Phi Beta Kappa
Five students at the College of William and Mary founded Phi Beta Kappa in 1776, during the American Revolution. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The Society sponsors activities to advance these studies — the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences — in higher education and in society at large. Only about 10 percent of the nation's institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. Only about 10 percent of the arts and sciences graduates of these distinguished institutions are selected for Phi Beta Kappa membership.
The ideal Phi Beta Kappan has demonstrated intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests. Each year, about one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join Phi Beta Kappa. Eligibility for election to membership in course is contingent upon fulfillment of a number of minimum requirements and selection by the Loyola Phi Beta Kappa Committee
Recent recipients include:
- Class of 2000 - Beth Anne Barnyock
- Class of 2002 - Danielle Louise Deckard
- Class of 2003 - Allison M. Cleary
- Class of 2007 - Arlie Trembly, Meghan Cooper & Sarah Pollock
- Class of 2011 - Bianca Vazquez
2007 Inductees Arlie Trembly, Meghan Cooper & Sarah Pollock
State Awards
The Maryland Higher Education Commission 2009 Regina Lightfoot Student Service Award was received by Justin White, 09, who was honored for his outstanding commitment and work with Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ).
White was selected for the statewide honor by the Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council (SAC), which comprises student volunteer representatives from all Maryland colleges and universities.
During his time at Loyola, White participated in many community service programs, beginning with Student Orientation to Service (SOS) during his freshman year. Later, he recruited 40 students to tutor four afternoons a week at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in East Baltimore. He also designed a tutor orientation, set up training sessions, arranged transportation, and offered ongoing tutor support. In addition, he volunteered in food programs and transitional housing for people in Baltimore who are homeless.
Loyola Universtiy Honors
Loyola sociology majors and minors are also active across the campus and are honored for their contributions. We recognize those who have achieved particular recognition.
Gratias Celebration
Each fall, during Family Weekend, the Gratias celebration offers an opportunity to recognize students who have particularly distinguished themselves in academic, service, and leadership roles.
The sociology department annually gives the Sociology Achievement Award to the top performing junior, sophomore, and first year majors / minors. Recent recipients include:
First Year Sociology Achievement
- 2001 Brian Lawrence Marana & Tosha Lynn Russock
- 2002 Katherine Marie Frieder
- 2003 Carlos O. Dator
- 2004 No Award
- 2005 Meghan C. Cooper
- 2006 Owen R. O’Hara
- 2007 No Award
- 2008 Jerard G. Fagerberg
- 2009 Matthew R. Cook
- 2010 No Award
- 2011 Lauren O'Brien
Sophomore Sociology Achievement
- 2001 Allison Cleary
- 2002 Dana Marie Moss & Tosha Lynn Russock
- 2003 Erin Cathleen Lashua
- 2004 Patrick J. Currlin
- 2005 Angelina R. Palombo
- 2006 Meghan C. Cooper & Arlee A. Trembley
- 2007 Alyssa C. Stoner
- 2008 Alice R. Stoddart
- 2009 Daniela M. Aguilera-Titus
- 2010 Matthew R. Cook
- 2011 Diandra Fortune
Junior Sociology Achievement
- 2001 Danielle Louise Deckard
- 2002 Alison Mary Cleary & Paul Anthony Strocko
- 2003 Dana Marie Moss
- 2004 Erin C. Lashua & Kathryn A. League
- 2005 Patrick J. Currlin
- 2006 Angelina R. Palombo
- 2007 Meghan C. Cooper
- 2008 Nicolle Gameiro
- 2009 Alice R. Stoddart
- 2010 Daniela M. Aguilera-Titus
- 2011 Matthew R. Cook
Cura Personalis Award—which recognizes and honors students nominated by faculty and administrators who embody the Ignatian ideal of care for the whole person through demonstrated service, leadership, and academic achievement.
- Class of 2010: Michael Montrose
- Class of 2011: Bianca Vazquez
Magis Scholar-Leader Award—which recognizes students with GPAs of 3.8 and higher who, in the opinion of the student development staff, complement superior academic performance with co-curricular involvement.
- Class of 2010: Alice Stoddart
- Class of 2011: Bianca Vazquez & Daniela M. Aguilera-Titus
Community Service Award is given to students who have made a substantial contribution to the greater Baltimore community through service. Recipients are selected by the Center for Community Service and Justice through a nomination process that is open to the entire college community.
- Class of 2010: Alice Stoddart
- Class of 2011: Caitlin McCarthy, Bianca Vazquez
- Class of 2012: Hilary Ippolito
Diane-Geppi Aikens Award
- 2008 Justin White
- 2010 Bianca Vazquez
Commencement Awards
In the spring, the administration and faculty honors graduating seniors.
The Sociology Medal is awarded yearly to a deserving major by the sociology department for their academic performance. Recent recipients include:
- 2003 Alison M. Cleary
- 2004 Tosha Lynn Russock
- 2005 Erin Cathleen Lashua
- 2006 Patrick J. Currlin
- 2007 Angelina Rose Palombo
- 2008 Meghan Clancy Cooper
- 2009 Nicolle Gameiro
- 2010 Alice Stoddart
- 2011 Daniela M. Aguilera-Titus
- 2012 Matthew R. Cook
Each year at Loyola’s commencement ceremony, the Rev. John P. O’Connor, S.J. Community Service Award is given to a graduating senior who has displayed outstanding participation in service to the Baltimore community and who has significantly connected her or his interest in service and justice with the Loyola community.
- 1995 Mollie Mahanna
- 1996 Kristen Ann Cotter
- 2004 Danielle Miller
- 2007 Megan Dunning, Mary Beth Neckles
- 2008 Ashley Biggs
- 2009 Justin White
- 2011 Bianca Vazquez