McKendree University Student Rebecca Castillo Attends Sigma Zeta Convention

2013 Mar 26

Rebecca Castillo of Belleville, Ill., was one of six McKendree University students who participated in the national convention of Sigma Zeta science and mathematics honor society, held March 21 to 23 in Decatur, Ill. The university's Beta Chapter was awarded the 2013 Founder's Cup, given to the chapter that is the most active at both the local and national levels. It is the fifth time that McKendree's Beta Chapter has received the honor (previously in 1988, 2001, 2006 and 2009).

Students majoring in mathematics, computer science, or a natural science that maintain a 3.0 grade point average overall and within their discipline can become members of Sigma Zeta after completing 15 credit hours in these disciplines. Castillo is a junior majoring in biology. She presented a poster at the national convention.

McKendree's Beta Chapter is the oldest remaining active chapter of Sigma Zeta, which encompasses over 60 chapters stretching from Oregon to Texas to Boston. Dr. Michele Schutzenhofer, assistant professor of biology at McKendree University, is the current president of the Sigma Zeta National Society.