Lindenwood University students and faculty earned multiple honors at the Alpha Chi National Convention in Orlando, marking the most successful performance to date for the University’s Missouri Pi chapter.

Five Lindenwood students attended the national conference, with several receiving top awards and leadership appointments. These results signify a national spotlight on the success of Lindenwood’s programs.

  • Piper Colantone, a business administration major and member of the Honors Academy received the Gayle Webb White Prize in Business Management for her presentation, “How to Develop Archery to Make it Sustainable for the Future.”
  • Nemanja Medan, who graduated in December with University Honors, Lindenwood’s highest academic distinction, earned the top presentation prize in History for his research on Bosnia’s post-war journalism and diaspora identity.
  • Kadence Berry, a member of the Honors Academy who is majoring in political science with a pre-law emphasis, presented research on artificial intelligence in the classroom. She was elected by Region IV as a student representative to the Alpha Chi National Council and named an alternate for the national Nolle Scholarship.
  • Hellen Ball, an English and philosophy major and Honors Academy member who will be graduating with University Honors in May, was awarded the H. Y. Benedict Fellowship.
  • Graduate student Elaine Ragland presented original poetry research in the creative writing category.

“The Alpha Chi National Convention provided a wonderful platform to showcase my research and connect with a national network of scholars,” Berry said. “My election to the National Council is a direct result of the leadership and collaboration skills that I have cultivated in my time at the Lindenwood Honors Academy.

Lindenwood faculty were also recognized at the national level. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kathi Vosevich received a Certificate of Recognition and formal commendation from Alpha Chi leadership. These honors celebrate her long-standing service and impact, underscoring Lindenwood’s influence within the national honors community.

In addition, English Professor Dr. Justine Pas presented Lindenwood’s Power Skills initiative to attendees from across the country. The presentation showcased the University’s innovative approach to student development.

“The delegation had a great time learning about other research, networking with peers, hearing from keynote speakers and alumni, and enjoying the sunny weather,” Colantone said. “It was an incredible experience to share my research and passion for my sport.”

The success of Lindenwood students and faculty at the national convention shines a light on the work of the Honors Academy and Alpha Chi. By demonstrating development methods and showcasing students’ work, the University is standing out on the national stage.