What is Lambda Pi Eta?
Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communication Association's official honor society. It was initiated in 1985 by the students of the Department of Communication at the University of Arkansas, and was endorsed at that time by the faculty and founder, Dr. Stephen A. Smith.
In 1994, the Speech Communication Association—which is now the National Communication Association—established LPH as an affiliate organization and as the official national communication honor society for undergraduates. In February, 1996, LPH was inducted into the Association of College Honor Societies. Currently, there are more than 500 active chapters worldwide—including the Alpha Delta chapter at Hope College!
What does Lambda Pi Eta Mean?
The title Lambda Pi Eta comes from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle and his three parts to persuasion:
LOGOS
In all aspects of scholarship and its application to one's life, logos—or logic—plays a major role in deliberations and problem solving.
PATHOS
Pathos, the emotional appeal, encompasses a driving force that makes an organization, Lambda Pi Eta, vital and effective.
ETHOS
Ethos represents character, credibility, and ethics. Aristotle viewed these as the primary means of affecting change in society and in one's life.
These three elements of persuasion are the heart of rhetoric—the core of communication.
What Does Lambda Pi Eta Do?
The purposes of our honor society are summarized into six main goals:
- Recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in Communication Studies
- Stimulate interest in the field of Communication
- Promote and encourage professional development among Communication majors
- Provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of Communication
- Establish and maintain closer relationships between faculty and students
- Explore options for graduate education in Communication Studies
Not only is LPH an honor society, but the Alpha Delta chapter at Hope College also functions as a professional association for the communication students at the institution. We host various events designed to help members develop their skills professionally, socially, and in a spirit of giving. For example:
- Hosts meet-and-greets to connect communication students with internship and employment opportunities
- Volunteers with Holland-area organizations like CASA and the Warm Friend Retirement Home
- Visits places like Chicago and Grand Rapids to tour communication-related companies
Overall, we want to best prepare our members for the world through engagement, involvement, and development.
How Do I Become a Member?
The Alpha Delta chapter requires the student to first declare an interest in the field of communication and has achieved a high level of academic excellence.
The student must also:
- Complete at least 60 semester hours in undergraduate credit courses
- Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 overall and 3.5 in communication courses
- Complete the equivalent of 12 semester hour courses in communication
- Be a full-time student at Hope College
If the student meets all of the criteria, they are eligible to become a member of LPH