A+ for Beta Beta Beta: Pitt-Greensburg Honor Society Named Most Outstanding Chapter in the U.S.

Many students at Pitt-Greensburg are probably aware of the vast variety of honor societies that exist within the university. One of these societies is Tri Beta, also known as Beta Beta Beta, which is the national biology honor society. The Theta Pi chapter of the organization has just recently been given the Lloyd M. Bertholf Award for their contributions to the biological sciences.

The award was initially presented to the group on March 29 at the Northeast Three District Convention at Fairmont University in West Virginia. Tri Beta will also be recognized for their accolade during the national Tri Beta convention in the summer of 2026. 

“We won the award for being the most outstanding chapter in the country. Our executive board puts in a lot of work to plan and host our chapter’s events and our members always show up and try their best to make each event a lot of fun,” Tri Beta President Melanie Mienke said.

According to Dr. Olivia Long, the chapter’s faculty advisor, the members have completed far more impressive work than hosting enjoyable events. Many of them have found success in contributing their work to the field of biology outside of Pitt-Greensburg. 

“Ten of our members presented at the Tri Beta conference, and several students received awards for their presentations. One student had their research published in ‘BIOS,’ a peer-reviewed academic science journal,” she said. 

Some of the students that were formally awarded for their presentations during past Tri Beta conferences were Kelsey Murphy, who nationally ranked first place for her presentation; Madison Stonbraker won second place for hers; and both Justin Crookston and Hunter Waltermire were nationally awarded third place for their presentations.

While the members of Tri Beta have made it clear that they are immensely appreciative of having the recognition of receiving the award, they are also elated about the physical rewards they were granted as well.

“We received a certificate at the convention at Fairmont University, but we also received a plaque and a monetary award of $500, too. The funds from that will help sustain the Theta Pi chapter’s activities for the coming semesters,” Dr. Long said. 

For the Theta Pi chapter of Tri Beta, the award not only stands as a symbol of the vast effort that its executive board has put forth to make the organization’s name reputable. Dr. Long says she hopes it will also encourage further motivation to make even greater accomplishments in their scientific research.

“Our chapter winning the award is such a testament to the hard work and dedication of our chapter members. It reflects the strength of our students’ passion for biology. I am incredibly proud of our chapter, and I believe the award will continue to inspire excellence in our community engagement,” Dr. Long said.