COMMENTS FROM THE ADVISOR
Upsilon-Upsilon has a rich history in the annals of Phi Alpha Theta. It was chartered in 1974 as the 500th chapter. Beginning with the 1977-1978 academic year, the chapter has either won outright or been named co-winner of the Best Chapter Award in Division I (up to 3000 students) nineteen of the last twenty years. This past year, in the competition for the Nash Award, our journal was named the best in the nation in the less than 150 major's division. What the future may bring, no one really knows. But the Department and the student members of Upsilon-Upsilon are dedicated to maintaining the tradition of the chapter.
As advisor to Upsilon-Upsilon, I would like to again express my personal note of app reciation to the chapter's membership--especially those who seemed to be everywhere and do everything. As I have said many times, each group has its own personality, and you were no exception. Our chapter had three papers in the regional convention, and did very well in putting our best foot forward when we had the International Vice-President, David Morgan, on campus for a lecture and a book signing. To our senior members, we will miss you, but we know that it is time for you to move into the next stage of your life. Please remember that you are a part of the Upsilon-Upsilon tradition, and you played a major role in maintaining that tradition. Have a good life!
Eric L. Wake, Ph.D.
Advisor of Upsilon-Upsiion and
Chairman, History & Political Science
COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Upsilon-Upsilon Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta for the opportunity to serve as the student editor of such a distinguished publication as The Upsilonian. Many hours of hard work have gone into making this year's edition worthy to carry on the Upsiion-Upsilon tradition of excellence. I am proud of our accomplishment and dedication and am grateful for the experience both have provided me.
My appreciation and congratulations is also extended to the authors for their outstanding contributions. Finally, I wish to recognize Dr. Eric Wake and the Board of Advisors for their invaluable service to the History department, the Upsilon-Upsilon chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, and The Upsilonian.
Christen L. Tomlinson
Student Editor, 1997
COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT
When I first became associated with Phi Alpha Theta, I was inexperienced and nervous. As I became more involved with the chapter, however, my horizons broadened and my confidence began to grow. Phi Alpha Theta's high standards (along with Dr. Wake's chants of "Nose to the Grindstone," "Don't Procrastinate," "Take the Next Step") have led me to strive for higher academic heights and to believe in myself. This opportunity for growth has also been offered to each new member who is willing to give of their time and accept the contribution Phi Alpha Theta can make to their life. You are a member of a chapter that has a long and illustrious record of service and excellence. But that tradition can only continue if you are willing to uphold the standards for which our chapter is known. The possibilities for the future are limited only by your initiative and imagination. Certainly, if you become active, the chapter will become part of your life and your heart.
This past year, like those before, has been full of activity. In October, we received word that the chapter had been awarded the Best Chapter award for the 1995-96 school year, an honor Upsilon-Upsilon has been granted for nineteen of the last twenty years. This year's members have continued that long tradition of excellence by sponsoring seven lectures and holding two book sales and a car wash as fund raisers. Two current students and two former students presented papers at the Regional Conference in March 1997. One of the current students received an Honorable Mention award for her paper and a former student received the Best Graduate Paper award.
I also owe a sincere thank you to the people who have helped make this year's activities a success. Officers Christen Tomlinson, Megan Nichols, Jeff Holloway, and Mike Sztanyo have continually offered their time and support. Each has worked hard and left their mark on the chapter. I also want to thank Dr. Eric Wake, our chapter advisor. Dr. Wake has been for each of us a voice of encouragement. He is the driving force behind our chapter and the History and Political Science Department. His door is rarely closed, and he is always willing to offer sound counseling to all who enter. He has been to me a trusted advisor and mentor. I would also like to thank Fay Partin, someone each member of Phi Alpha Theta owes a great debt. I have seen her calm many students and offer them assistance and friendship. She has been for many of us a confidant, a substitute mother and a computer specialist in the final moments before a paper is due.
To the Seniors, I would like to say thank you for the time you have so willingly given to the chapter. Though change is inevitable, each of us will carry a remembrance of the role Phi Alpha Theta has played in our collegiate experience. It is my sincere prayer that whatever you choose to do in the future will bring you happiness and success.
Jennifer R. Cox, President
Upsilon-Upsilon, 1996-1997