Chi Alpha Epsilon - Alpha Eta Chapter
Chi Alpha Epsilon (XAE) is a national honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of students who were admitted to college through access and scholar programs and went on to excel. At NIU, membership in the Alpha Eta Chapter is an acknowledgment of your hard work and a signal that you belong among the best.
The society is built around three commitments: maintaining high academic standards, fostering connection among members and honoring the excellence that students like you have earned. Eligible alumni can also participate, creating a network that reaches well past graduation.
Order of Recognition
Chi Alpha Epsilon members, once inducted, are eligible for recognition in the organization’s special orders, honoring those students who exemplify the mission of the organization by maintaining excellence in academics.
Order of the Ruby Key
Recognizes students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.50 to 3.74.
Order of the Emerald Key
Recognizes students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.75 to 3.99.
Order of the Diamond Key
XAE’s highest honor, recognizing students with a semester GPA of 4.00.
History of Chi Alpha Epsilon at NIU
In the spring of 1997, Shevawn Eaton, director of ACCESS in Educational Services and Programs at NIU, was introduced to Chi Alpha Epsilon at a national conference and brought the society to CHANCE. Eligible students were identified and invited to join as founding members.
On December 10, 1997, Elbert Saddler came to NIU and inducted the founding members of the Alpha Eta Chapter, the 31st chapter and the first in Illinois. University President John LaTourette was in attendance to accept the charter for the university. The charter document now resides in the CHANCE lobby in Williston Hall.
Founding Officers
- Jarvis Houston, President
- Andrea de la Torre, Vice President
- Ravindra Jayara, Secretary
- Ashanti Thomas, Treasurer
Founding Members
- Paris Branton
- Jin Jeong
- Shannon Joiner
- Elizabeth Mayer
- Brandi McHugh
- Tania Moumji
- Betsy Oommen
Honorary Members
- Shevawn Eaton
- Leroy Mitchell
- Admasu Zike
Eligibility
Membership is open to full-time NIU students admitted through the CHANCE Program who maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA for two consecutive semesters.
Eligible students will receive a letter of invitation in the semester after the qualifying semester.
Faculty Advisor
Keyalo Gray
XAE Faculty Advisor
Campus Life Building 240
Northern Illinois University