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Delta Iota Chapter President's Message

Welcome to the Delta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the Honor Society for International Scholars. Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. The Delta Iota Chapter at the University of Houston was founded in 1998. Our inducted members include students who have studied overseas, international students, and faculty and staff who support international education and activities. We invite you to attend our chapter events, share your international education best practices, network with our members and attend the 30th Annual National Phi Beta Delta Conference. Visit the resources section for more information on the conference and global opportunities. 

 

Message from our current President, Dr. Benjamin Rayder:

Dear Phi Beta Delta, Delta Iota Chapter Members, 

I hope that you are all well amid the challenges of the pandemic and during the final stressful days of the semester. 

I am writing to first introduce myself as the incoming President of Phi Beta Delta Honors Society for International Scholars at the University of Houston. For those of you whom I have not had the privilege of meeting, I have been working at UH since 2017 as an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Honors College, the Advisor for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards. As part of my job responsibilities, it’s been my pleasure to assist students applying for a number of international fellowship opportunities. In addition to raising the profile of international scholars at UH, I very much look forward to working with each of you in the coming year. 

I invite you to pay your membership renewals for 2021-2022 by completing the membership renewal form. Checks or money order can be sent to Juanette Davis in the International Student and Scholar Services Office (4465 University Drive, Room N203, Houston, Texas 77204). 

We attended the Phi Beta Delta 35th Annual International Conference that was held via Zoom on Monday, May 24, 2021, and Tuesday, May 25, 2021. We learned more about PBD and other chapters across the country.    

The Delta Iota Chapter is also planning an induction ceremony for the month of November 2021. We will be sending additional information about this event at a later date. 

Lastly, I would like to recognize outgoing-President Marina Sebastijanovic for all of her outstanding contributions. Marina served for two years as president and led the Phi Beta Delta, Delta Iota Chapter at a time when it has been especially difficult to remain connected. Thank you, Marina. 

Kind regards, 

Ben