’s Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) chapter, known as ‘The Honor Society For First-Year Academic Success’, held its annual induction and awards ceremony on February 17, 2024, in the Cartwright Hall auditorium. ’s chapter was founded in 1960 and stands today with more than 1,500 current members, making the chapter one of the largest among the 280 chapters across the globe. is a member of the and prides itself on aiding students in academic success and promoting intelligent living while pursuing goals to further benefit society.
“I believe an ALD member must have great character and exhibit that to everyone they encounter. They must also value their academics highly and want to grow their professional careers. I believe kindness, compassion and a service attitude are also qualities seen in many ALD members!” says Lauren Reed, president of the ALD chapter.
The induction ceremony celebrated each inductee, recognizing their notable achievements and scholarships received in their first semester of higher education at . Five outstanding members of the chapter were awarded ALD scholarships of $1,000 or more each. These recipients were recognized for their high achievement and commitment to the leadership, service and research values of the honors society.
“I am glad to recognize ALD members during the induction and awards ceremony. From our new inductees to scholarship recipients to graduating seniors – there’s a lot to celebrate!” says chapter advisor and Honors College advising coordinator Lauren Huffman.
The chapter welcomed 437 new members at the event, making it the second-largest induction class for the chapter. Alison Smith, Ph.D., the dean of the Honors College, an honorary member of ALD and the ceremony's keynote speaker, shared some words of encouragement for the inductees and ALD members, stating, “When you do your best work in all that you do, your best work gets better.”
The newest members of the chapter were also congratulated by a myriad of smiling faces of leaders and members of the other 280 chapters via video. New members' names were called one by one and each distinguished inductee stood for applause from proud parents, friends, current ALD members and university staff.
“I am looking forward to seeing all the new members and the energy they bring to this club!” says Casey Pillot, ’s ALD programming co-chair.
The current leadership board for the chapter spoke at the podium to welcome the new inductees, giving them the opportunity to share the dignified qualities of a member of Alpha Lambda Delta.
“I uphold the values of ALD by encouraging others to do well in college and strive for success. I represent ALD well by always being willing to give advice about academics and by being a welcoming face to others,” says ALD programming co-chair Maggie Conley.
The ceremony was a powerful representation of the importance of striving to do your best academically, personally and professionally. To learn more about the chapter, please visit the Alpha Lambda Delta website.
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PHOTO CAPTION 1: Alpha Lambda Delta leadership board members pose underneath a red, black, gold and white balloon arch with gold balloons in front of them spelling out “ALD”.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: Pictured are the ALD cords for graduating seniors with yarn colors of red, gold and white and featuring a gold emblem.
PHOTO CAPTION 3: Alison Smith, Ph.D., the dean of the Honors College, an honorary member of ALD and the ceremony's keynote speaker, stands on the stage at the podium to give her keynote speech. Behind her is a projector screen with an image of her headshot and name.
Media Contact: Stephanie Moskal, smoskal@kent.edu, 330-672-2312