The Augustus Tolton Honor Society

Overview: The Augustus Tolton Honor Society is named after the first recognized African American priest in the United States, Father Augustus Tolton, to honor the spirit of scholarship, leadership, and identity for high achieving African American students at the University of St. Francis.

Purpose and Mission: The purpose of the Augustus Tolton Honor Society (ATHS) is to nurture one’s intellectual ability, to promote leadership development, to foster knowledge of self, and to provide service to the community. We exemplify the leadership and academic excellence of African American scholars while upholding the values recognized by the University of St. Francis: respect, compassion, service, and integrity.

Goals and Objectives: 

Goal 1: Acknowledge Academic Excellence

Objective 1: To improve graduation rate.

Objective 2: To acknowledge and support the intellectual giftedness among African American students at the University of St. Francis.

Goal 2: Promote Servant Leadership

Objective 1: To develop leadership skills.

Objective 2: To provide collaborative opportunities within and beyond the University.

Goal 3: Strengthen Human Identity and Spirituality

Objective 1: To create an awareness about black identity, manhood, womanhood and their relationship to spirituality.       

Objective 2: To promote human development and community consciousness.

Eligibility: Eligible students self-identify as African American, are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students, and have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA after completing at least 12 credit hours at USF.

Application Process: Eligible students must submit a completed application, an official copy of the most recent transcript with cumulative USF GPA, two letters of recommendation (at least one from USF faculty), and a one-page statement (500 words) explaining why ATHS membership is sought. An interview with the selection committee is the final part of the application process. Application materials are available during the Fall semester through the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Membership Benefits: Members will attend cultural excursions during the academic year, build networks at USF and in the community, participate in leadership development, and receive an honors cord for graduation.