HISTORY OF ESG ARTICLE WEB SITE 7.28
The History of Eta Sigma Gamma
By Richard M. Eberst, National Historian
Past President
And
Brenda Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emeriti
The University of Texas at El Paso
A Brief History of Eta Sigma Gamma (Web Site)
Introduction:
Like many Honoraries, Eta Sigma Gamma, the National Health Education Honorary, was formed
with the purpose of combining the elements of an honor society, a social fraternity/sorority, and a
recognition society. (1:5). According to Georgetown University, rrecognition societies thank or
honor community members, friends and alumni who have assisted the university’s advance it
mission through fiscal or other support. Some societies honor donors to a specific program of the
university and others recognize supporters for their long-term or consecutive support. Member of
recognition societies gain many benefits including: member-only events and special university
communications (http://giving.georgetown.edu/celebrating.../societies). On the other hand, social
fraternities/sororities are fraternal social organizations most often designed for undergraduate
students usually seen in the United States. These are similar to European social organizations
that also usually known as “corporations.” The term "Greek letter organization" in the United
States is also usually considered the same as a "fraternity" and "sorority." (2:1).
Since its beginnings in 1967, the purposes of Eta Sigma Gamma have been to promote the
academic, research, advocacy, and teaching achievements of a wide range of health education
students and professionals and to offer its members opportunities to network and work together
on activities that improve the health of communities and advance the professional abilities of the
members (1:5). The long term goal is to assist students and professionals more effectively
function as exceptionally effective health education practitioners. Most of the members of the
Honorary are inducted during their pre-service university education in programs with a wide
range of health education emphases. Many others members joined as currently practicing
members of the health education discipline. At this time, Eta Sigma Gamma has well over 90
Collegiate Chapters as well as a national Chapter-At-Large for members not currently affiliated
with a Collegiate Chapter (4). In fact, the National Historian is included in this latter group.
In order to more fully relate the history of Eta Sigma Gamma to the Health Education discipline
this document will utilize the Transtheoretical Model, or the “Stages of Change” model as it is
often referred to in the literature, as the framework. This is a major theory of health education
that is typically used to facilitate and understand individual health behaviors. However, in this
case it is being used to assist the reader better understand the changes the Honorary has evolved
through since its conception in 1967. Additionally, most health educators are aware of, and
frequently use, this well-known model in their professional practice. The model also nicely
reflects the manner in which the Honorary actually developed.
The Transtheoretical Model was developed by James O. Prochaska (and his colleagues at the
University of Rhode Island beginning in 1977. The model is strongly based on the use of the
integration of several different theories of psychotherapy, hence the name "transtheoretical."
Prochaska and colleagues have continued to refine the model as can be seen by their many
published, peer-reviewed research articles and papers which they have published since 1977.
The Transtheoretical model is most well known for its four core constructs (4:13):
1.
2.
3.
4.
stages of change;
processes of change;
decisional balance;
self-efficacy;
For the purposes of this historical summary, only the “Stages of Change” concept will be used as
the organizing factor to describe the Founders behavior in building Eta Sigma Gamma. These
stages are (5:217):
Pre contemplation
This is a stage which represents the time period when there was no direct intention to develop an
Honorary for Health Education within the foreseeable future. At this stage, the Founders were
unaware or at least under-aware of their need to establish an Honorary.
Contemplation
This will be the stage in which the Founders became aware that there were some problems that
existed that were holding the health education discipline back and thus began seriously thinking
about overcoming these challenges but did not yet made a commitment to take the action
necessary to form an Honorary that would help advance the health education discipline.
Preparation
At this stage the Founders combined their intentions to address the challenges with actual actions
that would generate the founding of the Honorary. Here the Founders prepared to immediately
begin actions to form the Honorary which, for whatever reasons, they did not successfully take in
the past.
Action
This stage is where the Founders modified their behavior, experiences, or environment in order to
actually build the Honorary. Here, their actions actually involved overt behavioral changes and
actions that were required to build the Honorary.
Maintenance
In this stage the past, current and future members of the Honorary continue to diligently work to
insure there are no relapses in the preservation and further development of the Honorary. Here
they all worked to consolidate past gains and attained new and more advanced outcomes.
2
Thus, the history will follow these ordered categories along the so-called “continuum of
motivational readiness” to generate actions to build the Honorary.
The Pre-contemplation Stage of the Founding of Eta Sigma Gamma
As most members know, Eta Sigma Gamma was founded on the campus of Ball State University
in Muncie, Indiana, on August 14, 1967, when the three co-founders, Warren E. Schaller,
H.S.D., William Bock, Ph.D., and Robert J. Synovitz, H.S.D., filed articles of incorporation for
the Alpha chapter. These actions were preceded by many years during the pre-contemplation
stage. During this 1950’s two of the Founders, Dr. Warren Schaller and Dr. Robert Synovitz,
became members of two different professional Education-related honoraries (Kappa Delta Pi,
Education and Phi Epsilon Kappa, physical education). Both were students at the University of
Wisconsin at LaCrosse and greatly enjoyed the benefits afforded to them through their Honorary
memberships (6:9).
During the 1951-52 school year at the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse, Mr. Rudy
Schreiber, the National Executive Director of Phi Epsilon Kappa visited the University. As
a student member, Warren Schaller was fortunate to attend one of Mr. Schreiber’s open
sessions. During one these sessions Warren Schaller engaged Mr. Schreiber in a wideranging discussion regarding how health education students could benefit from the same
type of organization that was available for physical educators through Phi Epsilon Kappa. Warren
wanted health education students to have similar opportunities to advance their professional
growth and competence through an Honorary society. Mr. Schreiber stated that health
education needed its own academic autonomy and as it grew in strength, structure and
prominence an organization such as Phi Epsilon Kappa would also be able to meet these
needs for health educators. As Warren often related this story of this encounter to his
colleagues, Mr. Schreiber quickly followed this statement with the words "I expect to
hear from you." In that moment the basic genetics of what became Eta Sigma Gamma
were conceived (7:6).
Additionally, the young Warren Schaller and Robert Synovitz also found the concept of “…needing
its own academic autonomy” very important and greatly affected their future efforts.
They both began to believe that health education must have its own identity and any
Honorary or professional society for health education on American campuses should not be
affiliated with another discipline or profession but have an organization dedicated to its
own field. This then was the beginning of the initial gestation of Eta Sigma Gamma.
However this seed was stored away for many years since “life” often gets in the way of ideas.
Also, at this time they did not have any idea how to start an Honorary since they were just
undergraduate students and had not yet joined the profession. However, they did not forget their
positive experiences with their honoraries since they greatly benefitted from the learning and
professionalism that their honoraries provided them. These experiences were not lost but
remained deep in their memories (8).
Upon graduation, the two men went their separate ways but always kept in touch. Both men
continued to further their formal education but following different paths. Luckily, their paths
3
crossed again in the late 1950’s when they both decided attend Indiana University to seek their
doctorate degrees. During their time at Bloomington, these men further expanded their
professionalism and began to explore more advanced academic activities such as research,
teaching, advocacy and service. These comprised the linchpins of becoming higher education
faculty members (8).
Also, during this time there was the evolution of a major national movement to separate Health
Education from Physical Education. This movement also adopted a stronger focus on the
“science of health” as did other related disciplines such as psychology, physiology, cultural
anthropology, holistic health, disease prevention, learning and program assessment. It was
during these historical times that Warren and Robert finished their H.S.D. degrees and it was then
that they began to develop a common vision of what would eventually become the discipline of
Health Education (8).
These professionals were not alone in these efforts. Many other science and health professionals
were beginning to see the need for the development of new disciplines which could effetely assist
Americans reduce the impact of the infectious diseases that were ravaging the world. There were
many new scientific advances that were developed that not only successfully treated diseases, but
also effectively prevented the chances of getting a disease (e.g., vaccines). However, no matter
how effective these modalities were in laboratory settings, for them to really effective the
public’s health, it was absolutely necessary for the public to be informed about the value of these
modalities and to actually take actions to seek out and receive them. Thus, there was a major
emphasis on developing and applying public health education modalities which could effectively
get the modalities into the hands of all aspects of the public. For these innovations to be effective
almost all of the United States population needed to be educated as to how to understand, access,
and utilize these medical advances. Thus, the role of public and community health education
became pivotal (8).
Drs. Schaller and Synovitz were a very important part of this growth and development process
for the health education discipline. They also worked with many other health education in
advancing the discipline including outstanding leaders including: Dr. William Griffiths; Dr.
Malcolm Merrill; Dr. Dorothy Nyswander; Dr. Mayhew Derryberry; Dr. J. Keogh Rash; Dr. John
S. Sinacore; Dr. Wallace Ann Wesley; Dr. Frederick V. Hein; Dr. Howard S. Hoyman; Dr.
Delbert Oberteuffer; Dr. Elena M. Sliepcevich; Dr. Peter Cortese; Len Tritsch; Dr. Hester Beth
Bland; Dr. Edward B. Johns; Dr. William H. Creswell, Jr.; Dr. Scott Simonds; Dr. Robert
Russell and many other key leaders (8).
Together, these professionals expanded the underlying concepts and ideation of health education
to include more emphasis on disease prevention through the more effective educational
methodologies that were being developed and introduced. These advancements generated even
much more interest in building health education into its own discipline. At this time there was
also a great expansion of academic programs at American universities that were beginning to be
focused on early disease detection, disease treatment and disease prevention. As these concepts
developed it became clear to all these early leaders that there needed to be different academic
programs that had their foci on a combination of the “science” of education and the “science” of
health. Thus, the emerging term of the day became “health science” and eventually this term
came to a high level of prevalence. The use of the work “science” also was thought to add a
4
more serious sense of importance and prestige to the emerging discipline and moved it further
away from what had been a somewhat stifling environment of physical education. Many of these
concepts came out of Indiana University which began to grant the H.S.D. (Health and Safety) to
its doctoral health and safety majors. Indiana was of course not alone in this thinking but it was
important to Eta Sigma Gamma since both Dr. Schaller and Dr. Synovitz received their H.S.D.s
from Indiana University (8).
An example of this growing focus on health science, early in his career Dr. Schaller was engaged
in the formation of a new department at Ball State University. With much of his leadership, the
decision was to call the new department the “Physiology and Health Science” Department since
this placed the unit in the College of Science rather than Education and more closely associated it
with the existing “science” of physiology. In fact, in the late 1960’s the Department added a
Medical Education component that was directly affiliated with the School of Medicine at Indiana
University. This same thinking also affected other colleges such as Western Illinois, Central
Michigan, and the entire California State University System, etc. (8)
These same professionals also recognized the need for many more professional opportunities for
the new health education professionals to communicate and share research, ideas, teaching
methodologies and philosophies. This led to the development of new associations either
specifically focused on health education or at least the expansion of currently existing
associations and alliances which added a significant level of emphasis within their organizations
on health education (8).
Contemplation
It was during the late 1960’s that both Dr. Schaller and Dr. Synovitz found themselves as faculty
members at Ball State University’s Physiology and Health Science Department. They were also
fortunate to generate a close partnership with another leading health educator, Dr. William Bock
who was also their colleague in the Physiology and Health Science Department. As these three
professionals worked to expand their knowledge and expertise in Health Education, they often
attended national and regional health education conferences. As they attended these events and
saw the discipline of health education further advancing, Dr. Schaller and Dr. Synovitz recalled
their experience with their Honorary at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. As they
witnessed the advancing nature of health education it became clear to them that it would be
wonderful if the health education discipline also had an Honorary like those in other disciplines
such as Education. But, at this time the concept of a health education Honorary was merely a
nice idea that maybe someone across the country might eventually undertake at sometime in the
future. However, all of that changed as the three Founders were driving together to the American
College Health Association meeting in 1965 that was held in Washington, D.C. The original
planning meeting took place in the automobile during the drives from Muncie, Indiana to
Washington, D.C. and return to Muncie. Present in the car for these long drives were Dr.
Warren Schaller, Dr. Robert Synovitz, Dr. William Bock and a student, Michael Haro. In
many respects, the Founders included Mr. Haro as one of the “Founders” given his pivotal
contributions to the Honorary (10:9-12).
Preparation
It was during this trip that the three Founders began to combine their intention to advance the
professional training and standards of professional health educators and prepare to address the
5
challenges with their actual actions, to actually develop the Honorary. During their trip to and
from the ASHA conference they decided the time was right and if they did not begin to build an
Honorary no one else was going to. Thus, the time spent returning to Muncie was set aside to
develop a substantial plan to immediately begin the actions to form the Honorary. They were
thus able to over-come whatever past reasons they had not to build the new organization and
undertook preparation for behavior change. They also decided that the actual development of the
Honorary would be a wonderful opportunity for their current students at Ball State University to
engage in the development process also. Thus, upon their return to campus they began recruiting
students and other Ball State colleagues to work with them to actually build the Honorary
(10:11).
As part of the preparation process, they had many discussions and eventually developed a
steering committee of students and faculty and began to explore what would need to be the actual
actions that would be the necessary to build the structure and function of the Honorary. They
discovered that they would need articles of incorporation to meet the State of Indiana demands
for the formal incorporation of a non-profit organization. They discovered they would also need
to follow the stipulations that were imposed by Ball State University in order to develop and have
a new organization formally recognized on the campus. Additionally, they discovered they would
need the support of the Physiology and Health Science Department and that of the current Dean
of Sciences and Humanities. As they reviewed all of these requirements, they decided to conduct
some research related to how other Honorary organizations had been successful in the
development of their organizations. Thus, one of the initial tasks was to seek formal input from
several other Ball State University honoraries and to ask for permission to review their articles of
incorporation, constitutions, by-laws and other organizational documents. Fortunately, they were
able to solicit quite a lot of very helpful items and thus began the process of generating all the
needed documents for the new Honorary (10:11-12).
Action
The next stage is where the Founders modified their behavior, experiences and environment so as
to actually build the new Honorary. Here, their actions actually involved overt behavioral
changes and actions that were required to generate the outcomes they wished to generate.
This started with drafting of all the basic structural documents for the Honorary. This took much
time and dedication to develop but in the long-run these actions provided the underpinnings for
the national structure and operation of the organization as well as guidelines for the formation,
structure and operation of new collegiate chapters of Eta Sigma Gamma across the nation. Also
described in these structural documents are the most important purposes and objectives for the
organization as well as the ideals, values and standards which would be symbolized in regalia
items and established the policies and procedures for the new Honorary (1:5).
Eventually, the principal purpose of the Honorary was identified in these structural documents as
“to elevate the standards, ideals, competence and ethics of professionally trained men and women
in and for the Health Science discipline.” These objectives also clarified that this purpose was to
be achieved by (6:9):
•
Stimulating scientific research;
•
Facilitating communication (advocacy) and discussion between individuals, agencies, and
governmental jurisdictions through the change of practices and philosophies;
6
•
•
•
•
Motivating service and academic achievement;
Recognizing service and academic achievement;
Developing methods, materials and programs; and
Raising professional standards and ethics.
It was also necessary that a name for the Honorary needed to be developed. The Founders had
been members of several Greek organizations and honoraries during their college careers and it
had become a tradition that Honorary societies, like Phi Beta Kappa, used Greek letters as their
names. Since the emergence of the term “Health Science” had gained great appreciation, the
Founders decided to use this term to name the new Honorary. Also, many colleges with health
science programs were using variations of the letters HSC as prefixes for their academic courses.
Thus, it was decided to use the Greek letters for HSC as the Greek name of the Honorary. The
Greek letter for “H” is Eta. The Greek letter for “S” is Sigma and the Greek letter for “C” is
Gamma. Thus, the name became “Eta Sigma Gamma” (7:7)
Note: Eventually, in the early 1990’s the name of the Honorary was
changed to the “National Health Education Honorary” but the Greek letters
of ESG were maintained to respect the past and the evolutionary aspects of
the Honorary. This name change was conceived as the Honorary’s journal,
The Gamman became much more sophisticated under the leadership of Dr.
Denise Amschler the Editor during this period. As the “Gamman” became a
much more sophisticated and peer-reviewed journal, the decision was to
change it’s to “The Health Educator” and likewise the Honorary was to
become “The National Health Education Honorary.” These decisions were
pivotal in the further advancements of the Honorary as its publications,
services and number of collegiate chapters grew.
During this action stage, the Founders felt the symbolism of Eta Sigma Gamma's ideals should
also be clearly represented in the formal regalia of the organization. Initially, the Eta Sigma
Gamma insignia was developed. This became a tridimensional design which represented the
three main foci of the Honorary: Teaching; Research, and Service (Advocacy). Also, most other
honoraries had an official flower and thus the Founders selected the Trillium which has three
characteristic petals were selected to clearly reflect these three actions the Honorary supports. To
further represent these three ideals, the Founders decided to use a microscope to represent
“research,” an open book to represent “teaching” and two open hands to represent “service.”
Additionally, the Founders felt the need to add a major focus on “education” and thus they
decided to add the “Lamp of Learning” as an integral part of the insignia.
The symbolism of the lamp of learning comes from ancient Greece. Diogenes, a Greek
philosopher, used to carry a lamp around during daylight. He often proclaimed he was searching
for an honest man. Since then the image of the lamp has come to represent the search for
knowledge. Eventually, the Lamp of Learning became the guiding light of all scientific inquiry
in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. Thus, the Founders saw the lamp of learning as ideal
in representing the Honorary’s emphasis on teaching and learning. These insignias also became
integral parts of all the installation/initiation ceremonies since they clearly represent the unifying
elements of the Honorary’s ideals (13:25)
7
Emmet Sponsel of the Ball State University Publications Department created the design for the
insignia after Dr. Schaller discussed the conceptual aspects of Eta Sigma Gamma with him. The
Honorary flower, the trillium, was found in Christy Woods on the campus of Ball State
University by a group of student members of the Eta Sigma Gamma steering committee. The first
lamp of learning was found by Dr. and Mrs. Schaller on one of their travels and Dr. Synovitz
actually hand stitched the insignia on the first table drape that was first used in all installation and
initiation ceremonies (1:5).
The Founders also utilized the tradition of other Greek organizations in that each chapter of the
Honorary would carry a Greek alphabet letter starting with Alpha and ending with Omega. After
Omega, chapters would be named the “Alpha Alpha” chapter continue to follow the Greek
alphabet using multiple Greek letters ascending in alphabetic order.
The next action was to actually test the new structural documents and the conceptual
underpinnings of Eta Sigma Gamma by establishing the Alpha chapter at Ball State University.
This action established the very first chapter with the initiation of thirty members in the Eta
Sigma Gamma chapter. These actions were taken on May 12, 1968 in the Pitman Center on the
campus of Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana (6:9).
The significance of establishment of the Alpha Chapter was demonstrated by the presence and
comments of many distinguished health education leaders who were present during the
installation/initiation ceremony. In fact, Dr. Richard W. Burkhardt, the Vice-President for
Instructional Affairs at Ball State University, was one of the major speakers. His remarks clearly
focused on the value of honoraries within the academic community that not only promoted the
professionalism of individuals but also the discipline as a whole (1:6).
Additionally, Dr. C. Harold Veenker, the Chairman of the Health Education Department at
Purdue University strongly commended Dr. Schaller, Dr. Synovitz, Dr. Bock and all the students,
staff and faculty for the vision to form Eta Sigma Gamma. Prophetically, he foresaw that the
organization would greatly contribute to the on-going growth and development of the health
education discipline into the future. Another speaker was Dr. Elizabeth A. Neilson the current
President of the American School Health Association. She stated with exaltation that with the
formation of Eta Sigma Gamma would greatly advance the level of academic excellence within
healthy education (1:6).
In 1967 the decision was made to officially submit the Articles of Incorporation for the “Alpha
Chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma” as compared to submission as a "national” organization. These
articles identified the Officers of the Alpha Chapter as President, Dr. Schaller and as National
Vice-President, Dr. Synovitz. Later in 1967, Dr. Charles R. Carroll, Ph.D., a faculty member in
the Department of Physiology and Health Science at Ball State University, was appointed to the
position of National Historian-Editor. In 1968, Dr. Bock became the Secretary-Treasurer.
National President Schaller and National Vice-President Synovitz have continued to serve in
those respective offices since the early organizational period (1:6).
In 1976, an Amended Articles of Incorporation were filed in Delaware County that changed the
name of the Honorary to "Eta Sigma Gamma, Inc." The purposes of this new organization were
almost identical similar to the original documents except the emphasis was placed on being a
8
National Honorary rather than just the "local Alpha chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma.” Thus, the
national Honorary was formally established. The National Board of Directors and Officers were:
Dr. Warren E. Schaller, President; Dr. Robert J. Synovitz, Vice-President; Dr. Herbert L. Jones,
Secretary-Treasurer; and Dr. Charles Carroll, Historian-Editor. All of the members of the Board
of Directors were located at Ball State University except for the Vice-President, Dr. Robert J.
Synovitz, who had left Ball State to join the Health Science faculty at Western Illinois University
in Macomb, Illinois (8).
Continued and On-Going Action:
For the next ten years, the focus of the Honorary was to expand the number of Chapters, gain
more membership and more fully integrate the Honorary into the Health Education discipline.
Several receptions and meetings were held at national conferences where health educators
attended where the mission, goals and objectives could be shared with a wide range of potential
members. Also, in 1969 the Gamman was introduced and it was decided that two issues of this
newsletter would be published each year. The first National Editor was Dr. Charles Carroll, one
of the first members of the Alpha chapter (10:78).
By the end of 1970 six new chapters were installed and the first Eta Sigma Gamma recruitment
materials were generated. In during 1971 to 1972 two additional chapters were installed. The
Board of Directors thought that there was not a sufficient mass of members and chapters that it
was time to bring chapter representatives together so as to improve over-all communication and
to further outline the growth of the organization. Thus, the Board developed the “Council of
Delegates” which was a group of individuals representing each of the chapters across the
Country. Addition, a decision was made to start holding Annual Meetings for the membership to
dialog and exchanged thoughts, ideas and experiences. The first annual meeting of the Council
of Delegates was held in San Diego in 1972 and the first Annual Meeting was held Chicago in
1973 (1:6).
During this time the Board also developed several national committees. The plan was that
selected representatives of the collegiate chapters would be appointed to serve on these national
committees, chairpersons would be elected and in turn these leaders would make formal reports
of the committees’ activities to the Council of Delegates. Since 1973, the Annual Meeting has
been held at the American School Health Association's national meetings in October of each year.
The Honorary also began sponsoring other scientific meetings as well as socials in addition to the
Council of Delegates meetings (1:6).
The goal of the Council of Delegates was to have a formal body of the membership that could
develop and offer input regarding the management, administration, future actions and policies to
the Board of Directors and National Executive Committee.
Also during 1973, John P. McGovern, M.D., Director of the McGovern Allergy Clinic, Houston,
Texas, was elected to National Honorary Membership for his outstanding contributions to the
field of health education and particularly Eta Sigma Gamma. He was the first National Honorary
Member and was presented his citation during the Annual Meeting in Chicago (10:67).
9
During this time the entire Health Education discipline was exploring ways to better
communicate among all of its professionals, universities and organizations. One issue that was
needed to further this goal was to establish a complete inventory of all the higher education
institutions offering majors or minor degrees in Health Education. In response to this need, the
leadership of Eta Sigma Gamma decided to generate the first ever "A National Directory of
College and University Health Education Programs and Faculties" in 1973. The Directory not
only provided a list of all academic programs in health education across the national, but also
listed all the degrees or minors offered by these programs. Additionally, the number and type of
degrees were included in the Directory as well as the names, degrees, specializations, research
interests and addresses of the programs’ faculty members. This first Directory was funded by Dr.
John P. McGovern, M.D., Director of the McGovern Allergy Clinic in Houston, Texas and since
this time there have been 16 revised volumes of the Directory. Also, this marked the first time a
major financial contribution was made to the Honorary. The McGovern Foundation has been one
of the longest serving benefactors of the Honorary and has allowed Eta Sigma Gamma to
generate many new initiatives, awards, fellowships and publications (1:6).
Over the next academic year (1973-1974) most of the major structural documents of the
Honorary were also revised, edited and up-dates to meet emerging needs and actions. Also,
there were some major new awards that were generated including the National and Chapter
Honor Award and the National and Chapter Distinguished Service Award. In 1973, the first
National Honor Award was presented to Dr. John P. McGovern (1:6).
Also, during 1973 the active membership had increased to nearly 400 and ten additional chapters
were granted charters that year and in 1974 eight additional chapters were installed. In 1975 Dr.
Herbert Jones, H.S.D. was appointed National Secretary-Treasurer when Dr. Bock resigned from
that office and the third edition of "The National Directory of Health Educators" was also
published (1:7).
In 1975, as the Honorary advanced, the decision was made to address one of the goals of the
organization to honor individual members and chapters for out-standing contributions. Thus,
during this year the National Gamman of the Year Award (for the most outstanding
undergraduate student member who most effectively demonstrated the ideals of Eta Sigma
Gamma) was presented to Sharon Monday from the Tau Chapter followed by Barbara Manoff
from the Pi Chapter in 1977 and Kathy Lelm, also from the Pi Chapter, 1977 (17).
Also, in 1976 nominations for the National Chapter of the Year Award (for the most outstanding
Local Chapter that generated exemplary efforts in teaching, service, and/or research) were
solicited and presented. The Pi Chapter at Western Illinois was the first to win this award and
they were also so recognized with this same award in 1977. The following year, 1978, the Eta
Chapter at Central Michigan University was recognized with this award. The Eta Chapter has
won this award more than any other chapter, 17 times, even after a variety of categories, based
upon size, were instituted (10:85-86).
In 1974 three Honor Awards were presented to Keogh Rash (Deceased), John Sinacore and
Wallace Ann Wesley. The following year, 1975, the Honor Award was presented to Fred Hein,
Howard Hoyman, (Deceased) and Delbert Oberteuffer (Deceased) and in 1976 two Honor
Awards were presented to Elena Sliepcevich and Tritsch. In 1975 the first Distinguished Service
10
Award was presented. The very first winner was Delbert Oberteuffer (Deceased) followed by
William Bock in 1975, Warren Schaller in 1977 (Deceased) and Charles Carroll in 1977 (17).
The size of the Honorary continued to grow and active members increased from 800 to nearly
1,500 1976. In 1977 the total grew to over 1,770. In 1976 another eight chapters were installed
and seven more were installed the next year, 1977. Also, since 1977 was the tenth anniversary
of Eta Sigma Gamma, a special tenth anniversary pin ("ESG-X”) was provided to all members.
Also, the Honorary had a special celebration booth at its annual meeting with ASHA providing
many wonderful historical items for members to view (1:7).
During this time, after many years of exemplary service, Dr. Charles Carroll resigned the
National Historian- Editor's office and for his past efforts he was awarded the new National
Distinguished Service Award and was the first time this award was presented to a member who
was neither a founder nor deceased. Denise H. Amschler, Ph.D., a faculty member at Ball State
University, agreed to serve as the new National Editor and under her direction the fifth edition of
"The National Directory of Health Educators" was published (1:7).
In an effort to allow for Eta Sigma Members who were no longer directly connected or near a
local chapter, or for Health Education professionals who had not had the opportunity to join a
local chapter, in 1978 the Board developed the new Chapter-At-Large. Later this same year the
Board decided to add a new position to the Board of Directors to represent the Members-ALarge. This position was named the “Representative from the Chapter-At-Large” and Richard M.
Eberst, Ph.D. (Alpha and Alpha Theta Chapters), was the first member to be appointed to his
position (11:12).
In 1978, under the leadership of Dr. Denise Amschler, The Eta Sigma Gamman was afforded an
entirely new cover and a greatly improved professional format and appearance. Additionally, the
number of active members receiving the publication was 1,485 (1:7).
In 1979 there were many important additions to the Honorary. These included (1:7):
•
The first awarding of the “National John P. McGovern, M.D., Scholarship Award” for the
most outstanding graduate student in health education which is now an annual award;
•
The start of offering local chapters “Project Grant Awards” to support chapters engage in
specific teaching, service, and/or research activities;
•
The sponsorship of an Eta Sigma Gamma professional program at the AAHE Health
Education convention;
•
The third annual issue of The Eta Sigma Gamman;
•
And the publication of the sixth edition of “The National Directory of Health Educators;”
During the beginning of the 1980's, there were now nearly 60 active Collegiate Chapters and this
generated a total active membership of over 2,000. Even more importantly, Eta Sigma Gamma
became much more engaged in the national efforts to advance the health education discipline.
During this time, Eta Sigma Gamma was granted membership on many national initiatives and
movements. These events more fully demonstrated that the initial actions of the Honorary were
being recognized and the organization was being viewed as a significant “player” at the national
level (1:7).
11
Other advancements for the Honorary occurring in the early 1980's included (1:7):
•
Publication of the third annual issue of The Eta Sigma Gamman (1980, 1981);
•
The on-going sponsorship of Honorary programs at the AAHE conventions;
•
For the first time, the Chapter Annual Reports were published;
•
Eta Sigma Gamma gained formal representation on the Coalition of National Health
Education Organizations, which still continues today;
•
The publication a new document titled “Selected Sources of Instructional Materials: a
National Directory of Sources of Instructional Materials in Health Education;”
•
The publication of the seventh edition of "The National Directory of Health Educators;"
•
The formal development of specific policy and procedures for the editorial review of
articles for The Eta Sigma Gamman;
•
Participation and co-sponsorship of the National Conference for Institutions Preparing
Health Educators;
•
Partnership with the publication of the Research Council Scientific Forum Abstracts with
ASHA;
•
Formal representation on the National School Health Education Coalition;
•
The establishment of the “National Distinguished Writer Award” for both non-student or
student members;
•
And the first publication of the Eta Sigma Gamma MONOGRAPH SERIES;
•
The addition of two At-Large Members on the National Board of Directors;
•
The complete separation of the National Historian- Editor office to two individual offices;
•
The appointment of Loren B. Bensley, Jr., Ed. D. as the first National Historian.
During this extensive “action” phase, the Honorary established a very strong structure which
effectively engaged the active participation of local chapters, at-large-members, local chapters
and regular members in the over-all direction and leadership of the entire organization. These
huge steps forward generated not only the increase in the quality and quantity of activities and
publications, but also the over-all potential of the organization to be strong enough to be fully
integrated into the entire health education discipline. Eta Sigma Gamma was now a major player
in the national health education discipline and was in fact being recognized and engaged globally
(19).
Maintenance
In this stage the leadership and members of the Honorary continued to diligently work to insure
there are no relapses in the preservation and further development of the Honorary. Here these
professionals worked together to more fully consolidate past gains and attained new and more
advanced outcomes.
In 1987, during the twentieth anniversary year, Dr. Warren E. Schaller, National President and
Co-Founder of the Honorary, passed away. This ended twenty years of his outstanding
leadership of the Honorary. His commitment to the Honorary has never been surpassed and in
honor and recognition of Dr. Schaller's influence, the "Warren E. Schaller Presidential
Citation” award is now presented annually by the president of the Honorary to the most
distinguished contributor and/or scholar in health education. In 1988, the first two
individuals to be recognized with the Schaller Presidential Citation were Donald
Boydston (Deceased) and Herb Jones, the long-time Secretary-Treasurer of the Honorary. In
addition, the e n t i r e 1988 annual meeting was devoted to recognizing Dr. Schaller's
12
contributions to the Honorary and the profession. These events also offered the Honorary the
opportunity to more fully begin the long-term maintenance of the organization (11:4).
Due to the death of Dr. Schaller, Dr. Robert Synovitz, another co-founder and then national
vice president, became the second president of the Honorary. Assisting President Synovitz
was Dr. Herb Jones as the National Secretary-Treasurer who also greatly assisted
President Schaller with administration of the Honorary during his long illness (11:3).
Later in 1989, the first national election was held and on September 1, 1989, Dr. Richard
Eberst from the Alpha Theta Chapter (Adelphi University) became the first nationally elected
president. Shortly after this election Dr. Herb Jones resigned as the National Secretary-Treasurer
and Dr. James McKenzie assumed this very important position. Given that this was the first time
the National President was not located at the National Office in Muncie, Indiana, it became very
important that there was at least one major officer located in the National Office. Dr. McKenzie
was one of the most important leaders in moving the Honorary into the “maintenance” phase of
development and he is greatly responsible for the long-term health of the Honorary (11:10).
Also, during 1989, a $208,000 grant was awarded to the National Office for the development
of education materials for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse on college campuses. This
effort was to become known as "Project Direction" and was directed by Dr. Gordon Lindsay
of the Alpha Chapter at Ball State University. Several outstanding national leaders in
substance abuse were employed to develop the materials. It was also during this year that Eta
Sigma Gamma employed its first staff person. This was a major m a i n t e n a n c e step forward
for the Honorary, making it more and more independent from Ball State University's
Department of Physiology and Health Science, where it had been supported for its first
twenty-two years. Also during this time period, National Honor Awards were presented to Lloyd
Kolbe (1989), C. Everett Koop, the Surgeon General of the United States (1990) and Marion
Hamburg (1990). Dr. Hamburg had served as national president of four of the major health
education organizations. Distinguished Service Awards were also presented to Judy Drolet
(1989), Carl J. Peter (1989), Steve Bohnenblust (1989), Kathy Doyle (1990) and James F.
McKenzie (1990). Gamman of the Year Awards went to Joyce Fetro, Alpha Alpha (1987),
Kathlyne Mueller, Eta (1990), Sheila Patterson, Alpha Alpha (1990) and Dawn Balis, Eta (1991).
Chapter of the Year Awards went to Eta, Central Michigan (1989), Chi, University of Utah
(1990) and to Eta, Central Michigan, again (1991) (11:10).
During the academic year of 1991-92, the Honorary recognized its twenty-fifth anniversary.
In celebration of this event the Honorary sponsored a special meeting in conjunction with the
annual meeting of the AAHE in Indianapolis, Indiana. Two hundred Gammas, representing
m a n y chapters, were present. It was also in 1 992 that the Eta Sigma Gamma Historical
Library was established for the preservation of historical books, documents and audio and
video tapes. During this silver anniversary year, Amy Bernard, a graduate student at Ohio
State University became the first student representative elected to the National Board of
Directors Committee. She also served as the editor of "The Vision", the national newsletter
which was published for the first time in the Spring of 1993. The silver anniversary year also
found the title of the official journal of the Honorary, The Eta Sigma Gamman, changed to The
Health Educator: Journal of Eta Sigma Gamma. The first issue was also the last issue for Dr.
Denise Amschler, who served as its editor for fifteen years. President Eberst, in his 1992-93
13
annual report paid a very special tribute to Dr. Amschler, when he stated "She effectively
elevated The Health Educator from a small, photocopied newsletter to a high quality, peerreviewed publication, which is significantly respected within the health education
discipline. " (11:10)
On September 1, 1993, Dr. Steve Dorman from the Alpha Lambda Chapter at the University of
Florida became the fourth National President and the second nationally elected President. This
concluded the presidency of Dr. Eberst who, along with Dr. Synovitz, served the Honorary with
distinction during the transition period following the death of Dr. Schaller. By this time the
Honorary had grown to 82 chapters. President Dorman brought to the office of the presidency a
strong commitment to students and chapters. The concept of “chapter development” was
advanced by President Dorman and resulted in the appointment of a Director of Chapter
Development to fulfill these challenges. These efforts were also instrumental in increasing the
number of student members attending national meetings. This was partially due to the
establishment of chapter grants to assist Gammans with travel to professional conferences.
Another important innovation by President Dorman occurred in 1993 and was the first regional
conference for Eta Sigma Gamma was held in Muncie, Indiana. This was attended by
representatives of seven chapters from Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The success of the
conference served as a model for future regional meetings (11:10).
In 1995, Kelli McCormack-Brown became the fifth president, the third nationally elected
president and the first woman to serve in this capacity. During her term of office, Dr.
McCormack-Brown continued the example of President Dorman by f o c u s i n g o n
serving Gammans at the chapter level. Her high level of enthusiasm served as a stimulus
for chapter involvement. President McCormack Brown also established a long range
planning process that gave direction to the Honorary as it entered the next century (11:11).
During this time National Honor Awards were presented to Helen Cleary (1995), Loren
Bensley, Jr. (1995), the American Lung Association (1996) and R. Morgan Pigg, Jr. (1997).
Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Becky Smith from AAHE (1995), Warren
McNab (1996), Diane D. Allensworth (CDC and ASHA) (1997) and William B. Cissell (1997).
Chapter of the Year recognitions went to Beta Nu, Eastern Illinois University (Small Chapter
1995), Eta, Central Michigan University (Large Chapter 1995), Omega, Illinois State University
(Small Chapter1996), and to Eta, Central Michigan University (Large Chapter1996). Presidential
Citations were presented to the American School Health Association (1996) and Linda Moore
from AAHE (1997). Additionally, McGovern Scholarships were awarded to Jeffrey Hallam,
Alpha Psi (1995) and Nancy Koontz, Alpha Alpha (1996) (17).
In 1997 Eta Sigma Gamma completed its first three decades of existence. Eta Sigma
Gamma ha d grow n grew from a mere concept into a highly respected, professional
organization of 3,400 members, representing 88 chapters across the nation. Its
publications also grew from a mimeographed newsletter, to a high quality professional
journal, a new monograph series, a frequently published and up-dates national directory of
college and university health education programs and faculties and a very high quality
newsletter. Eta Sigma Gamma successfully served as a professional Honorary that
effectively assisted local chapters in projects grants, funding for professional meeting
attendance and financial awards and recognitions to local chapters for accomplishments
14
in teaching, research, a n d service. It also established a reputation among other health
education organizations, government agencies, the healthcare industry and scholars as an
organization which serves students as well as the health education profession with high
ethical standards, scholarship, vision, research and dignity (11:14). These were all dreams
of the original founders (19).
During the first three decades the Board was also expanded to become more representative of the
demographics of the membership. As mentioned earlier, Dr. Kelli McCormack-Brown the first
female president (1991-1993) and since its inception nine out of the first 15 presidents have been
women. During President McCormack-Brown’s presidency the very first five year strategic plan
was developed and implemented. The final plan outlined a number of important strategic areas
for future advancement and provided clear direction and guidance for the organization as it
moved towards a much more purposeful direction. The goals and objectives of the strategic plan
provided a framework for subsequent organizational activities for growth, development, and
leadership (18).
In 1997 Eta Sigma Gamma celebrated its 40th anniversary. As part of this anniversary it seemed
very proper to have one of our leaders look back and summarize what advances had occurred
since the thirtieth anniversary with a summary of what how the national office evolved. This part
of our history comes from an article written by the esteemed former Editor of the Eta Sigma
Gamma Monographic Series, Dr. Mohammad Torabi. As part of the 30th anniversary issue of
The Health Educator (Torabi, 1997) shared his observations of what major issues transpired
during what is here referred to as the “Maintenance” times (14:77-78).
He shared that our observations show that the overall progress in all aspects of human lives
has been accelerated exponentially as we entered the 21st century in more ways than at any other
previous millennia. Below area paraphrased some comments Dr. Torabi shared
regarding his assessment of the historic progress of the Honorary and then he added
some additional comments regarding his vision for what he saw as the future of the
Honorary.
•
•
•
•
•
•
The membership has remained increasingly loyal to the organization and continues to
support its mission and values;
The Honorary continued to effectively recruit and elect energetic, visionary and dedicated
leaders;
The Health Educator along with The Health Education Monograph Series consistently
published and earned the exceptional respect of the membership and other colleagues in the
field;
While the organization has maintained ties with its traditional partners like the American
School Health Association and the American Association for Health Education, it branched
out with other professional organizations such as the Society for Public Health
Education;
Eta Sigma Gamma was greatly involved at the national arena as an equal partner at the table
with other national organizations at every level, including research, scholarship,
teaching and advocacy;
The Constitution and Bylaws were updated and became in line with other comparable
national organizations;
15
•
•
•
•
The Health Education Monograph Series had external sponsors for additional
publications like the one focused on HIV/AIDS in the Rural Community.
Consequently, the membership has received additional special issues without any additional
charge for the past years.
The Health Education Monograph Series continued publishing on special cutting edge
issues like the foundation and philosophy of health education/behavior, advocacy,
minority health, nutrition, mentoring, women’s health, aging, social marketing, and
AIDS/STD prevention and many other topics of special interest in the field.
The annual publication of the Student Issue of The Health Education Monograph
Series was continuously published and the quality of students’ articles, both at the
graduate and undergraduate levels, steadily enhanced.
With strong leadership and commitment of the Editors of The Health Educator, the content
and quality of articles greatly improved.
These comments and recommendations have played a very large part in the further development
of the Honorary over the last 17 years.
During Dr. Susan Ward’s presidency (1999-2001) she led the organization to participate in the
planning of the new National Coalition of Professional Health Education Organization. And,
under the leadership of Dr. Malcolm Goldsmith (2001-2003), Eta Sigma Gamma was a
participant in the “Progress Report – The Health Education Profession in the 21st Century.” This
effort led to Dr. Kathleen Conley’s (2003-2005) presidency in which Eta Sigma Gamma
increased its role in the National Coalition of Health Education Organizations. Dr. Conley also
was responsible for the promotion the professional standards of ethics of all Gammans and her
influence is still being felt to this data as the Honorary is developing “Standards of Conduct” and
a “Disciplinary Policy and Procedures Manual.” During this time the Honorary also continued to
expand its collaboration with other professional organizations. For example, in 2007, Eta Sigma
Gamma joined with the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) for its annual meeting and
to celebrate the 40th Honorary’s anniversary (9:47).
During this period, Honor Awards were presented to Bill Cosgrove (2000), Robert Synovitz
(2001), Indiana University, Department of Applied Health Science (2002), Mohammad Torabi
(2003), Bob Gold (2004), the American Cancer Society (2005) and Mal Goldsmith (2005).
Distinguished Service Awards recognized the contribution of James Crowe (2000), Kelli
McCormack Brown (2000), Carolyn Cox (2001), Judith Luebke (2001), Beverly Mahoney
(2002), Susan Ward (2003), Roberta Ogletree (2003), Elaine Auld (SOPHE 2003), Marlene
Tappe (2004), Jodi Brookins-Fisher (2005) and Mark Temple (2005). Gamman of the Year
Awards recognized the contributions of Rebecca Brent, Gamma Mu (2000), Melissa Seifert,
Gamma Rho (2001), Carrie Stephen, Alpha (2002), Jamie Picken, Eta (2003), Carla Palazzi, Eta
(2004), Elizabeth Reynolds, Eta (2005) and Emily Forsyth, Gamma Rho (2006) (17).
In 2007, ESG celebrated its 40th Anniversary in Alexandria, Virginia at its annual conference in
partnership with the 2007 SOPHE annual meeting. The Eta Sigma Gamma Annual Meeting
included the presentation of awards, student poster sessions, panel presentation and a social event
for the 40th anniversary celebration. The panel presentation included a DVD presentation of
interviews with individuals involved in the founding of the organization followed by a panel
discussion. The panel included Dr. Rick Eberst (past president), Dr. Brenda Smith (historian –
16
author), and Dr. Jodi Brookins-Fisher (faculty advisor), Dr. Amy Thompson (chapter president)
and Colin Dean (student chapter president). The social event included a genealogy tree of
Gammans, a timeline of events and a lovely presentation by President-elect, Kelly Alley (20072009). ESG also established its first Face Book page which was organized and developed by Dr.
Jeffrey Clark, Secretary-Treasurer.
For this 40th anniversary celebration, Dr. Torabi was again asked to summarize his views as to the
specific progress that took place during the previous ten years. This summary appeared in The
Health Educator, Fall 2007, Vol. 39, No. 2 (The 40th Anniversary Issue). In this article Dr.
Torabi made the following observations directly related to the advancement of National Office
(14:77-78):
National Headquarters: While a website was up and running and state-of-the-art technology to
some extent has been utilized, still there was still the need for a full-time Executive Director and some
other full-time staff to run the nat ional office. In fairness, the Department of Physiology and
Health Science at Ball State University has been most courteous and supportive of Eta Sigma
Gamma but there will soon come a time for this to end so the Honorary can be fully self-supporting.
Membership retention: Seeking 100% membership retention has remained the most
discussed item at the National Board of Directors meeting since the initial founding of the
Honorary. This is a very challenging and expensive goal that has been very difficult to achieve
considering the very limited staff and resources. Membership retention should continue to be the
top priority for Eta Sigma Gamma.
Internationalization: While it is essential for Eta Sigma Gamma to aggressively get involved at
the international arena, it is only a dream at this time due to constraints of resources. But, the
reality is that the world is becoming a global village and Eta Sigma Gamma should and will become
more involved in this trend.
Placement services: Eta Sigma Gamma is a student organization and, therefore, has
enormous potential for providing leadership in centralizing placement services for its members.
S uch a service could be achieved through various electronic technologies as well as
traditional means of employment placement (Torabi, 1997). Some progress has been made in this
regard but this idea should be implemented to the extent that is possible and feasible.
The Editorial Office: With regard to the dream of having a full- time professional staff member such
as a Managing Editor, at this time it remains a future dream due to budgetary constraints.
Revenue: With regard to diversifying the means of revenue generation, some progress has been
made. The leadership of our organization has worked hard to diversify the source of revenue but
this trend needs to be further focused on.
Eta Sigma Gamma Foundation: While the establishment of a Foundation has been discussed in
some of the Board meetings, at this time it did not seem to be a feasible initiative for an organization
of our size. However, there should be a stronger focus on planned giving.
17
Strong ties to other national organizations: There has been serious progress made in this arena
due to the deliberate hard work of the leadership of Eta Sigma Gamma. At this time, Eta Sigma
Gamma was in serious negotiations with the Society of Public Health Education to have a more
complex level of partnership.
National and Regional Conferences and Speakers Bureau: At that time, this idea had been
deferred due to financial constraints and the size of the organization until there is a much stronger
financial base. This might also be a topic for a membership survey relative to these ideas.
National representation: The Board of Directors had successfully made a deliberate effort
that its composition reflects the geographic and cultural diversity of its members from all over
the nation. Substantial progress was been made but there is still a long way to proceed.
Inclusion of the Schools of Public Health: Due to various competing organizations, it was
difficult to more fully integrate students and professionals from School of Public Health into the
Honorary. As the professional organizations are still evolving, there is a much stronger
opportunity the Schools of Public Health to apply for creation of local chapters in their
respective schools.
Image Building: Eta Sigma Gamma had made tremendous progress in enhancing its image
as a prominent n ational professional Honorary/organization. This progress was due to the
hard work and commitment of the local chapter leadership, the membership-at-large, as well as
national leadership of the organization.
Research: With regard to promoting interdisciplinary research in the field, Eta Sigma Gamma
had made much progress. Since research is the backbone of the profession and the national
organization, there is a need to place a much higher priority to promote research and scholarly
activities in health education.
In late 2008, Dr. Ranjita Misra (2008-2011) became the 12th president of the Honorary. She
started her term ten months earlier than normal due to the resignation of Kelly Bishop (20072008). Under President Misra’s leadership, the second strategic plan for the organization was
initiated in 2009. This Plan consisted of the following phases: Phase I (key leader’s survey) and
phase II (membership survey). The strategic planning activities were conducted by Dr. Michael
Kelly from the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation. The ESG membership survey analysis
provided impetus to the Board members to develop short-term (5 year) and long-term (10 year)
goals and activities for the Honorary. ESG’s national Face Book page was initially launched by
Dr. Jeffrey Clark; Secretary-Treasurer in 2009 and during Dr. Misra’s presidency ESG total
revised its Face Book page in 2011 in an effort to use social media as an enhanced medium to
connect and stay in touch with its local chapters and members. The page was administered by the
student representative to the National Board, Brittany Rosen, and a totally renewed ESG Website
was brought on line in 2013 (19).
As of August 2012, there were nearly 130 chapters installed on university/college campuses
across America since the founding of the Honorary. A huge landmark was the installation of the
first international chapter which was installed at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
which became the Epsilon Delta Chapter. Also this year, the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter was
18
installed at Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, the Epsilon Zeta Chapter at Boise
State University, Boise, ID, the Epsilon Lambda Chapter at York College (CUNY), Jamaica, NY,
the Epsilon Eta Chapters at the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, and the Epsilon Theta
Chapter at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA which was installed in 2012 (20).
During the time of the writing of this summary, the current president, Dr. Amy Thompson from
the Iota Chapter (University of Toledo) will come to the end of her term of office and we will be
very fortunate to have Dr. Jodie Brookings-Fisher from the Eta Chapter (Central Michigan
University) to carry on the wonderful traditions and advancements we have all enjoyed since
1967. Additionally, in the elections of 2013, Dr. Kelly Wilson from the Alpha Pi Chapter (Texas
A & M University) will become the new Vice-President and eventually the 15th president of the
Honorary. So, the Honorary is in very good hands as we move towards our 50th anniversary.
In this brief summary of the history of Eta Sigma Gamma, it is hoped that all of our members can
appreciate the rich heritage of our Honorary and take great pride in what has been accomplished
since the “Pre-Contemplation” phase to our current “Continued Maintenance” phase. Remember,
as Dr. Robert Synovitz often stated, and as often repeated by Dr. Eberst, “We are all standing on
the shoulders of those who came before us.” And thus, as you read this history please keep in
mind that many others will be standing on your shoulders in the future (19).
As we prepare to enter our fifth decade and have successfully surpassed the last millennium, we
honor the traditions of the past and work to blend them with the ideas and hopes for the future.
By so doing, each member perpetuates the mission and vision of Eta Sigma Gamma to elevate the
highest standards, ideals, competence and ethics of professionally trained men and women in, and
for, the health education discipline through teaching, service, advocacy and research. It is this
combination of these values and activities that will provide the Honorary the opportunity to best
serve its members (students and practionners), the profession and the population of the world
with excellence and effectiveness.
Closing Statement:
Paraphrasing the words of Dr. Loren Bensley celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Honorary,
he stated that by focusing on the history of Eta Sigma Gamma, we can appreciate the rich
heritage of the Honorary and feel proud of what has been accomplished. As we near our fifth
decade and approach the third decade of the new millennia, we honor traditions of the past and
blend them with the ideas and hope for the future. By so doing, we perpetuate the purpose of Eta
Sigma Gamma in elevating the standards, ideals, competence and ethics of professionally trained
men and women in, and for, the health education discipline through teaching, research, advocacy
and service. It is this combination, along with current and future members, that will provide the
Honorary the opportunity to best serve the public, students, practitioners and the profession with
excellence for many decades into the future as it continues in its “Advanced Maintenance” phase.
Thanks for taking the time to read this summary of the first several decades of Eta
Sigma Gamma and we hope the readers will utilized this history to further energize the
level of commitment, passion and dedication to the Honorary.
Richard M. Eberst, Ph.D., CHES, National Historian
Professor Emeritus, California State University
19
Chapter-at-Large, Alpha Chapter, Alpha Theta Chapter, Delta Delta Chapter
Brenda Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emeriti
University of Texas, El Paso
Gamma Lambda Chapter
Special Thanks to Dr. Shelia Patterson, Editor, The Health Educator
Cleveland State University
Delta Gamma Chapter
20
References Cited:
1.
Brenda A. Smith, (1987) “Eta Sigma Gamma: A Heritage of Success,” 20th Anniversary
Edition, The Eta Sigma Gamman, Official Journal of the National Health Science
Honorary, Denise H. Amschler, Ph.D. (Editor) Volume 19, Number 2, pp 5-9.
2.
Dictionary.com; Dictional.reference.com/browse/fraternity, Downloaded 4.4.2014?.
3.
Prochaska, J.O. and DiClemente, C.C. (1984). The transtheoretical approach: Crossing
the traditional boundaries of therapy. Melbourne, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.
ISBN: 13: 978-0894648489).
4.
Eta Sigma Gamma, National Office, Beth Lustig (2014), Executive Director, national data
base, April, 2014.
5.
Velicer, W. F, Prochaska, J. O., Fava, J. L., Norman, G. J., & Redding, C. A. (1998)
Smoking cessation and stress management: Applications of the Transtheoretical Model of
behavior change. Homeostasis, 38, 216-233.
6.
Bensley, Loren Jr. (1997), A Brief Thirty Year History of Eta Sigma Gamma, the
National Health Education Honorary, The Journal of Eta Sigma Gamma, 30th
Anniversary Issue 1967-1997, Judith K. Luebke, PhD., CHES (Editor), Volume 29,
Number 1, p 9-12.
7.
Synovitz, Robert J. (1997), Reflections of a Dream, The Journal of Eta Sigma Gamma,
30th Anniversary Issue 1967-1997, Judith K. Luebke, Ph.D., CHES (Editor), Volume 29,
Number 1, p. 6.
8.
Personal discussion with Warren R. Schaller, Robert J. Synovitz, and William Bock, Eta
Sigma Gamma National Executive Committee Meetings, Muncie , Indiana, February,
1977-1982.
9.
Jeffrey K. Clark, Denise M. Seabert, and Mal Goldsmith (2007), Conversations with
Early Leaders of Eta Sigma Gamma, The Health Educator, 40th Anniversary Issue,
Roberta J. Ogletree, HSD, CHES, (Editor), Vol. 39, No 2, Page 45-50.
10.
Brenda A. Smith (1989), Eta Sigma Gamma: The Early Years: 1967-1982, The Eta Sigma
Gamma Monograph Series, Judith K. Luebke, Ph.D. (Editor), Volume 6, Number 2,
February, pp 2-104.
11.
30th Anniversary Edition, The Health Educator, Journal of Eta Sigma Gamma, Official
Journal of the National Health Education Honorary, Dr. Robert Synovitz, (Guest Editor),
Dr. Judith K. Luebke, PhD, CHES (Editor), Volume 29, Number 1, FALL, 1997.
12.
An Administrative Guide for the Initiation of Professional Members into the National
Chapter-at-Large of Eta Sigma Gamma (1982a).
21
13.
Eta Sigma Gamma Manual for Installation of a Local Chapter,
etasigmagamma.org/content/uploads/2012/09/InitiationManual, Downloaded July 3, 2014
14.
40th Anniversary Issue, The Health Educator, Journal of Eta Sigma Gamma, the National
Health Education Honorary, Roberta J. Ogletree, HSD, CHES (Editor), Volume 39,
Number 2, Fall 2007.
15.
Jeffrey K. Clark, Denise M. Seabert, and Mal Goldsmith, “Conversations with Early
Leaders of Eta Sigma Gamma,” 40th Anniversary Issue, The Health Educator, Journal of
Eta Sigma Gamma, the National Health Education Honorary, Roberta J. Ogletree, HSD,
CHES (Editor), Volume 39, Number 2, Fall 2007, pp 44-50.
16.
National Office of Eta Sigma Gamma, “Directory of Local Chapters and Years of
Installation: 2010,” Eta Sigma Gamma, National Health Education Honorary, Ball State
University, Muncie, Indiana.
17.
National Office of Eta Sigma Gamma, “National Award Winners; 2013,” Eta Sigma
Gamma, National Health Education Honorary, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
18.
National Office of Eta Sigma Gamma, “Presidents of Eta Sigma Gamma: 2012,” Eta
Sigma Gamma, National Health Education Honorary, Ball State University, Muncie,
Indiana.
19.
Richard M. Eberst, Personal Knowledge.
20.
History of Eta Sigma Gamma, Eta Sigma Gamma Web Site,
http://etasigmagammag.org.about/history/, Downloaded 4/15/2013.
21.
John W. Warren and Dorothy Mitstifer, “Prelude to the New Millennium: Promoting
Honor for Seventy-Five Years,” Association of College Honoraries,
http://ahcsnati.org/warren2/ downloaded 4.4.2014.
22.
About Phi Kappa Phi, www.phikappaphi.org/web/about/about_Phi_Kappa_Phi.html
Downloaded 4.4.2015.
23.
About Golden Key, https://www.goldenkey.org/about_us/overview, Downloaded
4.4.2014;
24.
About Alpha Chi, https://www.alphachihonor.org/index_cfm/about-us/ Downloaded
4.42014;
25.
About NSCS, https://www.nscs.org/about/about-nscs. Downloaded 4.4.2014
22