Members of the Iota Pi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. thanked African-American faculty and staff for their contributions to UCA by hosting a tribute and reception on March 3 in the Student Center Room 213.
The annual “A Tribute to African-American Faculty and Staff” program was started by the fraternity in an effort to show its appreciation to the African-American men and women on UCA’s campus.
“It is very important to me that we show our appreciation for all that African-Americans do on campus and for being positive role models,” said Cecil Chew, president of Phi Beta Sigma.
Marcia Smith, office manager for Disability Support Services, was the guest speaker. Smith, who has worked at UCA for seven years, praised the fraternity for taking the time to thank the faculty and staff.
“A lot of our students who are a part of this organization have graduated and have gone on to obtain their master’s due to the relationships they built with African-American faculty and staff members,” she said. “… It is an honor to every African-American faculty and staff member to be recognized by African-American males who are trying to achieve in society.”
UCA faculty and staff must continue to encourage students to strive, Smith added.
“Continue to encourage our students to achieve and to excel in every area academically, socially, and community-wide so that we can become better people,” Smith said.