The Sacramento State chapter of the Phi Beta Delta honor society has experienced the effects of budget cuts this year, but the lack of funding hasn’t stopped its members from making the most out of what they have.

Despite having a smaller budget than most Phi Beta Delta chapters at other California universities, and a decline in student memberships, the Sac State Omicron chapter was recognized as the top chapter in the Western region. The region is made up of schools from more than 11 states, as well as chapters in Guam and Bulgaria. Phi Beta Delta is made up of five regions internationally, with representation from all 50 states.

Catherine Turrill, Sac State art professor and president of the Omicron chapter, said the award was very special considering the current cuts that Sac State has experienced.

“It’s a struggle to be able to support international education at a time of financial difficulty. In a way, there was a feeling of validation and I was very pleased to be acknowledge,” Turrill said. “This award was far more than an accomplishment; it was an accomplishment in a time of difficulty, which was a triumph over adversity for our chapter and for our university as well,” Turrill said.

The Omicron chapter had not been able to organize all events and fundraisers that were planned for this year due to lack of money and staff involvement. Turrill said the chapter has not received as many recommendations or applicants as it did in previous years because most students could not afford the $100 membership fee.

However, the Omicron chapter has stayed active, organizing fundraisers and other scholarship opportunities, while many Phi Beta Delta chapters have not.

The committee that honored the Omicron chapter included an awards chairperson and two selected board members. Each region of Phi Beta Delta has a vice president who receives regular reports from each chapter in his or her region.

These reports include the activities and accomplishments of the chapter, as well as the number of members. The regional vice president then submits these reports to the committee, which then decides what chapter will be honored with an award.

The Omicron chapter conducts activities on campus, which include receptions each semester for international students and fundraisers to raise scholarship funds for the chapter. A souvenir sale is one fundraiser where students and faculty members bring items from their travels to raise money for scholarships to support U.S. students who want to study internationally.

Krissy Fox, Sac State alumna and member of Phi Beta Delta since 2005, joined the honor society after she spent two years in Spain, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish.

“Being a member of Phi Beta Delta is an honor because I’m getting recognized for doing something I love to do, and that’s travel abroad,” Fox said.

Phi Beta Delta is the only honor society specifically directed toward the recognition of international study and research. The honor society was created in 1986 at CSU Long Beach, and was eventually established at more than a dozen California universities.

Sac State’s chapter has 42 active members, which include 13 U.S. students, one international student and 28 faculty and staff members.

Each member of Phi Beta Delta has experienced or advocated for international study. Student members have spent at least one semester abroad, and faculty members are engaged in teaching or research on overseas education. Sac State staff members of the Omicron chapter typically work in the Office of Global Education.

Roy Dixon, chemistry professor and the Phi Beta Delta chair of awards and scholarships for the Omicron chapter, said the award could increase student interest in Phi Beta Delta and international travel.

In order to become a member of the Omicron chapter of Phi Beta Delta, a student must apply or be nominated by the local membership. Students who want to apply for Phi Beta Delta can pick up an application from the chapter coordinator before the initiation banquet each semester.”As a chapter, we are responsible for promoting international study,” Turrill said. “Although we are exposed to many different cultures here in America, every American citizen should experience and understand the diversity of other countries, and how they view the United States.”

Ricky Alejandro can be reached at [email protected].