Waynesburg University inducted 101 students into its Alpha Lambda Delta honor society during a Sept. 25 ceremony in Roberts Chapel, recognizing their academic achievements and dedication during their first year of college.
During the induction ceremony, the students were formally welcomed into the Waynesburg University chapter after taking the Alpha Lambda Delta pledge, which emphasizes scholarship, service, diligence and integrity. Each inductee was individually recognized and received a certificate and pin marking their membership in the national honor society.
The ceremony also included the formal installation of the Waynesburg University chapter and presentation of its chapter charter by Jody Marsh, an Alpha Lambda Delta Board of Trustees member. The ceremony concluded with a candle ceremony, during which inductees passed the light from one candle to another, reflecting Alpha Lambda Delta’s motto, “we shall pass our torches on, one to another.”
Founded in 1924, Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society dedicated to encouraging academic excellence while helping students develop meaningful academic and career goals. The organization has established hundreds of chapters across the country and has recognized more than one million students for their scholastic accomplishments.
The addition of an Alpha Lambda Delta chapter at Waynesburg University provides students with an opportunity to continue building on their academic success while becoming involved in leadership, service and professional development.
Membership in Alpha Lambda Delta is by invitation and is extended to first-year students who earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The recognition places students among the top academic performers in their class.
For the students being inducted, the ceremony represents more than just an academic achievement. Membership gives students the opportunity to connect with other high-achieving scholars and become part of a community focused on academic and personal growth.
Students will also have access to leadership and career-readiness opportunities, community service initiatives, campus involvement and national scholarships. Alpha Lambda Delta awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and financial support to students each year.
The organization also encourages students to continue their success after induction by emphasizing leadership development, civic engagement and professional growth. These opportunities allow students to take the academic success they have achieved early in college and apply it to their future goals.
For those overseeing Waynesburg's chapter, the establishment of Alpha Lambda Delta represents another way the university can support student success.
“Establishing this chapter strengthens Waynesburg University’s efforts to support student persistence and achievement,” said Kelley Hardie, dean of students. “Early recognition and engagement can contribute to improved retention outcomes.”
The organization also provides students with a way to become more involved on campus and in their communities while continuing to develop skills that can benefit them throughout their college careers and beyond.
For freshmen who are eligible to become members, Alpha Lambda Delta offers an opportunity to have their hard work recognized while continuing to pursue academic excellence.
“This is a prestigious opportunity for you to be rewarded for your hard work and dedication to academics and Waynesburg University,” said Hardie.
The induction of 101 students marks the beginning of the Waynesburg University chapter's efforts to create a lasting community of scholars dedicated to achievement, leadership and service.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
