Manchester College Department of Modern Languages - Student Activities

Alpha Mu Gamma

Alpha Mu Gamma is the first and largest national collegiate language honor society for undergraduates in the United States. It was established in 1931 and now boasts more than 300 chapters nationwide. The purposes of Alpha Mu Gamma are: to recognize achievement in the field of foreign-language study; to encourage a continuing interest in the study of foreign languages, literatures, cultures, and civilizations; and to foster understanding of other peoples and cultures.
Manchester College’s Nu Gamma chapter was established in 2001 to recognize the exemplary performance in language and the overall academic achievement of our students. Dr. Lynne Margolies (lfmargolies@manchester.edu) is the faculty advisor.

Volunteer opportunities for MC language students

• For the past two years, MC students have collaborated with the local Learn More Center to provide training in English as a Second Language (ESL) for our growing immigrant population. Since the spring of 2005, students of Spanish have volunteered as assistants in language classes—helping with pronunciation, checking written assignments for accuracy and engaging ESL learners in basic conversation.
• Other volunteers offer individual tutoring in ESL to immigrants who cannot attend the evening classes because they work second shift or because they are women with small children. Tutoring occurs in a public place which provides a good learning environment and is open to cross-cultural encounters, such as the public library, the Learn More Center or the College.
• Advanced students of Spanish (including exchange students who are native speakers) respond to requests for translating and interpreting as they are able.
• Others work with Spanish-speaking children using textbooks from Mexican elementary schools.

Senior Recognition

Each year, the Modern Languages Department recognizes graduating seniors at a Senior Recognition Banquet. The department is proud of its seniors and commends those graduating with a major or minor in the Modern Language Department.