Twenty-seven students — along with Cameron McLean, Rensselaer Union activities coordinator, and Erin Glasheen, director of undergraduate programs in the arts department — have recently been inducted into the Phalanx honor society. Phalanx honors student leadership and celebrates those who have “worked to better the standing of Rensselaer both on and off campus.” New members are selected — or “tapped” — by the student members of Phalanx.

Kevin Ly, president of Phalanx, and Mitul Kanzaria, vice president, presided over the March 5 tapping ceremony that was attended by Phalanx members, family, and friends of the inductees, and others from the Rensselaer community. Harry McLaughlin, professor of mathematical sciences, gave the Darrin Address. McLaughlin was the 2005 Darrin Counseling Award winner. (The Darrin Counseling Award is presented annually by Phalanx during Commencement.)

In remarks to the 2006 Phalanx inductees, President Shirley Ann Jackson applauded their contributions to the Rensselaer community and praised them for their commitment to lead a life of service. “It is the truly great who use their positions as leaders of their communities to lift up its other members,” she said. “Each of this year’s inductees possesses unique strengths, talents, and enthusiasms. All of this year’s inductees have distinguished themselves in the areas of leadership, service, and devotion to Rensselaer.” 

The 2006 student inductees are: Julie Arrighi, Thomas Boetig, James Fisher, Rohazlee Hashim, Patrick Heider, Meghan Kate, Sarah Lewis, Nathan Parker, Himani Suhag, Andrew Tibbetts, Amanda Tower, Matthew Weed, Benjamin Levinn, Bryan Oliva, Elan Mendel, Andrea Flynn, Hannah Kim, Adam LoGiudice, Nick Wood, Adam Marcus, Victoria Stigall, David Armandt, Lindsay Denton, Mike Goldenberg, Mahwish Hamlani, Judd Rattner, and Heather Scoffone. In addition, 14 students were inducted into the White Key Society, Rensselaer’s junior honor society, for the promise they have shown as leaders as freshmen and sophomores.

Since 1912, the year that Phalanx was established, 1,310 members have been named to the organization.

Photos by Rensselaer Polytechnic/Joe Petrowski

Published March 6, 2006