FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

October 10, 2007

GRINNELL COLLEGE INDUCTS 19 STUDENTS INTO NEW CHAPTER OF PSI CHI PSYCHOLOGY HONORARY SOCIETY

Grinnell College has inducted 19 students into Psi Chi, a national honorary society for psychology majors. Membership in Psi Chi recognizes academic achievement as well as service to campus and community and provides practical experience and fellowship through affiliation with the national Psi Chi organization.

The Grinnell College inductees are charter members of the newly formed chapter on the Grinnell campus. Dr. Janet Gibson, professor of psychology and faculty advisor for the Psi Chi chapter, said that as psychology majors increased at Grinnell, so did eligibility for applying for a Psi Chi chapter. "Having a Psi Chi chapter on campus validates our strong academic program, the ongoing student research projects, and the service commitments our students are already making," Gibson said. "We are pleased to have the national Psi Chi endorsement of the Grinnell psychology department and the recognition for Grinnell students."

In order to qualify for Psi Chi membership, psychology majors must have at least a cumulative grade-point average in the 35th percentile for their class year and have taken nine credits within the major. The Department of Psychology at Grinnell is part of the college's Division of Science and enrolls approximately 60 majors. Eleven Grinnell College alumni were also inducted into Psi Chi at the Oct. 9 ceremony. The chapter was installed by Dr. Edmond Willis, professor of psychology and Psi Chi chapter adviser at Central College, Pella, Iowa.

Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four year, liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,500 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 25 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations, and pre-professional programs. -30-