Chi Alpha Sigma
| Chi Alpha Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΧΑΣ | |
 | |
| Founded | May 17, 1996 DePauw University |
| Type | Honorary |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Athletics |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Excellence in Athletics and Academics |
| Colors | Gold and Black |
| Chapters | 470 (as of 1/27/2025) |
| Headquarters | PO Box 898 River Falls, Wisconsin 54022-0898 United States |
| Website | www |
Chi Alpha Sigma (ΧΑΣ), also known as the National College Athlete Honor Society, is an honor society for collegiate student-athletes.[1] Established in 1996, it was the first national society to honor four-year college scholar-athletes who excel in both the classroom and athletics.[2][1]
History
Nick Mourouzis formed the National College Athlete Honor Society at DePauw University in Greencaslte, Indiana on May 17, 1996.[3][2] Mourouzis was the head football coach and a professor of kinesiology at DePauw.[2][3] Although there were existing organizations that honored athletics for academic accomplishments, Mourouzis wanted student-athletes who lettered in their sport while also maintaining a high-grade point average.[2] He worked on the legal aspects of such an organization during a sabbatical in 1995.[1]
Mourouzis envisioned an organization to honor student-athletes the way Phi Beta Kappa recognizes scholars.[1] The Greek letters Chi Alpha Sigma were chosen to represent the honor society.[1] He recruited coaches for the society's governing board that represent various levels on competition.[1] The charter board included:[1]
- Jona Braden, Butler University
- Scott Duncan, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Mary English, DePauw University
- John Friend, Purdue University-Calumet
- David Huffman, University of Indianapolis
- Elizabeth "Buzz" Kurpius, Indiana University
- Nick Mourouzis, DePauw University
- Joe Romine, Taylor University
The Alpha chapter was chartered at DePauw University.[1] From there, the honor society expanded to other colleges and universities in Indiana.[1] It then expanded into other states and across the United States.[4]
Symbols
The honor society's colors are gold and black.[5] Its motto is "Excellence in Athletics and Academics."[1]
Chapters
Chi Alpha Sigma has chapters located across the United States.[4] As of January 27, 2025, it has established 470 chapters.[4]
Membership
Varsity athletes in all college sports are eligible to join Chi Alpha Sigma provide a local chapter has been established on campus.[1] Its membership requirements are:
- Any four-year institution who are members of an association or organization that promotes academic achievement and varsity level athletics competition while holding commitment to the principles of integrity, sportsmanship, and overall development of their student-athletes
- Completion of four full time academic semesters and junior or senior academic standing[6][2][7]
- A minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA[6][2][7]
- Endorsement from their head coach as to their good moral character [2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Coach Nick Mourouzis Establishes First Student-Athlete Honor Society". DePauw University. February 28, 1997. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g "37 Student-Athletes Inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma". Rutgers University Athletics. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ a b "About Chi Alpha Sigma | National College Athlete Honor Society". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ a b c "Chapter Directory". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
- ^ "Graduation Cords". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ a b "Shenandoah announces 139 student-athletes inducted to Chi Alpha Sigma". Potomac Local News. 2023-03-17. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ a b "Scholars". Northeast Times. 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-07-19.