January 14, 2004

Riverside, California – La Sierra University’s School of Religion has been accepted as the newest chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK), a national honor society for religious and theological studies.

“We have aspired as a school to membership in TAK for several years,” says John R. Jones, dean of La Sierra’s School of Religion. “It truly is a highly regarded society, and membership will enhance the credibility and perception of our program within the religious community. Being part of Theta Alpha Kappa also helps us shape our self-understanding, and places us in conversation with serious religious scholarship across the nation.”

“Along with the enrichment of our academic program, La Sierra University students who excel in their individual studies will be nominated for individual membership in the national society, which will enhance their prospects for graduate study,” Jones adds.

“This new affiliation demonstrates the quality of the education experience available at La Sierra University,” says Lawrence T. Geraty, University President. La Sierra is the first Seventh-day Adventist institution on the west coast to be accepted into Theta Alpha Kappa membership, and becomes the society’s 197th local chapter.

TAK has designated the new La Sierra University chapter as the Alpha Eta Delta chapter, according to Vivian-Lee Nyitray, incoming president of the Theta Alpha Kappa national organization. Nyitray welcomed La Sierra into the national organization during a special lecture program inaugurating the new chapter, held on campus January 13, 2004. Nyitray also serves as a professor of religious studies at the University of California at Riverside.

The initial chapter program also featured a lecture by Aaron Milavec, Th.D., an author and former professor of church history and historical theology at the Anthenaeum of Ohio. Dr. Milavec’s presentation focused on “Early Christian Faith, Hope and Life.”

“This new affiliation will allow us to invite a number of outstanding Christian and religious scholars to visit campus under the TAK banner,” says Jones. “We are already planning a number of additional events for this current school year.”