Organization Announces New Officers, Initiates New Members

Commentary Editor

Photo by Linna Jones

Passing the Torch - President John Fryer (left) passes the responsibility of president to Calvin Davis. April 1. Fryer extinguished his candle after lighting the Davis’ candle.

   Chi Iota Sigma initiated four new members of Spring 2009, awarded book stipends and announced three new officers for the 2009-2010 school year April 30.

   CIS initiated Jay Dyson, Fredrick Washington, Jarod Malin and Kashif Kincaid. Dyson and Washington recited the pledge to become members.

   James Roiger, professor and chair of the Division of Computer Information Systems, announced the recipients of the $100 book stipends funded by the Raymond O. and Loretta J. Roiger Chi Iota Sigma Scholarship. Five members selected for the book stipend scholarship included Jarod Malin, Fredrick Washington, Bridget Washington, Jennifer Nicholson and Jay Dyson.

   The requirements for the scholarships included current paid membership, the attendance of at least two club meetings, must maintain a 2.5 GPA and at least one of the stipends must go to a Chi Iota Sigma club officer.

   Former president John Fryer read what the letters for Chi Iota Sigma means and the history of the organization.

   “The name 'Chi Iota Sigma' represents the three important qualities that our members display. Chi represents 'character.' Our members demonstrate moral and ethical integrity in all situations. Iota represents 'Initiative.' Our members take action with enterprise and determination when or where they see a need. Sigma represents Strength. Our members maintain a firmness of will and purpose even when that is not the popular choice,” Fryer read.

   According to the CIS Web site, the faculty and students of the Division of Computer Information Systems of the University of Arkansas at Monticello initiated the organization and the University and the Assemble endorsed it in 2001.

   Former Vice President Antonio Williams described the purpose of CIS, according to the constitution, which includes the purpose to:

• “to recognize, foster and reward scholastic achievement in computer information systems”
• “to stimulate interest in the field of computer information systems”
• “to promote and encourage professional development among computer information systems majors and minors”
• “to provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of computer information systems”
•  “to establish and maintain closer relationships and mutual understanding between computer information systems faculty and students”

• “to explore options for graduate education in computer information systems” 

   Secretary Richard Vaughn read the requirements for the new initiates for CIS and announced the new members.

   The new officers for the 2009-2010 school year include Calvin Davis as president, Keith Franklin Jr. as vice president and Jennifer Nichols as the new scholarship officer. Vaughn and Treasurer Bridget Washington remained in their positions. The old officers exchanged the title of their positions to the new officers through a candle lighting ceremony.

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