I am pleased to announce that on April 16^th the Omicron Omicron chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society, was installed at Saint Michael�s College.  The installation and first induction ceremonies were held in the new Pomerleau Alumni Center.  We inducted 46 members including 5 faculty and 6 associate members.  Four of our faculty had previously been inducted and will transfer their memberships to our new chapter. 

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. This and additional information can be found at the national societies� web site.  Unlike many academic honor societies, students are encouraged to participate in TriBeta as soon as they enter college, and can be inducted as full members as early as their sophomore year.  The intent of the organization is to encourage active participation and to reward academic excellence in the biological sciences.

Our bid for a chapter began about a year ago with a formal application to the national office of the honor society.  This was followed by a site visit in November and an official announcement this Spring.  Students from the biology department began holding TriBeta events well in advance of the official announcement.  Thus far TriBeta has hosted two guest speakers, a biology quiz, and a faculty panel on research opportunities in the department.  The society has also elected three officers: President Corey Dolbeare; Vice President Marie Agan; Secretary Randy Breeckner.

Six of our brand-new inductees, Kaitlyn Begins, Marie Agan, Corey Dolbeare, Meghann Palermo, Samantha Hidy, and Gregory Keefe presented results of their research at the North East TriBeta District Convention hosted by at the University of Vermont.  They joined fellow researchers from four other colleges and universities in a celebration of research accomplishments.  The day included oral presentations, posters, and a Jeopardy-style biology quiz.

TriBeta members receive and can submit research papers to the journal Bios.  They can compete for society research funding as well as travel grants for participation in national and regional conventions.  The chapter will provide additional opportunities to host speakers, departmental social events, and networking opportunities for students in the biological sciences.  We hope to provide opportunities for interested alumni to reconnect with the department and share their valuable insights and experiences with current students.  Finally, graduation honors in biology will be awarded to inducted members meeting established criteria of academic excellence in their senior year.

	Tri-Beta officers Corey Dolbeare, Marie Agan, and Randy Breeckner
	Tri-Beta members and new inductees