For student-athletes at Davenport University, excellence isn’t a matter of choosing between the classroom and competition—it’s the expectation in both. Since 2018, Chi Alpha Sigma has become the gold standard for recognizing this dual achievement, honoring Panthers who stand out academically and athletically. Behind its rise is a vision to make the organization more than a line on a résumé, but a symbol of what it truly means to be a student-athlete at Davenport.

Chi Alpha Sigma is a non-profit organization that was established in 1966 to recognize college student-athletes who excel both on and off the field of competition. It continues to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected with a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime.

“We wanted to make this really special,” said Todd Pitts, Davenport University Faculty Athletic Representative, who oversees the program. “Chi Alpha Sigma combines athletics and academics with student-athletes who are recognized for their prowess in both.”

Each year, the Chi Alpha Sigma selection begins with data from the Registrar’s Office of student-athletes with at least 75 credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. From there, the process becomes personal. Coaches receive a list of eligible names and are asked to provide input on the athletic component, leadership, impact, community service, and how each athlete represents their program.

Once the academic benchmarks are met, the bar gets raised. Davenport intentionally set its standards higher than many other chapters across the nation. The goal is to ensure every induction carries weight, serving as a true “hall of fame” moment for those selected.

“It’s a group of individuals that our selection committee vets, after much deliberation,” Pitts said. “We make it a pretty prestigious position.”

What began as a campus initiative quickly grew into something bigger. Pitts, who first discovered Chi Alpha Sigma while searching for ways to celebrate student-athletes excelling on both fronts, eventually joined the national board of directors in 2020. The organization itself has expanded into the largest honorary association of its kind, partnering with groups that offer internships, mentorship and networking opportunities for members.  

“It’s really become a cool way for student-athletes to build this network of opportunities for themselves,” Pitts said. 

Davenport’s chapter has produced national honorees, too. In 2023, Emily Bolt of the women’s swimming and diving team earned the organization’s top academic award, the Nick Mourouzis Postgraduate Scholarship, a $3,500 scholarship for members pursuing graduate school. The board recently expanded scholarships, offering three tiers—$3,500, $2,500, and $1,000—to further support members’ academic journeys.

As Chi Alpha Sigma’s profile has grown on campus, so has interest. This year, Davenport inducted its largest class yet, nearly doubling previous totals to eight members. Pitts attributes the surge to both the quality of student-athletes and the visibility that comes with recognition—awards, plaques, and the pride that spreads across teams.

“It kind of puts a little fire under some of the other athletes to say, ‘Hey, I can do this too,’” he said. “We want to keep the quality as high as possible to ensure it stays very selective.”

The 2025–26 inductees included Reese Darson (Dance), Summer Elbortoukaly (STUNT), Logan Flaherty (Men’s Lacrosse), Lauren Gervais (Women’s Golf), Max Goethals (Men’s Rugby), Kyler Lowden (Men’s ACHA D1 Hockey), Alicja Pinkowicz (Women’s Swimming and Diving) and Abby Rossow (STUNT).

“We are especially thankful for longtime Davenport donors Brian Hogan, ‘92 and his wife, Tamra, for their support of the athletics department and their philanthropic gift to support the annual induction ceremonies,” said Pitts. 

Chi Alpha Sigma has become a point of pride for Davenport Athletics—proof that the Panthers’ pursuit of excellence doesn’t stop at the final buzzer or exam. Induction is a milestone and a reminder that the university’s best student-athletes are setting the standard for those who follow.

“It’s about recognizing student-athletes for their academic and athletic performances,” Pitts said. “That’s what makes it special.”