For the second year in row, Sigma Chi Eta, City College’s Communication Honor Society, has been named the country’s top chapter.

For society president Gary Lytle, the award is recognition of the group’s mission to “get involved” to improve society.

The group last year has sponsored a rape awareness seminar and a debate that drew an audience of more than 300 students.

“We try to take a bad situation and put it into something good,” Lytle said.

The society is a chapter of the National Communication Association and was established in 2000. It’s not just City College specific, but nationally known, making it appealing to four-year schools.

The society is now planning its annual spring event; the theme is to be decided. Weekly meetings of the officers have stirred up some ideas about what this year’s event can bring to campus, Lytle said. They are thinking about doing a project with a local non-profit this year.

In addition, the group is looking for recruits, including officer positions. Positions from president all the way to publicist are available.

Being a member opens many doors and enhances transcripts for hopeful transfers. In the eyes of four-year universities, it shows commitment and intelligence by being involved not only in the community but in the college, as well.

Requirements for recruits include completion of three communication classes with a 3.25 GPA and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Participation in this society shows focus, as well as being a team player, Lytle said.

“Life isn’t a dress rehearsal,” he said.  “Involvement opens doors.”

Lytle has worked in hospitality management for over 17 years. He has received two degrees in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts from City College.

He is also an advocate against violence and encourages students to be active, as well as safe.

Students and officers hope to make their society more known so that students can have the chance to be involved.

For more information on Sigma Chi Eta visit the Communication lab on West Campus.