The Theta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Delta recently celebrated a significant milestone with its second virtual induction ceremony, held on May 12 via Zoom. The ceremony welcomed 12 distinguished new members, including three honorary members, five faculty members, one staff member and three students.

The event featured an overview of the society presented by Chapter Secretary Dr. Maria Petrescu, followed by an inspiring keynote address from Carlos Castro-Peña. He encouraged attendees to recognize that “learning globally doesn’t mean direct implementation locally” and emphasized the importance of transforming “information into wisdom.”

U.S. Student Representative Oleksandra Kharytonova delivered a powerful charge to the inductees, urging them to “be more than just scholars — be ambassadors.” Reflecting on the honor, inductee Dr. Donna Roberts shared that membership “affirms the importance of building connections among scholars, students and institutions worldwide,” highlighting the transformative impact of education across borders.

Chapter President and Coordinator Dr. Leila Halawi opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing global scholarship. She personally inducted each new member, noting that the honor represents both professional distinction and a commitment to a global perspective. In her closing remarks, she challenged the new inductees to become “architects of understanding,” using their international outlook to solve problems, strengthen partnerships and build bridges between cultures.

The chapter extends its sincere appreciation to its leadership team, the Chancellor’s Office, Dr. Alexander Siedschlag, Dr. Bettina Mrusek and the induction committee members — Dr. Sharon Burton, Luis E. Alcaraz, and Sabrina Zahnen — for their support and dedication. Special thanks also go to Dean of Students Henry Ponciano and Assistant Director of Student Experience James White for their exceptional behind-the-scenes contributions and steadfast commitment to Phi Beta Delta’s mission of advancing “World’s Shared Knowledge” (Scientia Mutua Mundi).