Gamma Beta Phi

For more than a month, members of Gamma Beta Phi squirreled away snacks, goodies and other foods for their last service project: preparing a meal at the Ronald McDonald House.

It was one of the four projects members are expected to complete each semester.

Gamma Beta Phi is an educational- service organization. Its purpose is to develop the leadership skills of its members through service projects and good academic standing. Students who rank within the top 20 percent of their class are eligible to participate in the organization.

Transfer students who were members of a Gamma Beta Phi chapter at another institution may submit a request to participate in the UMHB chapter. I

n addition to earning eight service points each semester, members are required to attend all mandatory monthly meetings, which are worth one point each.

Students may complete projects individually. However it is required that they participate in two project hosted by Gamma Beta Phi.

While the Ronald McDonald House project occurs annually, Gamma Beta Phi is responsible for maintaining the UMHB Prayer Garden near the Parker Academic Center throughout the semester. Members can earn service points by contributing to the upkeep of the garden.

Sophomore cell biology major Vicky Rodriguez was inducted as a member last spring. Since then, Rodriguez has participated in a number of community activities, including working as a teacher’s aid and office assistant for Sacred Heart Church in Waco.

Rodriguez said Gamma Beta Phi is a good group to join because the members are eager to support one another with information and ideas for service projects.

Becky Bradley, director of the Center for Academic Excellence is adviser for Gamma Beta Phi, said although the organization takes time and commitment, it is not difficult for students to accumulate the points.

She said although students are selected because of their academic standing, they remain active members by earning them.

She said, “That’s important because you need to be involved in helping others.”