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The Nu Sigma Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Eta Society at Nova Southeastern University honors exceptional accomplishments in the healthcare sciences by students, faculty, and alumni.
The development of a national honor society for allied health students was proposed in 1973. The purpose of the honor society was to recognize scholarship in allied health students using the model of the University of Florida's local honor society, Eta Rho Phi. Dr. Howard Suzuki, of the University of Florida, made inquiries to allied health administrators concerning the feasibility of developing such an honor society on a national scale. The American Society of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) was then approached and approved the proposal.
The society was named for the Greek letters equivalent to the first letters of Allied Health, which were Alpha Eta. The Alpha Eta Society was chartered in Florida in 1975, rechartered in Georgia in 1998, has 90 chapters, and over 35,000 initiated Members.
The Nu Sigma Upsilon (NSU) Chapter of the Alpha Eta Society was elected Chapter #68 to the society on December 5th 2008. The purpose was to recognize the outstanding achievement of our students, faculty and alumni in all areas of health care sciences. Chapter members must meet strict qualifications for induction that include demonstration of significant scholarship, leadership and contribution to health care professions.
Our chapter has grown to include over 1300 members from various disciplines within the College of Health Care Sciences. & These include Anesthesiologist Assistant, Audiology, Health & Human Performance, Health Sciences, Medical & Cardiovascular Sonography, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Speech Language.
Nu Sigma Upsilon Chapter Awards
Nomination period ended May 30, 2025. Check back for next year's nominations.
See criteria below and click here to submit nominations.
Award Guidelines
Alpha Eta members receiving the Richard E. Davis award display the attitude and philosophy of a leader along with behaviors demonstrating sincerity, integrity, and candor in all actions in their field of expertise. Award recipients must also demonstrate achievement in Leadership, Scholarship, or Service.
We would like to encourage our Alpha Eta membership to submit nominations to recognize their outstanding achievements. For more information, see our Award Policy and Procedures
Award Criteria
Alpha Eta members can nominate themselves or other Alpha Eta members. Nominees must have been a Chapter member for at least one year. Nominations must be based on achievements acquired after chapter induction and after award received in previous year, if applicable. Nominations will open on February 1st and close on May 30th.
One award winner is chosen for each category (Leadership, Scholarship and Service).Please make clear reference to the following criteria when submitting your nomination. Questions regarding awards should be directed to Hugh Rappa, MD.
Leadership (a minimum of 4 must be satisfied)
- Holds a management/leadership position in the field of expertise/place of employment
- Recognized by peers as a leader or visionary in field of expertise
- Holds a board member position on local, regional, state, national and/or international committees
- Recognized for having a positive impact on peers and/or field of expertise
- Recognized for helping others learn through teaching, training, and coaching
- Orchestrates the many activities that take place throughout an organization by providing a view of the future and the ability to obtain it
Individuals receiving this award may also demonstrate leadership through the following:
- Hold an executive leadership position on a local, regional, state, national and/or international peer recognized committee or organization
- Guides, directs research in field of expertise
- Recognized for contributions of proven and replicable solutions to critical issues facing field of expertise
- Involved with and/or contributing to policy making in field of expertise or employment
- Establishes the ethical framework within an organization, clinical and/or hospital
- Recognized for innovative strategy(ies) that directly improves field of expertise
Scholarship (a minimum of 3 must be satisfied)
- Acceptance or publications in refereed professional journal including but not limited to research articles, review article, abstracts, editorials
- Non-compensated (beyond costs incurred for the event, i.e. expenses) poster presentation (or acceptance) of original research at refereed state, regional, national, or international meetings - or
- Non-compensated (beyond costs incurred for the event, i.e. expenses) platform presentation (or acceptance) at refereed state, regional, national, or international meetings
- Reviewer for professional journals, professional texts, or books, chapters for professional textbooks, formal presentations
Individuals receiving this award may also demonstrate scholarship through the following:
- Chair of plenary sessions, keynote speaker or similar participation society meetings
- Creating, implementing, and/or evaluating new clinical methodologies and techniques
- Evidence of ongoing research project(s) that demonstrate scholarly goals and aims
- Acceptance or authorship of chapters, research manuals, monograph(s) in edited professional/scientific books
- Acceptance or authorship of professional/scientific books
- Supervision of research projects conducted by professionals or graduate students
- Non-compensated (beyond costs incurred for the event, i.e. expenses) "Invited presenter" at conferences based on recognition as an expert in field of study
- Securing patent rights
- Development of tools/instrument that enhances patient care
- Citation in published research by other researches
- Editor or member of an editorial board of a professional journal
Service (a minimum of 3 must be satisfied)
- Holds membership in professional organizations at local, state, regional, national or international level
- Participates in community projects that benefit the community
- Acts as an advisor/mentor to younger healthcare professionals
- Utilizes professional abilities for the community's benefit
Individuals receiving this award may also demonstrate service through the following:
- Functions in a leadership position at state, regional, national or international level
- Editor for professional journal, professional item writer for state/national licensing exams, acting as editorial staff, editorial readers
- Contributes or develops a department, clinic or hospital policy
- Provides uncompensated consulting services
- Serves in an educational advisory or informational benefit
- Participates in services to under-served communities
- Volunteers at charitable events