Seven seniors inducted into prestigious Phi Beta Kappa

Six inductees scheduled to graduate Sunday, May 3

by Tom Perry

Marietta, Ohio (04/28/2020) — Seven Marietta College seniors were inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa society, which was established in 1860 at the College, during a virtual ceremony on Monday, April 27.

The inductees, who will graduate May 3 during a virtual Commencement ceremony, are Cameron Cantley (Vincent, Ohio), Rosey Cao (Shanghai, China), Matthew Chih (Worthington, Ohio), Kacee Deer (Marietta, Ohio), Ashley Klopfenstein (Cicero, Indiana), Michelle Lambeth (Marietta, Ohio) and Lauren Rockocy (North Royalton, Ohio).

Cao, who completed her degree requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre in December, is honored to be among the inductees.

"This is a small landmark in my journey to achieve my dreams," she said. "As an international student, I was a little worried to step out of my comfort zone when I began my studies at Marietta College. But I learned so much from my professors, peers, and mentors that I'm now confident to say I'm ready for my future."

Cao is excited to attend Georgetown University in the fall as part of a program for data science for public policy.

"Marietta College's academic rigor has given me the opportunity to take courses in different areas, which broadened my skillset and prepared me for the next level of study," she said. "The vibrant MC community has brought me many friends from different cultural backgrounds. I formed a better understanding of diversity by being involved in activities such as community service trips and Global Connection. There are just too many reasons to love Marietta. I feel very grateful for everyone I met at MC."

Chih, a graduate of Thomas Worthington High School who will earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics, has been focused on earning Phi Beta Kappa honors since his sophomore year.

"(That's) when my advisor, the wonderful Dr. (Ann) Bragg, first introduced the honor society to me and helped lay out a plan for the next several years to be on track for this opportunity," he said. "To see it finally come to fruition means a lot to me and I couldn't have done it without her constant support."

Chih is thankful for the opportunities afforded to him at Marietta College.

"At Marietta, I have been continuously pushed to succeed academically. That drive led me to a tremendous internship and to accomplish more in the classroom than what I thought I was capable of each year," he said. "Looking back on all of the way-too-late nights, stress, and frustrations that arose in the past four years, I suppose it's nice to see something come of it."

Deer, a graduate of Marietta High School who will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Finance, has fond memories of her time at the College.

"Not only has Marietta College introduced me to some of my very good friends, but it has also provided me with the knowledge necessary to further my business career," she said. "It's truly an honor to be a part of this organization at MC."

Klopfenstein is a graduate of Hamilton Heights High School and she will earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the College - Public Accounting and Finance. She has been active on campus during her four years, including serving on the Student Government Association and being an Alumni Ambassador during the 2019-20 academic year.

"Since I arrived at Marietta, I have heard about the importance of a liberal arts education but it wasn't until I got further into my education that I was able to see all the effects it has had on me," she said. "Marietta College has constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone and given me countless opportunities to grow as a student and person. As I start my career, I am grateful for the education I have received at Marietta College and the opportunity to be a part of as prestigious of an organization as Phi Beta Kappa."

Lambeth is a graduate of Marietta High School who will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, and she appreciates her hard work and dedication are recognized.

"Having a child has both motivated me and inspired me. It has also made things more challenging. It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it," she said. "Being selected for Phi Beta Kappa further validates all that I have accomplished on my journey at Marietta College."

Rockocy is a graduate of North Royalton High School and she will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science.

"It is a tremendous honor to become a member of one of the most prestigious honor societies in the country," she said. "I am extremely grateful for the high-quality and personalized education I have received from Marietta throughout my undergraduate career. Marietta College has shaped me into a diligent, well-rounded student and instilled in me the desire to continually seek out new opportunities."

Cantley is a graduate of Warren High School and he will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.

Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy back in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The College offers more than 50 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, as well as one of the nation's best by Forbes.com. Marietta was selected seventh in the nation according to the Brookings Institution's rankings of colleges by their highest value added, regardless of major. Marietta College has also been named a Great College to Work For two consecutive years (2018 and 2019).

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