With only a semester under its belt, the Lone Star College-University Park chapter of Psi Beta has earned national recognition.

The national psychology honor society for community colleges has given the LSC-University Park chapter one of only nine Chapter Excellence Awards for the 2014-2015 academic year. The group held its first induction in March.

Faculty advisor Cherry Sawyerr, an associate professor of psychology, said she had submitted an extensive amount of information about the group's activities and goals, but was still surprised by the honor.

"I was really excited about that," she said. "We haven't even been here a year yet."

The award recognizes chapters whose activities reflect the organization's focus on leadership, scholarship, community service and research.

During the spring semester, Psi Beta members volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and with Boys and Girls Country. They also hosted a mental health awareness event on campus that drew more than 200 students.

"The officers are really good together," chapter president Marc Thibodeaux said. "It did feel like for a freshly made society, we were doing a lot."

The other chapter members are vice president Sierra Rupert, historian/chapter delegate Jaswin John, treasurer Charles Rosser, secretary Frida Vasquez, chapter delegate Abigail Montoya, and chapter members Stephanie Donahoe and Marla McLaughlin. Adjunct psychology instructor Nicole Stalnaker serves as co-advisor.

Sawyerr said the chapter excellence award sets the bar high for the upcoming academic year.

"We've got to keep it going -- we've got to get it next year," she said. "I'm definitely excited to push myself and the members even further to see what it is we can do."