Former National Officers Speak about Eta Sigma Phi

“Our society gives us the chance to establish connections with the next generation of Classics scholars.  Now is the time to unite under out colors of purple and gold and get acquainted so we together can hit the ground running, leading the way into the next generation of Classics scholarship.”-- Thomas Evison of Epsilon Iota at the University of Florida (tomev@ufl.edu), 2006-2007 Megas Prytanis

“Eta Sigma Phi is important to me because it enables me to associate with people who share the same love of Classical Studies that I do. It is important to the world because the legacy of the Classics is one of unparalleled importance. It needs to be preserved.”  -- Richard Harrod of Gamma Omicron at Monmouth College (rharrod@monm.edu), 2006-2007 Megas Hyparchos

 “The study of ancient language opens up an entire new world of history, literature, and culture.  The reward for studying classical language is inherent in the appreciation of good literature, and the only way to truly appreciate a work is the read it in the original language. Eta Sigma Phi is instrumental in encouraging students to work hard towards this goal. As an organization, Eta Sigma Phi sets a standard of excellence in the undergraduate community, and provides a social network for students with similar interests, letting them meet and share ideas.”-- Thomas George Hendren of Eta Eta at Virginia Tech (hendren@vt.edu), 2006-2007 Megas Grammateus

“Eta Sigma Phi is important to me and to the Classical world because it brings together individuals who share the same passion for the Classics.  It matches eager speakers with eager listeners, all of whom revel in the very acts of teaching and learning.  This community has granted me the privilege of meeting great new people, and fostering friendships that will last far beyond graduation.”-- Jasmine Merced-Ownbey of Beta Pi at the University of Arkansas (dmerced@uark.edu), 2006-2007 Megale Chrysophylax

“Through the study of Classics, I have discovered new worlds, new friends, and new opportunities. Our peers describe the languages we study as ‘dead.’ I say, Latin and Greek cannot be dead, for how can a dead language

make an entire world come alive for its students?” -- Karen M. Kelly of Gamma Omega at Baylor University, 2005-2006 Megale Prytanis

“Watching camaraderie between chapters, telling nerdy Latin and Greek jokes, encouraging others to pursue academic excellence, and rewarding those for all their hard academic effort with scholarships is so neat to experience. Eta Sigma Phi has done well to reward all those who have put their best effort forward, and is a fine, strong organization.”-- Catherine Larsen of Eta Delta chapter at Hillsdale College, 2005-2006 Megale Hyparchos

“I treasure what Eta Sigma Phi has given me and look forward to being able to give something back on a local and national level.”--Thomas Evison of Epsilon Iota chapter at the University of Florida, 2005-2006 Megas Chrysophylax

“The study of Classical Languages has been the foundation of civilization for too long not to matter. From these ancient languages we learn that thousands of years ago the human heart still had the same struggles it does today. The essence of the human condition has not changed, and our understanding of it is too deeply connected to these languages to disregard them. Those who do not honor or study these languages are like travelers refusing the assistance of a wise guide who has been there and back already.”--Sharif Said of Beta Sigma chapter at Marquette University 2005-2006 Megas Grammateus

“Eta Sigma Phi is important to me and to the world of classics lovers at large because so few people can grasp the beauty and complexity that is the Classical world. Eta Sigma Phi allows us the chance to share our passion with others, along with classics jokes and puns and all the fun etymology of our language.”--Stephanie Walker of Delta Chi chapter at St. Olaf College, 2004-2005 Megas Prytanis

“I think it’s really important that undergraduates also have a national organization to belong to, and a national conference at which to network, share research, and just have fun. I look forward to the national conference every year and getting to visit with old friends and make new ones. The local chapters are great for the same reasons — finding students with common interests to study and socialize with.”-- Katherine Morrow Jones of Eta Gamma chapter at Loyola University New Orleans, 2004-2005 Megas Hyparchos

“Eta Sigma Phi is important to me because it enables me to associate with people who share the same love of Classical Studies that I do. It is important to the world because the legacy of the Classics is one of unparalleled importance. It needs to be preserved.” -- Richard Harrod of Gamma Omicron chapter at Monmouth College, 2004-2005 Megas Chrysophylax

“Eta Sigma Phi plays an important role in the study of Classics. More than anything else, Eta Sigma Phi provides an opportunity for students of the ancient world to communicate on a national level and to exchange ideas on how to improve the awareness and appreciation of Classics in their respective communities. The national conventions are a great way for us all to meet and share our love for antiquity. Eta Sigma Phi makes the study of Classics a profoundly social activity, and it soundly refutes that tired notion that Latin and ancient Greek are ‘dead languages.’ Eta Sigma Phi stands in sharp contrast to the idea that the study of Classics is a thing of the past, as we find new and exciting ways to think and talk about ancient history.”-- Andrew O’Brien of  Beta Psi chapter at Rhodes College, 2004-2005 Megas Grammateus