U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Seven Air Force Academy cadets were inducted April 26 into the National Collegiate Chinese Honor Society.
Jue Wang, an assistant Chinese Language professor here, said the society recognizes students excelling in Chinese language studies, core college courses and culture-related community activities.
“This recognition is important for the Academy because up to this point, we have been doing a great job, but it’s only been known internally,” she said. “By putting our students outside of the school, we put them on a national platform. It is good for our students to be recognized externally.”
Chinese isn’t Cadet 2nd Class Eric Anderson’s first foreign language; he also studies Spanish at the Academy but said he’s fascinated by Chinese culture and history.
“I had never really heard of honor societies in college, so I was intrigued and honored to be asked to join, especially given this is the first year the Academy is a part of it,” he said. “Academics and languages are my passions so I didn't hesitate to accept. Being a part of this society also helps set me up for future success in graduate school and on active duty.”
The society is sponsored by the Chinese Language Teacher’s Association USA, established in 1962 when the Academy started its Chinese language program with 12 cadets.
Anderson; Cadets 1st Class Ziqun He and Nicholas Liu; Cadets 2nd Class Jonathan Earp-Pitkins, Brett Griffith and Ryan Sullivan; and Cindy Yie were inducted into the society.
Cadet He studied Chinese in each of his eight semesters at the Academy. He was a heritage learner, the Academy’s term for students who grow-up speaking a foreign language and later continue their study at advanced levels.
“Chinese is my first language and I wanted to continue my education in Chinese to help better U.S. and China relations in the near future,” He said. “I felt honored to be submitted for the society when there are many qualified candidates. I hope to become a Regional Affairs Strategist Officer in the future to use my language skill to enhance our international relations.”
Lt. Col. Paul Howe, director of the Academy’s International Programs, said the society motivates cadets and rewards them for their efforts.
“This Chinese Honor Society allows cadets to be recognized by a national organization,” he said. “It motivates our students to continue studying a difficult language and rewards them for their efforts. The cadets honored this year represent the Academy’s very best Chinese language learners.”