MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Gamma Mu Chapter of Delta Omega at the West Virginia University School of Public Health received the 2013 Chapter of the Year Award at the organization’s Annual Meeting in Boston earlier this month.
Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate students in public health. This is the first year the WVU chapter was eligible for the Chapter of the Year award since its establishment in July 2012.
According to Andrew Anesetti-Rothermel, doctoral student and president of the Gamma Mu chapter, this award makes a “footprint on a national level” for WVU’s School of Public Health. This honor, he said, recognizes the excellence already present at the school.
The winner is selected by the Delta Omega National Council based on the chapter’s community service events, activities, and other factors.
WVU’s Gamma Mu chapter received additional points for achievements by its members. Ruth E. Kershner, Ed.D., entered a submission for the Innovative Curriculum Award. Adam Baus, a doctoral student, won Gamma Mu’s Student Poster Contest and went on to be selected as one of 19 research posters to be presented at the national Delta Omega Student Poster Session, , held in conjunction with the American Public Health Association’s national meeting.
“I was excited, personally, knowing how much work we put into it,” Anesetti-Rothermel said.
Gamma Mu sets more rigorous standards for membership than the national organization does. In addition to academic excellence, the WVU chapter requires participation in at least 50 percent of Student Association of Public Health events and full participation in Delta Omega events.
“Our main thing is incorporation of the Student Association of Public Health. That really sets us apart,” Anesetti-Rothermel said.
The chapter’s future, he predicts, will be building on the solid foundation laid by the current executive staff. The honor society hopes to increase alumni awareness and faculty involvement and to gain visibility among students. The staff also hopes to expand its community service.
