Stephen F. Austin State University

The Stephen F. Austin State University chapter of Psi Chi recently received the Ruth Hubbard Cousins National Chapter Award, and chapter adviser Dr. Lauren Scharff received the Florence L. Denmark National Faculty Adviser Award.

Psi Chi, a national psychology honor society, will pay for Scharff and one of the chapter's officers to attend the national American Psychological Association convention in August, in San Francisco, where they will receive their awards.

"Our students worked hard for this chapter award," Scharff said. "Our activities for the past three years were considered (by the judges)." Chapter members Sarah Burns of Palmer and Marcie McDaniel of Midland said Psi Chi has accomplished several goals the past three years,
including the promotion of psychology education, research and contributions to the community.

"We've done several service projects and fund-raisers," Burns said. Projects included "trick-or-treating" to raise money for UNICEF, coordinating activities for children living at the Boys Ranch residential treatment center, and collecting clothing and goods for the Women's Shelter of East Texas.

Psi Chi members also took an active role in facilitating a conference for middle school girls, "Expanding Your Horizons." They organized blood drives and other special events on a regular basis, Burns said.

It is important for a Psi Chi chapter to show stability and activity, according to McDaniel. "Our chapter is exceptionally active," she said, adding that 34 SFA Psi Chi members are scheduled to attend the Southwestern Psychological Association conference in Fort Worth this year.

"Twenty-four students will present original research at the conference," McDaniel said. "Every year SFA brings one of the largest groups."

In service to the university, Psi Chi members organize an annual spring banquet for the psychology department. This year's event is scheduled for April 13, and Dr. Kristen Beyer of the Federal Bureau of Investigations will be keynote speaker.

Beyer is coming from the FBI's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. At 1:30 p.m., all students are invited to hear her speak in Language Arts room 102.

Scharff said Beyer's supervisor was impressed by Psi Chi member Whitney Swearengen's initiative in inviting Beyer to speak at the conference.

"This is a good example of what sets us apart from other Psi Chi chapters," McDaniel said. "A lot of people join honor societies because it looks good on their resumes. Our members join because they want to be involved. We have eight officers and 30 active members, whereas some chapters have only eight active members."

Burns said the SFA chapter is successful because of Scharff's high expectations. "Students in other chapters tell us their advisers only show up for meetings," Burns said. "But Dr. Scharff keeps us on our toes. We wouldn't accomplish nearly as much as we do without her pushing us." Scharff said she loves working with students and seeing them accomplish things.

"It is exciting and fulfilling to see what they accomplish," she said. "I value the organization, so I put a lot of time and effort into it."

Scharff has been chapter adviser since 2001 and previously served as adviser of the Psychology Club from 1993-2000.

In addition to the plaque, the SFA chapter will be awarded a check for $3,500 to be used for research, conference travel and office operations, and their essay on successful chapters will be published in the "Eye on Psi Chi" national magazine.

Dr. Theo Joseph is co-adviser for the organization, and officers include Burns, McDaniel, Swearengen, Lauren Huffman of Rockwall, Brandon Scott of Bangs (near Brownwood), Daniel Reuther of Houston, and Laura Dokupil of Temple.