KU Student, Cancer Survivor Awarded Tau Sigma National Honor Society Scholarship

Kutztown University business administration and marketing senior Xena Karalis of Royersford, Pa., was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Karalis is the current president of KU's Eta Mu chapter of Tau Sigma and the second KU student to date to receive a scholarship from Tau Sigma.

Tau Sigma National Honor Society is a co-ed academic fraternity designed exclusively for transfer students. Their mission is to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfers students. Tau Sigma sponsors an annual scholarship competition with awards totaling $100,000.

Karalis transferred to KU from the University of Kansas. As an academic fraternity, Tau Sigma focuses on academics first. The scholarship rewards members who are dedicated to both the organization and their studies.

"My mom encouraged me to transfer to Kutztown University as a better fit. She has always pushed me with encouragement. Tau Sigma has helped guide me to my success. The unique faculty and my peers that I've met through the business and marketing program have made me fall back in love with business," Karalis said.

Karalis has been highly involved in recruitment and outreach efforts for the chapter. As a cancer survivor who lost her father to the same disease, Karalis was once told it was not likely she would make it to college.

She is set to graduate in May, already employed by her own startup company. Partnered with family, Karalis' business produces hemp for CBD healthcare products. Participating in a progressive and growing medical field, she wants to help others recover and live without the pain and side-effects of cancer treatments and other treatable illnesses.

"There was a time that I thought my future would be dark, but now it's nothing but light," Karalis said of her future. "I feel I am a part of something that is important to my success."

For more information regarding Tau Sigma or other Kutztown University fraternal organizations, contact the KU chapter of Tau Sigma at tausigmaku@gmail.com or KU Greek Life coordinator Amanda Garcia at agarcia@kutztown.edu.

To view these students click here: https://kutztown.meritpages.com/achievements/KU-Student-Cancer-Survivor-Awarded-Tau-Sigma-National-Honor-Society-Scholarship/117944