Western ND News

Dickinson State University's Alpha-Lambda-Pi chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society recently marked its achievement as the 2024 Division I Best Chapter with a series of events, including an induction ceremony and a trip to Washington, D.C.

DSU students Isaac Baker, Lucas Bussman, Kaylin Garza, Zaylee Ziebarth, and Dr. Jeff Wells attended the Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Convention in Washington, D.C., from January 2-5. The Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation supported their trip financially.

Isaac Baker served as the chapter's official delegate at the business meeting during the convention. The chapter received recognition for its Best Chapter Award at the convention's Presidential Banquet.

Zaylee Ziebarth, a first-year history education student from Kinsey, Montana, reflected on her experience: “The most important thing I learned [from the conference] is that there are so many perspectives in history and life.”

The group also visited several significant sites in Washington, D.C., including Arlington National Cemetery and various national monuments. Lucas Bussman shared his thoughts on visiting Arlington: “Going through Arlington National Cemetery really brings into perspective of the bloodshed of American troops over the nation's short history.”

In addition to their trip, Alpha-Lambda-Pi held a reception and initiation ceremony on December 4 at DSU's Theodore Roosevelt Center Fisher Gallery. Ten students were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta during this event. To qualify for membership, undergraduate students must have a GPA of 3.1 in history and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Dr. Jeff Wells commented on the significance of inducting ten new members: “The initiation of ten students is an indicator of the vibrancy of the history-related programs at DSU.”

Maddie Olsen presided over the ceremony with assistance from other Phi Alpha Theta members and faculty.

The newly initiated members include Isaac C. Baker from Verndale, MN; Alexandria Bibb from Dickinson, ND; Lucas Dean Bussman from Mandan, ND; Jesse Chapweske from Miles City, MT; Jaret T. Hutmacher from Dickinson, ND; Grant E. Kees from Bowman, ND; Tyson A. Krahe from Great Falls, MT; Logan C. Kuehl from Vacaville, CA; Cade S. Martian from Bowman, ND; and Jesse McCann from Buffalo, SD.

The DSU chapter continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence through these activities and achievements.