Columbia International University is recognizing six outstanding students from the undergraduate Class of 2023, a class that is celebrating CIU’s 100h anniversary.

Because CIU is a member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), a select number of CIU graduates are nominated each year into ABHE’s Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society. Students who have earned a GPA of 3.3 or above, exemplify excellent Christian character, and exhibit leadership qualities are considered for nomination.

Students meeting the criteria and recommended by their academic deans are:

Julianna Bost

Tara Collins

Ingrid Franco Ferrari

Michael McGinnis

Elaine Smith

Kaitlyn Renee Thompson

The origin of the name Delta Epsilon Chi comes from Romans 16:10 where the Apostle Paul references Apelles with the words: tested and approved in Christ (NIV). The three Greek words, approved in Christ, (dokimos en Xhristos), begin with the three Greek letters, Delta Epsilon Chi, and thus the name of the honor society.

The students received a Delta Epsilon Chi medallion and certificate from their deans during the final chapel of the school year and are also recognized in the Class of ’23 commencement program.

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.