College launches National Education Honor Society

April 26, 2024

The College of Education inducted 17 students into the newly relaunched Purdue University Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) at its spring induction ceremony on April 18, 2024.

A group of KDP inductees standing in front of a welcome table. Behind them is a screen stating "Purdue University KDP Initiation Ceremony"
10 of the inductees at the welcome table (Photo provided)

KDP is an international honor society and professional association with more than 35,000 members worldwide and more than 600 chapters. It was founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois, and was an active Honor Society at Purdue for over 100 years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Purdue’s KDP chapter became inactive. Co-counselors Rachel Swank, licensing advisor in the College’s Office of Teacher Education and Licensure, and Tara Star Johnson, associate dean for learning in the College, have been working to relaunch the organization, culminating in the recent induction ceremony.

To be eligible for induction, students must have at least six credits of Professional Education courses completed, in progress, or programmed; have an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher; and support KDP’s mission, vision, and values. Membership in KDP is open to all undergraduate and graduate members of Teacher Education at Purdue University, West Lafayette.

The newest inductees into the Purdue University chapter of KDP include:

  • Joel Berringer, Social Studies Education
  • Miranda Dominguez, Elementary Education
  • Teagan Drumm, Elementary and Special Education
  • Mary Fenton, Mathematics Education (KDP Treasurer)
  • Stephanie Han, Special Education (K-6)
  • Kylie Hayworth, Elementary Education
  • Lora Hobson, Family and Consumer Sciences Education
  • Grace Lammert, Mathematics Education
  • Riley Lawson, Elementary Education
  • McKenzie Mitchell, Elementary Education
  • Allison Peterson, Biology Education
  • Sarita Pillai, Visual Arts Education
  • Bronwyn Rigsby, Elementary Education
  • Camille Smith, Elementary and Special Education
  • Cara Whiteman, Elementary Education
  • Sydney Yim, Elementary Education
  • Ryley Zawada, Elementary Education (KDP President)

At the ceremony, Swank delivered brief introductory remarks, followed by a video message from Johnson and remarks from Phillip J. VanFossen, interim dean of the College. New inductees were recognized, presented with a certificate and a KDP pin, and participated in a traditional honor society candle lighting ceremony. Cara Whiteman, a graduating senior in Elementary Education, was also recognized and presented with KDP cords to wear at Purdue’s May 2024 Commencement.

KDP’s mission is to inspire and equip future and new teachers to thrive, believing that excellent teachers build thriving communities and create lifelong opportunities by providing quality, equitable education for all.

Source: Rachel Swank, rmorin@purdue.edu

More info: Purdue University Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi