ODU's Alpha Epsilon Delta Chapter Wins National Awards

The Old Dominion University chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), the national health pre-professional honor society, won three major awards, including one for being an Outstanding National Chapter, at the AED National Convention in Dallas March 6-8.

"We took center stage at the awards gala," said Ralph Stevens, ODU associate professor of biological sciences, who is the chapter adviser. Stevens attended the convention with eight chapter members.

In addition to the outstanding chapter award, AED at ODU won first place citations for attendance and activities in the Region III small chapter category.

Stevens said the chapter, which was established in 2003, is involved in numerous volunteer and fundraising activities each year and donates about $2,500 to local organizations involved in health care. Members serve as volunteers for the Ronald McDonald House, Norfolk Senior Center, the March of Dimes and various fundraising events.

Admission officers from health profession schools who attended the conference in Dallas were impressed by the ODU students they met, Stevens said. "They requested more applications from our students as well as invitations to visit our campus and speak directly to ODU students."

AED, which is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, promotes scholarship among students who intend to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health care fields.