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The University of Saint Joseph has welcomed its first inductees into Kappa Alpha Omicron (KAO), a new honor society on campus recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service in the field of environmental science.
Chase Belisle ’26, Tatiyanah Ziegler ’26, Olivia Thaxton ’26, and Madi Frazier ’27 (KAO president) were the first to be inducted into USJ’s Omicron Delta Chapter of KAO at a ceremony this spring.
Rooted in its name’s Greek letters — Kosmos (universe), Anthropos (humanity), and Oikos (household) — KAO’s mission is to leverage these three perspectives in addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Members will participate in both on-campus and community projects and organize events and activities that directly address local environmental and social needs.
USJ’s KAO chapter will complement the University’s growing Environmental Science program, which was founded in fall 2023. USJ’s first three Environmental Science majors graduated in May, along with several Biology majors who earned Environmental Science certificates.
KAO is for all students — regardless of major — who have an interest in the environment to have a place to gather, engage in community and campus-based environmental work, and be recognized for their academic achievements.
Kirsten Martin
“KAO is for all students — regardless of major — who have an interest in the environment to have a place to gather, engage in community and campus-based environmental work, and be recognized for their academic achievements,” said Professor of Biology and Program Director for Environmental Science Kirsten Martin.
Martin and Frazier, president of KAO, are working this summer on a recruitment effort for the fall and are planning both community-service based events as well as social events, including nature hikes, next year.