{{Short description|Honor society for collegiate student-athletes}} {{Infobox Fraternity | name = Chi Alpha Sigma | letters = {{lang|grc|ΧΑΣ}} | crest = Chi_Alpha_Sigma_crest.png | image_size = 160px | founded = {{Start date and age|May 17, 1996}} | birthplace = DePauw University | affiliation = Independent | status = Active | type = Honorary | emphasis = Athletics | scope = National | colors = {{color box|#FFC603}} Gold and {{color box|#000000}} Black | motto = "Excellence in Athletics and Academics" | publication = | chapters = 555 | lifetime = <!--add the approximate number of total initiates here; update annually.--> | address = PO Box 898 | city = River Falls | state = Wisconsin | ZIP code = 54022-0898 | country = United States | website = {{URL|https://www.chialphasigma.org/}} }}
'''Chi Alpha Sigma''' ('''{{lang|grc|ΧΑΣ}}'''), also known as the '''National College Athlete Honor Society''', is an honor society for collegiate student-athletes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=February 28, 1997 |title=Coach Nick Mourouzis Establishes First Student-Athlete Honor Society |url=https://www.depauw.edu/news-media/latest-news/details/13914/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=DePauw University |language=en}}</ref> Established in 1996, it was the first national society to honor four-year college scholar-athletes who excel in both the classroom and athletics.<ref name=SK /><ref name=":0" />
==History== Nick Mourouzis formed the National College Athlete Honor Society at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on May 17, 1996.<ref name="about">{{Cite web |title=About Chi Alpha Sigma {{!}} National College Athlete Honor Society |url=https://www.chialphasigma.org/about-chi-alpha-sigma |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Chi Alpha Sigma |language=en}}</ref><ref name="SK" /> Mourouzis was the head football coach and a professor of kinesiology at DePauw.<ref name="SK">{{Cite web |title=37 Student-Athletes Inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma |url=https://scarletknights.com/news/2018/10/17/general-37-student-athletes-inducted-into-chi-alpha-sigma.aspx |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Rutgers University Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref name="about" /> Although there were existing organizations that honored athletics for academic accomplishments, Mourouzis wanted student-athletes who lettered in their sport while also maintaining a high-grade point average.<ref name="SK" /> He worked on the legal aspects of such an organization during a sabbatical in 1995.<ref name=":0" />
Mourouzis envisioned an organization to honor student-athletes the way Phi Beta Kappa recognizes scholars.<ref name=":0" /> The Greek letters Chi Alpha Sigma were chosen to represent the honor society.<ref name=":0" /> He recruited coaches for the society's governing board that represent various levels of competition.<ref name=":0" /> The charter board included:<ref name=":0" /> {{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* Jona Braden, Butler University * Scott Duncan, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology * Mary English, DePauw University * John Friend, Purdue University-Calumet * David Huffman, University of Indianapolis * Elizabeth "Buzz" Kurpius, Indiana University * Nick Mourouzis, DePauw University * Joe Romine, Taylor University }}
The ''Alpha chapter'' was chartered at DePauw University.<ref name=":0" /> From there, the honor society expanded to other colleges and universities in Indiana.<ref name=":0" /> It then expanded across the United States.<ref name=":3" />
== Symbols == The honor society's colors are gold and black.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graduation Cords |url=https://www.chialphasigma.org/product-page/chi-alpha-sigma-graduation-cords |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Chi Alpha Sigma |language=en}}</ref> Its motto is "Excellence in Athletics and Academics."<ref name=":0" />
== Chapters == {{Main|List of Chi Alpha Sigma chapters}} Chi Alpha Sigma has chapters located across the United States.<ref name=":3" /> As of May 19, 2026, it has 555 active chapters.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Chapter Directory |url=https://www.chialphasigma.org/chapter-directory |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Chi Alpha Sigma |language=en}}</ref>
==Membership == Varsity athletes in all college sports are eligible to join Chi Alpha Sigma if a local chapter has been established on campus.<ref name=":0" /> Its membership requirements are an endorsement from their head coach as to their good moral character, standing as a junior or senior, and completion of four fulltime academic semesters with a minimum 3.5 GPA.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-03-17 |title=Shenandoah announces 139 student-athletes inducted to Chi Alpha Sigma |url=https://www.potomaclocal.com/2023/03/17/shenandoah-announces-139-student-athletes-inducted-to-chi-alpha-sigma/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Potomac Local News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="SK" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-04-06 |title=Scholars |url=https://northeasttimes.com/2023/04/06/scholars-123/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Northeast Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Notable members==
* Adam Presa, member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-12 |title=New England College Announces 2024 Chi Alpha Sigma Inductees |url=https://athletics.nec.edu/news/2024/4/12/general-new-england-college-announces-2024-chi-alpha-sigma-inductees.aspx |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=New England College |language=en}}</ref> * Jenna Rheault, professional hockey player
==See also==
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{official website|https://www.chialphasigma.org/}} {{authority control}}
Category:Honor societies Category:Student organizations established in 1996 Category:1996 establishments in Indiana Category:Student athlete awards in the United States