Heidi Kunkel was recently inducted into the Roger Williams University chapter of Alpha Chi. She is the daughter of Virginia and Dr. Ray Kunkel of Northfield.

Alpha Chi is a national coeducational academic honor society created in 1922. Its purpose has been to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.

Heidi, a junior in the honors program at RWU, is currently pursuing bachelor of science degrees in both chemistry and biology and maintains a 3.9 GPA.

She is a paid lab technician in the biochemistry department, recycling coordinator in the freshman dorms, member of the acapella group "Special Delivery" and a forward on the Hawk women's soccer team.

This past summer, after working in the research lab of Norwich's Dr. Karen Hinkle, Heidi and a few college friends formed the non-profit group "Peace by Piece".

With the generous fundraising support of the workers at the Northfield branch of the Merchants bank, the group spent two weeks traveling the east coast, stopping daily to volunteer in soup kitchens, homeless shelters and community outreach centers.

Heidi will spend next semester at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.