The Marshall University chapter of Gamma Beta Phi inducted 100 new members into the national honors society Monday in the Memorial Student Center.

Gamma Beta Phi is a national honors and service society that specializes in community service. The society focuses on educational excellence, the development of leadership and fostering and improving education through service projects.

The Marshall University collegiate chapter volunteers throughout the year at area organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, Huntington City Mission, local animal shelters and other different causes.

Grayce Behnke, president of Gamma Beta Phi, said her participation in the organization reminds her of why volunteering is important.

“It’s important because sometimes when you are in college you lose your focus and this organization somewhat forces you to remember what’s important,” Behnke said.

During the induction ceremony, the new initiates were familiarized with the objectives, code of ethics, coat of arms and the pledge of the society.

Alexis Bess, senior nursing major, said she is excited to contribute to the community and plans to remain a member until she graduates.

Though the organization promotes community service, all of its initiatives are on a voluntary basis. However, each member is required to volunteer 20 hours annually to remain in good standing.

The society plans to participate in a variety of different projects during the upcoming holiday season.

Darius Booker can be contacted at [email protected].