The Hastings College chapter of Alpha Chi, an academic honorary, saw two of its members receive top honors at the 2024 Alpha Chi National Convention that was held April 4-6 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Alessandro Urlati, a senior from Biella, Piedmont, Italy, attended the convention and presented his academic work titled “The Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan: The U.S. and EU involvement in the conflict and a policy recommendation.” Alessandro also won a regional scholarship in the amount of $500, as well as a prestigious Nolle national scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
“It was an honor for me to participate in this conference alongside incredibly talented students from across the nation in a city renowned for its profound historical heritage,” said Urlati, who is majoring in political science. “Presenting a significant international issue close to my heart, often overlooked by mainstream media, was a moment that will stay with me forever. The unexpected scholarships I received serve as a recognition that perhaps I am on the right path in my academic journey, and I am deeply grateful to Hastings College and its Alpha Chi chapter for giving me the opportunity.”
Jordyn Duffy, a senior biochemistry major from Elbert, Colorado, was also awarded a national graduate level scholarship in the amount of $3,000 that she will use next year as she attends A.T. Still University Medical School.
“It’s been an honor to serve as my chapter’s president this year for an organization that promotes academic excellence, encourages service and advances character growth among its many members,” Duffy said. “I am extremely grateful for the National Chapter’s recognition of my research on imidazolium based ionic liquids and plan to use the scholarship towards my continued academic journey at A.T. Still University Medical School.“
Kiante Stuart, from Nassau, The Bahamas, a 2023 Hastings College alumnus who is currently the College’s international admissions counselor, was recognized as an outgoing Alpha Chi National Council member. There are only seven student representatives in the entire country who serve on the National Council — 10,000 new Alpha Chi student members are inducted each year.
Dr. Jessica Henry, the Hastings College Alpha Chi sponsor, as well as a faculty representative on the Alpha Chi National Council, was honored for 20 years of service to Alpha Chi.
“I have been privileged to work with so many amazing students over the past 20 years that I have served as the Alpha Chi advisor,” Henry said. “These students are bright, hard-working, and enthusiastic. They will be running the country someday in the near future.”
Alpha Chi is a national collegiate all-discipline academic honor society intended to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students. The organization accepts only students who place in the top 10 percent of their class from all academic disciplines.
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Discover more at hastings.edu.
