Baker College’s Pi Zeta Epsilon (PZE) Honor Society received a highway sign recognizing their participation in the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Adopt-A-Highway program. This initiative allows volunteers to adopt sections of state highways for cleanup, fostering community involvement and environmental stewardship.
PZE is Baker’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national Criminal Justice Honor Society. It’s affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies. Since its inception at Baker in 2023, PZE has grown significantly, nearly tripling. Originally composed of Baker criminal justice students, PZE linked the Adopt-A-Highway program with the “Broken Windows Theory of Crime.” This theory suggests that visible signs of disorder encourage further disorder and eventually crime. Today, PZE includes students from various majors including human services and psychology, plus students from St. Francis Law School, fostering comprehensive and collaborative community improvement efforts.
The idea for this project emerged during the early days of Pi Zeta Epsilon, as the chapter sought to establish volunteer opportunities aligning with the values of the parent chapter of their honor society. Desirre Franzel, an original member and current secretary and treasurer, proposed the Adopt-A-Highway program. After a unanimous vote in August 2023, Franzel initiated the application for the Kent County segment the group now maintains. The group comes together three times a year to clear debris. The two-mile stretch of road they maintain on M-44 from Egypt Valley Road to Young Road in Kent County is where the sign was placed (just east of Egypt Valley Road).
“For MDOT, the sign serves to identify the various groups that have volunteered to maintain designated sections of roadway. However, for our members, its significance extends far beyond mere recognition. It symbolizes our collective efforts to transcend geographical limitations and seize opportunities for community engagement. It provides a platform for developing personal and professional competencies associated with philanthropy, which inspire us to persist in our service and discover innovative ways to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of diverse communities,” said Elizabeth Clark, PZE President.
With more members on the east side of the state, the chapter adopted an additional highway segment in March, located on M-14 between Curtis Rd. and Joy Rd. in Washtenaw County. This expansion reflects the group’s commitment to improving communities across Michigan.
The Adopt-A-Highway program is just one of many volunteer opportunities PZE members participate in. For more information about the Adopt-A-Highway program, visit the MDOT Adopt-A-Highway page. To stay updated on Pi Zeta Epsilon’s activities and achievements, follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.