questions or comments? e-mail Doug Needham
questions or comments? e-mail Doug Needham
The idea of an honor floriculture and ornamental horticulture society came from an impromptu after-dinner discussion among representatives of several universities attending the International Flower Show held at new York City in 1923. A group of individuals from Cornell University lead by the late Arno Nehrling, developed the organization, wrote the first constitution and ritual and designed the insignia or key. The formal installation of the Alpha Chapter was at Cornell University on June 1, 1923.
In 2006 Pi Alpha Xi became the official Honor Society for Horticulture. Today the society has grown to 35 chapters and over 10,000 members. These chapters are located in the United States at four-year institutions with programs in horticulture.
Though an honor society, Pi Alpha Xi is more than a society. The organization was originally established to unify students, educators, and professional horticulturists. The society promotes high scholarship, fellowship, professional leadership, and the enrichment of human life through plants.
The headquarters of the society relocates every two years with the election of new officers. The annual Pi Alpha Xi business meeting is held in conjunction with the Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science. All local chapters are kept informed of national business through the Lotus Leaflet, the society's official newsletter.
Pi Alpha Xi is the Honor Society for Horticulture, but not everyone is eligible to join. Only the top students in the junior and senior classes with a demonstrated interest in horticulture are invited to join. Graduate students and faculty with an emphasis in these fields are also eligible. Students must have an academic average of at least a "B" (3.00 cummulative grade point average on a 4.00 system). Chapters may adopt higher standards. Candidates should give promise of continued activity and interest in the field of horticulture.
The initial national membership fee of $15 entitles a member to lifetime national membership. New members will also receive a Pi Alpha Xi shingle and a recognition pin. Generally the local chapters will assess an annual membership fee to their active members. See your local chapter president for specific details.
Chapter dues of $20 are payable annually to the National Secretary-Treasurer.