NSCS introduces USU chapter
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) Utah State Chapter hopes to jump start a great year with the induction of 140 new members this Tuesday.
The NSCS is an elite society comprised of students who are in the top 20 percent of their class based on academics. The president of Utah State’s chapter, BreAnn Russell, said that the NSCS office in Washington D.C. monitors freshman and sophomore classes throughout the country. Students who are eligible for admission are sent a “very thick packet” of information in the mail.
If you believe you are eligible to be a member of NSCS but have not received word, Russell said it is possible to apply and nominate yourself by talking to an officer.
According to USU’s website, the first NSCS chapter was founded in 1994 in Washington D.C. Utah State’s chapter has been around since 2000. Ten years later, the officers are striving to get the club more involved on campus so more people know they are around.
“We’ve been a club for years and years, but we’ve never put ourselves out there,” Russell said.
She said her goals for this year center on getting word out about NSCS and involving the members. With the help of officers and members, Russell plans on participating at Day on the Quad and other activities on campus, and also supporting the various colleges through service.
Russel said she has an “army of amazing people… [The members] already have good grades, good skills – let them do something good with their time.”
She said, “If anyone needs help, we would love to help. We want to help as many people as we can. We’re easy to contact on Facebook.”
Freshman Tony Topoca, executive vice president of Utah State’s NSCS chapter, said that his goal is to “get in touch with all the members … and reach out to the student body.”
“I’m excited to get involved, and get NSCS out there,” he said.
There are currently five officers, including Russell and Topoca, but Russell said they are looking to fill a couple more spots with some incoming members, who will help coordinate community service.
Russel said two things have motivated her to help strengthen the Utah State Chapter of NSCS this year. The first was the dedicated work of Utah State NSCS member Alicia Binkley. Russell said because of her efforts in the society last year, the chapter has more available means to support their activities this year.
“She has really helped us get on our feet,” she said.
Because of her service, Binkley will be recognized as a Distinguished Member during Tuesday’s Induction ceremony.
The second thing that motivated Russell was her attendance at an NSCS regional convention in Seattle, Wash. this July. She said it was great to be able to “mingle with other schools.”
“It was inspiring to see schools who used to be lost, like us, but are now successful chapters,” she said.
Russell said she is eager to implement some of the ideas they shared on how to get members involved. “We want [to hold] member meetings … and give our members a voice.”
Leadership experience and chances to mingle with professionals are two benefits of being an active member in NSCS. Russell said. There are also plenty of opportunities to serve in order to help build your resume and character. Russell hopes that members will “take the initiative” and contribute to their NSCS Utah State Chapter.
– ashley.cutler@aggiemail.usu.edu