ΑΣΝ identifies students in the top 15% of their class demonstrating an appreciation and commitment to the Jesuit ideals of scholarship, loyalty and service
The Purpose: The purpose of the Society shall be to honor students of Jesuit institutions of higher education who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service; to honor persons who may or may not be Alumni of Jesuit institutions of higher education who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service in their intellectual, civic, religious, or professional pursuits; to band together and to encourage those so honored to understand, to appreciate and to promote the ideals of Jesuit education; to encourage the establishment and proper functioning of Chapters in accredited Jesuit institutions of higher education; and to encourage the establishment and proper functioning of Alumni Clubs.
A Brief History: Alpha Sigma Nu was founded at Marquette University in 1915 by John Danihy, SJ, Dean of Journalism. In his travels and reading, Father Danihy had encountered and admired honor societies. In the first half of the 20th century, administrators of Catholic institutions of higher education found that their students were being systematically locked out of other honor societies. The society, known as Alpha Sigma Tau until 1930, spread from Marquette to Creighton University, to Saint Louis University and to the University of Detroit in its first decade. By 1924, Gamma Pi Epsilon was founded to honor outstanding women. Alpha Sigma Nu and Gamma Pi Epsilon pursued separate but similar paths for almost 50 years, expanding nationally and cooperating on campuses where they existed together. The society born of their merger in 1973 is open to men and women at the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, two in Canada and one in South Korea. Alpha Sigma Nu, in seeking the best of Jesuit education, requires that its now over 74,000 members emulate St. Ignatius through excellence in scholarship, loyalty, and service. This Ignatian heritage is relevant today, as Alpha Sigma Nu gears up for its 100th year.
Who is eligible to join?
Juniors, seniors and graduate students who are in the top 15% of their class academically and have a demonstrated record of service and loyalty to the Jesuit ideals of education are considered for membership.
Why should I join?
Only 4% of students are inducted, as it is the highest honor at Jesuit Institutions including all disciplines
See Privileges of Membership.
Remarkable opportunities for networking with over 68,000 members worldwide.
Interaction with other members within the society. This includes your home institution and other institutions that have ΑΣΝ chapters.
Enhancing the experience of a Jesuit Education
Life long membership
What is the criteria?
Juniors, seniors, and graduate students who rank academically in the top 15% of their class (as of Fall semester) and demonstrate a passion for knowledge, ideas, and critical analysis. Students should also possess a deep sense of decency, truth and justice. They are expected to use their skills to have a positive impact on the world.
ΑΣΝ membership is invitation only. If a student meets the criteria described above, he/she will receive an invitation from ΑΣΝ Selectors.
What are the benefits?
Life-long membership, networks and collegiality with a remarkable group of people from all 30 Jesuit institutions in the United States, plus one each in Canada and Korea. There are nine active Alumni Clubs and Member Directory online of 42,000 including current names and contact information.
What are the commitments?
To continue to live the ideals of scholarship, loyalty and service.
What is the cost?
Induction fees for 2011-2012 are $75 for a lifetime membership. This provides for your certificate and official pin plus ongoing mailings from Alpha Sigma Nu. For some chapters this also includes a wonderful induction ceremony. There are no ongoing annual dues. Please contact your Faculty Adviser if the cost of induction presents a financial hardship.
Are there networking possibilities?
Yes, and they are improving regularly. ΑΣΝ has 68,000 members throughout the world with current addresses for about 85% of them. Alumni contact information can be found in the ΑΣΝ online directory.
Will this help with graduate or professional school admission?
Yes. This is a recognized and respected credential. Established in 1915, ΑΣΝ is a full member of the Association of College Honor Societies, ACHS.
Will this help with career moves?
Yes. The online member directory provides professional contact information, as well as a means to keep your contact and professional information current with Alpha Sigma Nu.
Alpha Sigma Nu, the honor society of Jesuit institutions of higher education, recognizes those students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service. The only honor society permitted to bear the name Jesuit, ΑΣΝ encourages its members to a lifetime pursuit of intellectual development, deepening Ignatian spirituality, service to others, and a commitment to the core principles of Jesuit education.
