New Members Initiated Into Skulls of Seven at End of Spring 2022 Semester

Westminster College is pleased to announce that the Skulls of Seven initiated new members into the society in May 2022.

Founded in 1898, the Skulls of Seven is the oldest group on Westminster’s campus. As such, this mystical society has long been dedicated to upholding the traditions and ideals of the College.

Dr. David Jones, marshal of the College, said that this year’s Skulls of Seven members began their duties during commencement activities on May 14 and will oversee all other formal Westminster ceremonies during the 2022-2023 Academic Year.

“In addition to maintaining order and helping run events involving academic processions, the Skulls of Seven are charged with greeting Westminster freshmen when they arrive on campus and issuing the Athenian Oath at the Columns Ceremony, among other responsibilities,” Jones explained.

Members are students in good academic standing who are respected leaders of the Westminster community that strive to put the College ahead of personal or special interests.

The honor society defends Westminster tradition and carefully selects members for their adherence to seven virtues: tradition, history, scholarship, loyalty and friendship, citizenship, service, and honor.

The self-perpetuating body encourages applications from all student leaders. Six seniors and one junior are selected each year based on their proven devotion to the College and positive representation of Westminster.

Congratulations to the following members of the 126th August Society of the Skulls of Seven!

William Martin (Grand Marshal), ’23 ΦΔΘ

William Martin currently lives in Houston, TX. He is double majoring in psychology and security studies and minoring in criminal justice. He is the warden of Phi Delta Theta, president of Phi Alpha Delta, and vice president for the John Quincy Adams Society. Martin is an active member of the Blue Blazers Investment Committee, a Westminster Seminar mentor, and a member of the Order of the Sword and Shield honor society. He has an interest in federal law enforcement and plans on attending law school after graduation from Westminster.

Jakob Gibson, ’23 ΦΔΘ

Jakob Gibson is a rising senior from Fulton, MO, who is majoring in political science with minors in philosophy, pre-law, and security studies. Gibson serves as the president of Phi Alpha Delta, president of the Order of Sword and Shield, IFC vice president for Health and Safety, and is Scholarship chair and Greek Excellence chair for Phi Delta Theta. He is also an active member of the John Quincy Adams Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Sigma Tau, Pi Sigma Alpha, and the Order of Omega. Gibson will serve as a Westminster Seminar mentor in the fall. He has an interest in civil rights law and will be attending law school after graduation from Westminster.

Riley Heiliger, ’23 ΚΑΘ

Riley Heiliger is from Wright City, MO, and is majoring in biochemistry with a biological emphasis and minoring in public health and women and gender studies. She currently serves as the president of Kappa Alpha Theta, as secretary for the Order of Omega, as an intern with Remley Women & Gender Center, and as secretary for Omicron Delta Kappa. Heiliger is a member of Student Ambassadors, Peer Health Educators, Pre-Healthcare Professionals Association, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Tri-Beta. After graduating from Westminster, Heiliger plans to attend graduate school to become either a nurse or physician assistant, specializing in pediatric endocrinology.

Madelyn Lawton, ’23 IND

Maddy Lawton is from Lake Saint Louis, MO, and is majoring in health and wellness and minoring in nutrition and education. She is currently a member and captain of the women’s soccer team, Peer Health Educators, and Alpha Lambda Delta. After graduation, Lawton plans on obtaining a personal training certification while she searches for a job in sports nutrition or attends graduate school to become a certified dietitian or nutritionist.

Emily Nelson, ‘23 ΑΓΔ

Emily Nelson is a rising senior from Lake St. Louis, MO. She is double majoring in biochemistry and psychology. Some of her activities on campus include serving as the president and director of ritual of Alpha Gamma Delta, as social media director for Active Minds, and as a Remley Women & Gender Center intern. She is also on the Oath and Values board and the finance committee. Nelson is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega, and Psi Chi. Additionally, she is a member of the Honors Program and a thrower on the track team. After graduating from Westminster, Nelson plans on attending pharmacy school to pursue a job in psychopharmaceuticals.

Rebecca Zile, ’23 ΚΚΓ

Becca Zile is a rising senior from St. Charles, MO. She is majoring in biochemistry with a biological emphasis while also minoring in mathematical sciences and psychology. Zile currently serves as the president of her sorority, Kappa Gamma, as well as recruitment chair for Student Ambassadors. Zile also serves as president of both Alpha Chi National Honor Society and Tri-Beta, a biological honor society. Additionally, she is vice president for Pre-Healthcare Professionals Association and Pi Mu Epsilon, a mathematical honor society. Zile is also involved in representing her class as senator for Student Government Association and is a teacher’s assistant for genetics class. Zile is one of the head mentors for incoming freshmen, serves on the WATT committee, is a Student Foundation member, and participates in women’s tennis. After graduation from Westminster, Zile plans to attend a post-graduate program to earn an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ABSN.

Benjamin Scheve (Baby Skull), ’24 ΔΤΔ

Ben Scheve is a rising Junior from St. Charles, MO, majoring in finance. He is currently the treasurer of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and chief financial officer of the Blue Blazers Investment Committee. He is also a member of the men’s golf team, Student Ambassadors, and Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. He previously was a Westminster Seminar mentor. After graduating from Westminster, Scheve plans to pursue a career in business administration and financial management.

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Sarah Rummel Backer

Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.