Rockhurst University Launches New Physics Honor Society

“Wow.”

That was the reaction of Willie Rockward, Ph.D., president of the Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society and associate professor of physics at Morehouse College, to describe the newest members of that society, the 29 students and three faculty members from Rockhurst University’s chapter, which was chartered in a ceremony Oct. 2.

That number, Rockward said, might just be one of the largest groups ever initiated into the society at one time.

“I’ll have to confirm it with the national office, but this might just be a record,” he said.

With the launch, Sigma Pi Sigma at Rockhurst University, became the 570th chapter of the nearly century-old organization. The students present represented a range of different pathways within physics, from physics of medicine to engineering to those who will likely enter graduate school following their undergraduate work.

Rockward said the number of inductees reflects the strength of the physics programs here, as well as the excellence of the students.

“This is something to be proud of, because that’s what Sigma Pi Sigma is about — recognizing those who worked diligently to promote physics, in their intellect, their programs, and also through community outreach,” he said.

Nancy Donaldson, Ph.D., Rockhurst professor of physics who worked with Rockward to establish the chapter here, said the students and faculty were also united in their passion for exploring the forces that guide the universe and how to use that knowledge to help others.

“We love what we do, we love teaching you, we love the subject of physics,” she said. “We share with you the ‘physics curse,’ which is seeing physics in everything that we do.”

With a rich history and chapters across the world that count some high-profile physics alumni, from astronauts to tech business leaders, among their ranks, Rockward said Sigma Pi Sigma continues to grow and reach more and more college campuses than ever before and create a broader network of students and faculty with a passion for physics they spread to everyone.

“Physics is not for the elite,” he said.

Now, according to the chapter’s president, senior Adam Sova, the first inductees have to get to work to build their own chapter and traditions and jumpstart their outreach to campus and beyond.

“Today is just the beginning,” he said. “Throughout the year, we plan to have service opportunities, fundraising events and legacy events.”