Loyola University Chicago

Department of Classical Studies

Eta Sigma Phi

The national collegiate honorary society for students of ancient Greek or Latin

IOTA KAPPA

Loyola's chapter of Eta Sigma Phi, the national collegiate honorary society for students of ancient Greek or Latin, was chartered in Spring 2012. Pursuant to its Constitution, the Society seeks "to develop and promote interest in classical study among the students of colleges and universities; to promote closer fraternal relationship among students who are interested in classical study, including inter-campus relationship; to engage generally in an effort to stimulate interest in classical study, and in the history, art, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome." The national society encourages chapters to share classics-related and service activities at the home institution and to send participants to regional and national conferences "as a means of stimulating interest and exchanging ideas."

 

Loyola students can become eligible for lifelong membership in Eta Sigma Phi upon completing one 200-level course (or higher) in Latin or Greek at Loyola with a final grade of at least a B. Initiation regularly takes place early in the spring semester so that we can include students who become eligible after a fall semester course. New initiates receive their certificates and pins at the department's Honors Convocation at the end of the spring semester.

 

New Initiates in 2024

Gwen Acosta

Luc Bieri

Rachel Chinchilla

Kate Douglas

Nicholas Fletcher

Nicholas Skabich

Officers (2024-2025)

Prytanis: Ainsley King

Hyparchos: Denton Wilkinson

Grammateus: Nicholas Skabich

Chysophylax: Rachel Chinchilla

Pyloros: Morty Skafish

Kubernetes: Denton Wilkinson

 
Eta Sigma Phi Initiates, 2024
 

National Convention

Delegates from the chapters of Eta Sigma Phi convene each year in late March or April to conduct the business of the Society, including electing national officers. Undergraduate members are invited to submit proposals of academic papers or artistic performances to be delivered at the meeting. The 93rd Annual Convention in 2021 was hosted by the Eta Zeta chapter of Truman State University in Kirksville, MO.

At the 2013 Convention, Shannon Wright (then Chrysophylax of Loyola's Iota Kappa chapter) presented her paper "Men Acting Like Women Acting Like Men" and was awarded the "Best Paper" prize. Ave! Euge!

Scholarships and Competitions

Initiates of Iota Kappa, the Department's chapter, are entitled to compete for scholarships and in contests sponsored by the Society. See also the Department's page of Fellowships and Other Opportunities.

In 2017, Stephanie Wong was awarded the H.R. Butts Scholarship for Fieldwork in Classical Archaeology to excavate in the Athenian Agora.

  • Two summer scholarships are awarded by Eta Sigma Phi for alumni who have received a bachelor's degree within eight years prior to application or are about to receive a bachelor's degree by 1 June of the current year, and who have not received a doctoral degree. Applicants submit to the national Society an application form, a transcript of undergraduate work, letters of recommendation, and a statement not to exceed 500 words to include purpose and reasons for desiring the scholarship. Completed applications are due by 1 February each year.
  • The Theodore Bedrick Scholarship for the Vergilian Society Summer Tours is awarded preferentially to Eta Sigma Phi undergraduates who have sophomore or junior status during the current academic year, though candidates eligible for the AAR or ASCSA summer scholarships above also may apply; only Vergilian Society tours in Italy are covered by this scholarship. Applicants submit to the national Society an application form, a transcript of undergraduate work, letters of recommendation, and a statement not to exceed 500 words to include purpose and reasons for desiring the scholarship. Completed applications are due by 1 February each year.
  • The Eta Sigma Phi H.R. Butts Scholarship for Fieldwork in Classical Archaeology is awarded preferentially to Eta Sigma Phi undergraduates who have had not yet had experience in archaeological fieldwork, but experienced fieldworkers and graduate students are also welcome to apply. Applicants submit to the national Society an application form, transcript of all undergraduate work, two letters of recommendation, and a statement not to exceed 500 words, stating briefly their background and preparation for the program to which they are applying, and how participation in this program fits their future plans. Completed applications are due by 1 February each year.
  • The Eta Sigma Phi Bernice L. Fox Teacher Training Scholarship is awarded to Eta Sigma Phi members who are now teaching or preparing to teach at the pre-collegiate level, who have received a bachelor's degree within the last ten years or who expect to receive it before the summer of the current academic year, and who have not received a doctoral degree; the award of $500 will support summer activity contributing to the recipient's preparation for teaching (e.g., American Classical League Institute or university courses leading to certification). Applicants submit to the national Society an application form, a letter of application describing their experience and goals as an educator and how the proposed program would contribute, a budget outlining their expenses for participating in this program and any other funding in prospect, a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or current or former professor, and an official transcript from their current or most recent academic institution. Completed applications are due by 1 February each year.
  • The Maurine Dallas Watkins Translation Contests are held in Advanced and Intermediate levels in Classical Greek, in Koine Greek, and Advanced and Intermediate levels in Latin, all translating from the original language, and in Latin Prose Composition. Up to three students enrolled in language classes at a college or university which has a chapter of Eta Sigma Phi (not necessarily only initiates) may represent the school in each contest. The Faculty Adviser will coordinate contest examinations with the national Society; requests are due in early February each year.

 

Updated 20 April 2022 by lgawlinski