Junior Chris McAlpine represented the University of Kentucky men’s soccer team as an inductee into the Society of Character in a ceremony held at halftime of the UK men’s basketball game versus Vanderbilt on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Chris McAlpine

The Society of Character is part of the University of Kentucky’s CHAMPS / Life Skills Program. It is designed to help student-athletes realize the value of higher academic achievement, a higher level of maturity, self-responsibility and greater overall success. The Society of Character was founded in 1998 to recognize those individuals who epitomize the term “student-athlete”. Each candidate is nominated by a counselor, coach, trainer or manager and then evaluated on five criteria:
commitment to academic excellence commitment to athletic participation, commitment to personal development, commitment to being a role-model, and commitment to preparing for the world of work.

The mission of the Society of Character is:

to recognize student-athletes who have achieved and continue to achieve a high level in all areas of their life.

to bring together these high achieving student-athletes for interactive programs.

to further enhance the high achieving student-athletes’ best interests and well being

to promote continued interaction with other organizations.

Each candidate nominated for election into the Society of Character must meet the following requirements:

must have completed a minimum of 30 hours prior to nomination

must have a competitive grade point average

must demonstrate a commitment to their academic success as well as to personal development, career development and service activities.

McAlpine also is a two-time Mid-American Conference and Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll selection. In September 2000, he also was chosen as the PNC Scholar-Athlete of the Week because of his untiring dedication on the field and in the classroom.