Honors and Awards
Father David Murphy Carmelite Scholarship in Theology
This scholarship honors Father David J. Murphy, O.Carm., who taught with distinction in the Religious Studies and Theology Department from 1976 to 1988. Father Murphy's family, friends, and the Carmelite Order established the scholarship for outstanding Religious Studies and Theology majors as a way of advancing the study of theology by women.
Application Information
- It is an honor reserved to outstanding Saint Mary's students who have declared a major in Religious Studies and Theology and who show exceptional academic ability and promise for future achievement.
- The scholarship awards up to $6500 annually to deserving students in their junior and senior years.
- The selection of students for the scholarship is confined to those who demonstrate financial need, are Religious Studies and Theology Majors, who have shown strong academic performance and have been nominated by RLST faculty. Interested Religious Studies and Theology majors or intended majors can contact the Chair of Religious Studies and Theology or the Office of Financial Aid for further information. The nomination/application process is completed by March 1.
Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society
Purpose
Theta Alpha Kappa is the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology. Founded in 1976, Theta Alpha Kappa has more than 115 chapters nationwide, and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. The three Greek letters that identify the Society are Theta, the first letter of the Greek word Theos (God); Alpha, the first letter of the Greek word Anthropos (Human Being); and Kappa, the first letter of the Greek word Koinonia (Community). God, Humankind, and Community--these constitute the three areas of primary concern to students of Religious Studies and Theology.
In the society's symbol, the Theta (for Theos) represents both the divine presence and the orb of the world, which it both circumscribes and penetrates. The Alpha (for anthropos) represents aspiring humanity, which draws on its roots in community (represented by Kappa, for koinonia) and on the divine in reaching outward toward the horizon in search of fulfillment.
The Saint Mary's chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa has been designated Alpha Gamma Chi (AGQ). The Chair of the Department is the Chapter Representative. The goals of Theta Alpha Kappa are these:
- to further the study of Religion and Theology at the graduate and undergraduate levels
- to encourage excellence in research, learning, teaching and publication
- to foster the exchange of ideas among scholars
- to sponsor activities that bring students, teachers, and writers of Religious Studies and Theology together both intellectually and socially
The Society publishes The Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, which features articles authored by both professors and students.
Membership in Theta Alpha Kappa
The requirements for student membership into the AGQ chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa are as follows:
- completion of a minimum of 3 semesters at Saint Mary's
- completion of at least 12 credits (4 courses) in Religious Studies
- at least a B+ average in Religious Studies classes and a B average overall
- being in good standing as a Religious Studies major
- ranking in the upper 35% of the student's own class
New members pay a $25 initiation fee. Continuing members pay $20 annual dues to the National Society to maintain their active membership and receive a subscription to the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa.
The Helen M. Carroll Award will be presented at the annual Saint Mary's College Honors Convocation to that Religious Studies and Theology major or minor who has demonstrated:
- a high level of theological scholarship, particularly in upper-level Religious Studies and Theology courses
- qualities of leadership within the department
The recipient of the award will be chosen by the Religious Studies and Theology faculty.