To achieve “gold star” chapter status, members of Cal State Fullerton’s National Society of Collegiate Scholars participated in community service activities, including the recent Children’s Hospital of Orange County walk at Disneyland Resort. Participating in the charity walk were, from left, Amber Shah, Amanda Ressegue, Amanda Alves, Jocelyn Lambeth, Kristy Wallach, Rosa Belerique, Jennifer Vu and Megan Brodsky.

Head of the Class

Collegiate Scholars Named 'Gold Star' Chapter

December 15, 2009

By Debra Cano Ramos

Cal State Fullerton’s National Society of Collegiate Scholars has been designated a “gold star” chapter for the 2008-09 academic year.

The chapter, with 724 members, received the honor because of its “demonstrated dedication to the NSCS pillars of scholarship, leadership and service.”

Gold star status is coveted among the 245 chapters across the country and only 56 chapters, including Fullerton, were so recognized this year.

“It means the world to our chapter to know we are doing our very best to reach out to those in need and to be the best students and leaders possible,” said Rosa Belerique, president of the university chapter and a psychology major.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a national honor society that recognizes college students who excel academically during their freshmen and sophomore years. Through the society, students are assisted in achieving their career objectives and are encouraged to become and remain involved in community service and leadership activities throughout their college experiences and beyond.

In a recent letter notifying the university of the honor, Verelyn C. Gibbs, NSCS senior director of member engagement, wrote that chapter members have proven their commitment to the organization’s ideals.

“The NSCS officers, members and entire university should take pride in the chapter’s accomplishments. Their exceptional work is not only a credit to them as a chapter, but as students of California State University, Fullerton, as well,” Gibbs noted.

Chapter members are active in community service work throughout the academic year and were required to complete certain activities to achieve gold status.

During the fall semester alone, chapter members participated in several community service events, including two canned food drives, Operation Christmas Child and Children’s Hospital of Orange County charity walk, said Belerique, now a senior who joined the chapter in 2006.

Other activities included the chapter’s induction ceremony; March to College Day, where junior high and high school students visited the campus and were paired with members for the day; and Integrity Week, which involved speaker presentations about integrity, Belerique added.

The chapter, established in 2004, is planning additional service events for next year and is aiming for gold status again for 2009-10, in order to be eligible for “platinum” status — the organization’s highest honor, Belerique said.

The nonprofit honor society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and offers scholarships to undergraduates and graduate students, as well as leadership and service opportunities both locally and nationally.

For more information, visit the academic Honors and Recognition website.