Beta Psi sent six members to the national convention this year, and had an absolutely amazing time!
In 2014-2015, we had a lot of participation in several classically themed events.
At the very end of spring semester 2014, we hosted a Vergil Vigil, a marathon reading of the Aeneid. Members, volunteers, and friends of the department took turns reading the epic aloud in Latin or English in our school’s amphitheater, resulting in an atmospheric and edifying experience.
One of our members hosted two Certamen workshops for high school students, welcoming 40-50 students to practice Certamen and learn strategies for competition.
Several members of Beta Psi volunteered to help at Festivus in November. Festivus is an event attended by local high school Latin programs that includes costume contests, testing, Certamen, and socialization. Beta Psi members helped score tests and run Certamen, in addition to general organization and set-up/clean-up.
Rhodes enjoyed a visit from Joe Goodkin, who performed his musical Odyssey, played on guitar and solo voice, consisting of 24 short pieces played in a continuous cycle as a modern interpretation of the ancient epic. Afterward, departmental members and Beta Psi representatives shared a delicious meal with the artist.
Beta Psi and the Department of Greek and Roman Studies hosted a Travel Study night, where members shared their experiences of studying abroad in order to encourage younger members to take the plunge.
Members attended a screening of the National Theatre London production of Medea at a local movie theater, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Miller Krause visited Rhodes College to discuss his study of Latin pedagogy in 20th century Senegal. This lecture was attended by Beta Psi members who participated enthusiastically in the discussion.
Rhodes also hosted Sarah Ruden from Brown, who discussed her translations of ancient works and her career in the Classics. Members not only attended her evening lecture, but had the opportunity to have a more individualized lunch and casual talk with her.
This year Beta Psi inducted nineteen new members at two initiations. Professor Sick made libum which we all enjoyed as part of the refreshments!
Members volunteered in the community by reading classical mythology to residents at local nursing homes.
Three senior members of Beta Psi represented their chapter by presenting papers at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s Undergraduate Classics Convention.
Beta Psi was also well-represented as volunteers at the annual meeting of the APA/SCS in New Orleans in January. Members enjoyed lectures and local culture when they weren’t volunteering!
Beta Psi had a good turnout for participation in Eta Sigma Phi’s Translation Contest, and we look forward to another successful evening next year.
Finally, on April 22, one member of Beta Psi presented her Latin translation of the pilot episode of the television show Firefly, which was well-attended and well-received.
Beta Psi looks forward to another busy year, and has already begun to get excited for next year’s annual convention!
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