psychology, animal behavior, and neuroscience.

“I am very thankful to have been part of the induction ceremony and to have been inducted into our chapter of PSI CHI,” said incoming president Jadyn Stevens (Psychology, ’27), noting that she looks forward to working with the new officers and members. “It was the perfect way to begin my journey in this wonderful community, where the support and connection are so apparent.”

(Left): Graduating PSI CHI seniors pose bearing their graduation cords and stoles. (Right): All 2025-26 PSI CHI inductees.

Inductees for the 2024-2025 academic year are:

Miranda Boswell, Brianna Colson, Elizabeth Downs, Emma Fadden, Eva Fortier, Kelly Hanratty, Natalie Higgins, Mckenzie Kunesh, Elliot La Ganza, Lily Lewark, Elaine Lemieux, Heather Marvin, Danielle McCarthy, Rachel Mendez, Finley Morrison, Alyssa Moughan, Emily Otte, Natalia Peterson, Grace Petley, Samantha Slonecker, Jadyn Stevens, Willard Swift, Madison Tyus, and Celeste Valerio.

Officers inducted for the 2025-2026 academic year are:

Jadyn Stevens (president), Megan Burns (vice president), Kelly Hanratty (secretary), Samantha Slonecker (treasurer), and Natalie Higgins (communications editor).