Penn State Mont Alto Recognizes Adult Learners during Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction
Fifteen Penn State Mont Alto adult-learners were inducted into the Zeta Pi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the nation’s oldest and largest honor society for non-traditional students, on Thursday, April 16.
The ceremony was conducted via Zoom due to the COVID-19 crisis and was emceed by Bradley Kendall, Penn State Mont Alto supervisor of maintenance and operations; and Alice Royer, assistant teaching professor of English and women’s studies, both of whom are members of Alpha Sigma Lambda.
In his welcome remarks, Penn State Mont Alto Chief Academic Officer Michael Doncheski, Ph.D., who also serves as the Alpha Sigma Lambda councilor, acknowledged the unique challenges that non-traditional students often face, including full-time employment and families.
“Earning a college degree can be quite a challenge for any student, but adult learners tend to have very full lives already,” Doncheski said. “They may be working full time, raising a family, and/or holding other responsibilities, so earning a college degree becomes and even bigger challenge. When they succeed and graduate, it’s definitely an accomplishment worthy of celebration.”
Alpha Sigma Lambda was founded in 1946 by Rollin Posey, Ph.D., Dean of the University College at Northwestern University in part to honor individuals continuing their academic pursuits following World War II. The Mont Alto chapter was approved in 2001 and has inducted 419 students since its inaugural class.
To qualify for membership, students must have completed 30 Penn State credits, maintain a 3.20 GPA and be at least 23 years old.
This year’s inductees are:
Peter W. Andrews, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tasha Arvin –RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Koran J. Dunbar – Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Dori Michelle Dunkle – Human Development and Family Studies
Jordan A. Foreman – Occupational Therapy Assistant
McKensey Hartsock – Nursing RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Brandon M. Jones – Business
Kelsey Marshall – Nursing
Amanda Moore – Psychology
Lorie M Nye – Human Development and Family Studies
Ashton Kate Price – Nursing
Benjamin James Stouffer – Occupational Therapy Assistant
