New members of the Gamma Omega Chapter of the Rho Chi National Honor Society attend 2010 initiation banquet The Texas A&M Health Science Center Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy held its 2010 initiation banquet for new members of the Gamma Omega Chapter of the Rho Chi National Honor Society on April 22, at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center on the Texas A&M University- Kingsville campus.

The Rho Chi Society, led by faculty advisor Dr. Kristopher Virga, assistant professor in the department of pharmaceutical sciences, encourages and recognizes excellence in intellectual achievement and advocates critical inquiry in all aspects of pharmacy.

Activities began at noon with a special guest lecture, “Pharmacy Essential for High Quality Healthcare,” given by Dr. Milap C. Nahata, professor and chairman of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration of the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.

That evening, faculty, staff, family and friends joined 18 pharmacy students as they were officially inducted and recognized as part of the national honor society.

Prior to receiving their certificates, pins, honor cords and candles, the inductees were honored by Dr. Virga.

“You are here because of your hard work and dedication,” Dr. Virga said as he let the audience know each student was nominated by his/her peers in the Rho Chi Society.

Dr. Indra K. Reddy, founding dean and professor of the Rangel College of Pharmacy, also spoke words of encouragement to the newly inducted members.

“It feels just like yesterday that the inaugural cohort of the Rho Chi Society came in and set the bar high. Then, the new 2011 members were inducted and raised the bar even higher. It is now your turn to take it to the next level.”

Each current officer addressed the inductees, recounting the history of Rho Chi, the opportunities the organization offers, and its mission, vision, emblem and colors.

Each newly elected officer then stepped forward to be sworn into a particular office, the bylaws and duties of which he/she will be responsible to uphold.

New members of the Rho Chi Society Gamma Omega Chapter include Saagar Akundi, Huina Chen, Karen Fang, Shannon Fuller, Jonathan Garnett, O’dell Hicks, Nathan Kunnemann, Celina Martinez, Loan Phan, Phuong Anh Phung, Adrian Sandoval, Rebecca Shewmaker, Corey Smith, Laura Sorensen, Jennifer Thompson, Melissa Tijerina, and Richard Wong.