Alpha Chi National College Honor Society was founded in 1922 by representatives from five colleges and institutions in Texas to recognize college and university students excelling in all academic disciplines. According to their website, their aim is “to encourage a spirit of service and leadership, and to nurture the elements of character that make scholarship effective for good.”

They list their top values as:

• Giving gifted students a place to thrive
• Invigorates campus’ intellectual life
• Leadership and service opportunities
• Student collaboration
• Scholarship and financial awards

Alpha Chi is considered a co-educational academic honor society, only accepting students who land within the top 10% of their class from all disciplines. Applicants must be attending an institution with an active Alpha Chi chapter. Students also have the chance to start a new chapter if their college or university does not have one. Alpha Chi admits members ranging from juniors to graduate students. The organization has 300 chapters in almost all 50 states and estimates inducting close to 10,000 inductees each year, making it one of the largest honor societies in the US.

While typically left up to the individual chapter, you’ll recognize members of Alpha Chi on graduation day by their Royal blue and Kelly green honor cords.

Are you a member of Alpha Chi? Let us know in the comments!

Cover photo by Patricia Beatrix Villanueva on Unsplash