Crime and Honor
The Criminal Justice Honor Society at Lynn
By Spencer Backman, Global News Editor
On March 14, 2024, at Elaine’s, Lynn students were honored in joining the Lynn University chapter of the Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Lynn Professor Dr. Sindee Kerker and her students majoring in Criminal Justice as part of the College of Arts and Sciences at Lynn started a new chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma which recognizes the hard work and performance of the high achieving students who major in criminal justice. Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honor Society, started in 1947 and has over five hundred fifty chapters across the United States with over one hundred thousand student members. In starting a new chapter at Lynn Kerker gives Lynn students and the Criminal Justice major new opportunities and possibilities for students and faculty.
“The reason why I took the initiative to restart the criminal justice honor society was so that students could wear the honor regalia at graduation and feel proud of their accomplishments,” said Kerker.
Darren Allen, the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences was excited for the new opportunities opened for members of Alpha Phi Sigma.
“The Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma is a meaningful way of bringing together many of our criminal justice students and recognizing their achievements. Membership allows students to connect with other high achieving colleagues in the 550 chapters nationwide, and also opens the door to the possibility of future scholarships/awards,” said Allen. “It can also directly impact future earnings. For example, students who successfully pursue a career with the federal government are eligible for a two level pay grade increase as a result of membership in Alpha Phi Sigma. We hope that new members feel the same sense of pride for themselves as we (their faculty) feel for their hard work and dedication.”
The guest speaker for the event was Juan Hernandez, who was wrongly convicted of murder and unjustly spent 25 years in prison before being exonerated spoke in front of a crowd of thirty-one inductees and 104 proud guests.
“This was one of the best events I have ever coordinated at Lynn University,” said Kerker. “Why? Because it was so unexpected and appreciated. It was pure joy. Seeing all the students smiling and proud of themselves and watching all the family/guests taking pictures while hooting was priceless.”
