April
20, 2005
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International
Honor Society Extends Ramapo College’s
International Focus
(Mahwah) – Ramapo
College of New Jersey recently was selected to form the Zeta
Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the International Honor Society. Phi
Beta Delta honors those who serve internationalism – the
idea of a world connected, of respect for
different traditions and of the need for
education to enhance knowledge of the many
cultures that are part of the world.
The College’s first induction ceremony took place on
April 19 and included 70 Ramapo students, faculty and staff. Also
inducted as an honorary member was Mahwah resident Judy Grief. She
is affectionately known on campus as “Flag Lady” because
she sews all of the flags used at international and intercultural
events such as the College’s food festival and United
Nations dinner.
“Even though we pride ourselves on Ramapo College’s
international emphasis, we struggle with how to bring students,
faculty and staff together more than once or twice a year,” said
Susi Rachouh, director of international education. “Phi
Beta Delta is ideal for celebrating international education
and the international endeavors of our community throughout
the year.” Activities may include guest speakers, readings
of Nobel laureate books, ethnic dinner outings and visits to
cultural festivals, international film screenings or musical
events. Rachouh expressed hope that the formation of
the International Honor Society at Ramapo
College will help keep the international
connection and augment enthusiasm for other cultures throughout
the year.
Members of Phi Beta Delta include former
Secretary of State Colin Powell, Mr. J. William
Fulbright and Mrs. Harriet Mayor Fulbright,
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug,
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and
scholars such as Seymour Martin Lipset and
Larry Diamond.
The formation
of the Honor Society complements Ramapo College’s international offerings. In
addition, the College recently joined the
New Jersey State Consortium for International
Studies (NJSCIS), a consortium of New Jersey
colleges and universities whose members have
developed a wide range of study abroad and
student exchange links with institutions
in over 50 countries. The consortium
provides undergraduate students of NJSCIS
member institutions with academically challenging
and personally rewarding cross-cultural experiences
in an overseas collegiate setting. Other
consortium members include Montclair State
University, The College of New Jersey,
Rowan University, William Paterson University,
Kean University, Richard Stockton University
and New Jersey City University.
