The Department of Psychology within the College of the Arts and Sciences recently inducted 33 Seton Hall University undergraduate students into its chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, at its annual spring honors reception event on Friday, April 22.

Since its founding in 1969, the University's chapter of Psi Chi has played an active role in the department dedicated to its purpose to "recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology."

"Although Psi Chi is best known as an international honor society, it confers lifetime membership and has many resources to advance members’ personal and professional development. This means that students can gain benefits from their membership far beyond listing it on their resume. For example, they are eligible to apply for Psi Chi's many grants for graduate students and have lifetime access to career-related information," said Amy Hunter, Ph.D., professor of psychology and primary advisor of the University's Psi Chi chapter.

Graduating senior Autumn Cataldo, who received the psychology honors citation.

Also at this event, the psychology honors citation was awarded to graduating senior Autumn Cataldo, with honorable mention to graduating seniors Paul Corrente and Madison Fruchter. The psychology honors citation is awarded to graduating seniors who distinguish themselves both inside and outside the classroom, standing out academically and in their service to the Department.

Together with rising senior Veronica Fortuna, Autumn Cataldo was also awarded the Psychology Department Experiential Education Award, which acknowledges psychology majors who make outstanding contributions to their internship or service-learning site.

Pictured: Junior Joshua Echevarria, who was awarded the Donald M. Lombardi scholarship.

In addition, the annual Donald M. Lombardi scholarship was awarded to junior Joshua Echevarria. The scholarship honors the memory of Donald M. Lombardi, a respected and beloved colleague and teacher who, except for his graduate education, was part of the Seton Hall community for nearly fifty years. To honor his memory, the scholarship is awarded to a psychology major in their junior year who demonstrates academic excellence, exceptional service to the department and community, participates in scholarly activities, and shows promise as a researcher or practitioner in psychology.

Each year, three students are nominated by the department faculty to apply for the award and this year, juniors Jonathan Luders and Sanjana Malhotra were also nominated. The nominees are then interviewed by a committee that includes Lombardi's son, Nicholas Lombardi, Professor Gregory Burton, and a representative from the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's office, who this year was Associate Dean Christopher Kaiser.

The Department of Psychology at Seton Hall University offers multiple undergraduate degrees, customizable for each student's interests and aptitude. Our B.A. program provides academic courses and internship opportunities that prepare you for a wide range of careers focused on understanding behavior — from graduate studies in psychology, medicine or law to careers in business, research, or school settings. Our B.S. program emphasizes research-related skills and the scientific aspects of psychology, so it's ideal for students interested in doctoral programs in psychology or medical school. It's also a good choice if you have a strong aptitude for math and the sciences, regardless of your eventual career. Students wishing to conduct their own research project can do so under the supervision of a faculty member and earn an honors degree.

For more information, please contact Kelly Goedert, Ph.D., or Ms. Willie Yaylaci.

Categories: Education