LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Rider University's Iota Epsilon chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history, has been awarded a special commendation from the organization's governing body for having one of the top chapters among schools ranging in size from 3,000 to 6,000 students in 1997.

This marks the seventh straight year that Rider's chapter has been cited among the top one percent of the more than 700 Phi Alpha Theta chapters nationwide.

The Iota Epsilon chapter of Phi Alpha Theta is currently celebrating its 35th anniversary on the Rider campus, having received its charter on May 27, 1963. The society recognizes history students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement with induction.