What is Lambda Alpha?
Lambda Alpha serves as the National Collegiate Honors Society dedicated to students of Anthropology. The organization's primary objective is to promote the study and appreciation of Anthropology as an academic discipline and as a platform for applied learning that benefits all peoples within real-world contexts. Established in 1968, the society currently encompasses approximately 170 chapters. The name, Lambda Alpha, is derived from the initial letters of the Greek words 'logos anthropou,' which translate to 'the study of humans.' The national chapter publishes the Lambda Alpha Journal annually, with international distribution. Notably, 50% of the journal's content is dedicated to student work.
Becoming a member of the Beta of Montana Chapter
Beta of Montana is the Lambda Alpha Chapter in the University of Montana's Department of Anthropology. To join Beta of Montana, students need to meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate Students:
- Must have completed 12 credits of coursework in anthropology.
- Must have an anthropology G.P.A of at least 3.0.
- Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.5.
Graduate Students:
- Must be admitted to the departmental graduate program.
- Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.25.
Benefits of joining Lambda Alpha Honors Society:
- Ability to be recognized for academic achievements at commencement**
- Yet another thing to put on your CV!
- Lifetime membership (one-time fee)
- Access to scholarships
- The National Lambda Alpha Scholarship ($5000) to be applied to graduate studies
- Graduate Research Grants ($2000 for each subdiscipline of anthropology - archaeology, bioanthropology, and cultural/linguistic anthropology), and
- The Lambda Alpha Student Paper Competition ($700 for first place) for graduate and undergraduate students.
If you meet the above qualifications and want to join, download and print an application from our Griz Hub page or the Lambda Alpha National Chapter Website. Write a $26 check payable to "Lambda Alpha Honor Society"—this fee covers lifetime membership, a certificate, and an ID card—and give your payment and application to Anna-Marie David (Office SS-219), President of the Lambda Alpha Montana chapter, for submission to the national office.
**Please note that there is an additional fee for an optional Lambda Alpha satin stole ($25) and honors pin ($10) for recognition during commencement.**
Membership applications are sent to the national office for processing year-round. Please drop off your check to the Lambda Alpha office (SS 219) today! If you wish to be a member for graduation or want your stole before then, please submit the necessary forms at least three weeks before commencement.
Current Lambda Alpha Officers
Chapter President
Anna-Marie David (PhD Candidate, Biological Anthropology)
Vice President/Treasurer
Emily Owens (PhD Candidate, Anthropology)
Contact
If you have any questions about the society, you can visit its new website (link below) or contact the following people for more information!
-
Chapter President: Anna-Marie David (anna-marie.david@umconnect.umt.edu)
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Meradeth Snow (meradeth.snow@umontana.edu)