Initiation for the Alpha Phi Chapter was held on October 15, 2013 at 3:00pm. The new initiates were (students names). Those in attendance introduced themselves, giving a brief description of their areas of expertise as well as their historical aspirations. The members of the faculty that were present included Dr. Vieth, Alpha Phi Chapter Advisor; Dr. Hawthorne, Department Chair; Dr. Tabuteau, Undergraduate Advisor; Dr. Veit, US History Professor; and the Alpha Phi Chapter President, Aubrey Catrone
The Chapter President served as presiding officer, while new members heard from history’s six Ages: The Prehistoric Age, The Ancient Age, The Medieval Age, The Early Modern Age, The Present Age, and The Future Age. Each Age urged new initiates to further their study of history, exploring what has transpired, what is happening, and what will occur, all before it falls into oblivion.
Following the ceremony, a new initiate cut and distributed a Phi Alpha Theta themed cake.
The afternoon culminated with Dr. Veit’s speech about the evolution of history. She asked the audience to think about how the perceptions of daily life change throughout history. What was considered normal a hundred years ago is no longer normal today. What is accepted today will not be accepted in the distant future. Dr. Veit argued that students of history continue to examine and analyze narratives of the past in order for history to endure the test of time, which is the mission of Phi Alpha Theta.