Alpha Mu Gamma
National Foreign Language Honorary
BSU Beta Rho Chapter

Alpha Mu Gamma was established at Los Angeles City College on April 29, 1931, by five members of the foreign-language faculty who recognized the need for a society to honor achievement in all languages at an early stage in the student's career. The interest shown by the other colleges inspired an almost immediate expansion into a national organization. Within seven years chapters had been established in the Middle West, and by 1943 three campuses of the University of California had formed chapters.

In January, 1957, through the efforts of the eleventh National President, Sister Eloise- Therese of Sigma Chapter at Mount Saint Mary's College in Los Angeles, the week of February 16-22 was proclaimed as National Foreign Language Week by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Each succeeding President of the United States has contributed a message of endorsement of the Week. Soon the annual celebration of the week, accompanied by the nationwide distribution of posters and programs, both on college campuses and throughout the nation, led to an extremely rapid growth of the organization, especially in the East and the Middle West. By 1983 the number had reached 242 and the Society is adding an average of 3 or 4 new chapters each year.

The present Ball State University Beta Rho Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma was established at Ball State Teachers College on May 10, 1963.

The purposes of Alpha Mu Gamma are to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of foreign language study and to encourage interest in foreign languages, literatures and cultures among all Americans. In addition to the personal satisfaction associated with having achieved the honor, membership in a national honor society is also helpful when applying for a job or graduate school.

The Beta Rho Chapter at Ball State University meets at least once a semester, sponsors an annual Harvestfest, and provides tutoring to beginning language students in all language areas.

Alpha Mu Gamma FAQ

I haven't yet met the requirements. Can I still apply?

If you expect to have completed all the requirements by the end of the academic year and would like to become a member, you may apply now and become an honorary member.



What is an honorary member?

An honorary member is a person who has submitted an application and expects to become a full member at the induction ceremony held at the end of every academic year.



It is against my religion to become a member of a foreign language honorary. Can I still come to meetings and take part in activities?

Yes, activities and general meetings are always open to anyone wishing to attend or otherwise participate.



How can I find out about upcoming meetings and activities?

Send us an e-mail requesting to be placed on our e-main list. You will be informed whenever a new meeting or activity is scheduled. Our e-mail address is fluffy@alphamugamma.com.



I refuse to give you my e-mail address. How else can I keep myself informed?

Upcoming meetings and activities are always announced on our website. Go to www.alphamugamma.com.



Why do you schedule your meetings so early/so late/on such a day/in such a place? I want to come to meetings, but your scheduling is just crazy!

We try to schedule in such a way as to accommodate the largest number of people. Generally we alternate with two meetings on a Tuesday or Thursday and then the next two on a Monday or Wednesday. We have found that scheduling a time before or after 6 to 6:30 drastically reduces the number of people who show up. If our meetings constantly clash with your schedule, and you would really like to attend, please e-mail us to let us know, and we will at least try to keep your schedule in mind when we plan meetings.



If I can't make it to any meetings, can I still become a member?

No.



I have a serious complaint about your organization and its administration. Is there someone to whom I can address my grievances?

Contact Dr. Barnette in the department of modern languages. He is our current faculty advisor.