Oglethorpe University’s Alpha Nu Chapter of Sigma Zeta, a national science and mathematics honor society, recently initiated 34 students and faculty into its membership

The annual initiation ceremony, held on April 10 in Lupton Auditorium, featured retiring physics professor Dr. Mike Rulison, who gave a highly anticipated farewell address.

Dr. Mike Rulison, who is retiring this year, gave a farewell speech to Sigma Zeta seniors.

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and working with lots of bright and curious minds and it’s been an absolute pleasure for me to share my passion for science with you,” Dr. Rulison said in his speech. “I’m filled with hope and excitement for the next generation of scientists, who will continue to push the boundaries of what we know and what we can achieve.”

He also encouraged students to “never lose sight of the bigger picture…Science is not just about knowledge for it’s own sake. It’s about making the world a better place.”

This year, in addition to 24 students, the chapter added 10 new faculty members who were nominated by the student leaders of Sigma Zeta.

“This marks the first initiation of faculty since 2007,” according to the chapter’s advisor Dr. Allison Roessler, assistant professor of chemistry. “There is a long history of students and faculty recognized by this honor society.”

Oglethorpe’s Alpha Nu Chapter of Sigma Zeta was founded in 1971 and is the 10th oldest active chapter in the nation.

The following students and faculty were inducted into Sigma Zeta in 2023:

During the event, next year’s chapter leadership was also announced: President Faith Miller (chemistry); Treasurer Thalia Boston (biology); and Secretary Ben Cogar (chemistry).