Andy Dong, a junior in Emory College of Arts and Sciences majoring in biology and linguistics, has won a national scholarship from one of the oldest and largest honor societies in the country.

Phi Eta Sigma awarded Dong the Charles Burchett Scholarship, which comes with $6,000 towards the completion of his undergraduate degree. The scholarship is part of about $300,000 awarded to top scholars nationwide.

“It is a substantial award for a substantial student,” says Italian studies professor Judy Raggi Moore, who is the adviser for the Emory chapter of the society. “There are rewards in the midst of your collegiate career if you stay focused.”

Phi Eta Sigma recognizes first-year students on Emory's Atlanta and Oxford campuses who earn a 3.9 grade point average in the first semester. Emory’s chapter, unlike some others, builds several activities around induction into the group.

Dong served as vice president of finance for the group as a sophomore, serving on the executive committee that plans those activities. He was responsible for coordinating a volunteer event, a scholarship night with professors and a mentorship event with students from Omicron Delta Kappa, an upperclassman society honoring service, academics and leadership.

Dong also handled finances for all events and planned the induction ceremony on the Oxford campus — the original home of Emory — and transportation there.

“I join organizations to be part of the community,” says Dong, who plans to graduate a year early before pursing medical school. “It’s relevant to me to ensure our traditions, and it was a nice surprise to be recognized.”