MARQUETTE— Northern Michigan University is planning to introduce a new chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, a national honor society for theater students. The chapter, called Alpha Eta Xi, will officially begin in the winter 2014 semester. It replaces the Student Performing Arts Association.

            Ansley Valentine, professor and director of Forest Roberts Theatre, was involved with the honor society as an undergraduate. Valentine says he wanted to start the chapter at NMU to recognize the exemplary work of the theater students and to connect the program to others on a national basis.

            “I am pleased that the students at NMU have taken up the mantel to make this project go forward,” Valentine said. “We started the process last year and we finally have raised enough money and interest to make it a reality.”