Chapter News

Ashford University

Ashford University held their first induction ceremony as an ASL chapter. Individuals inducted into the chapter included:

Dr. Jane McAuliffe, Chancellor
Dr. Elizabeth Tice, Provost
Dr. Barbara Philibert, Dean College of External Studies
Dr. William Lowe, Dean College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Charles Minnick, Dean College of Business and Professional Studies
Dr. Karen Conzett, Associate Dean College of External Studies
Sr. Kathleen Holland, Adult Accelerated Program Coordinator

Fairfield University

The Gamma Phi Chapter of Fairfield University inducted 15 new members to Alpha Sigma Lambda at its induction ceremony on December 1, 2006. Newly inducted members include Craig Alonzo, Michelle Armstrong, Emilie Bierman, Isaac Brickett, Rose-Mary Rodrigues Chipelo, Norine Fullan, Jeanette Jennings, Christina Mandarano, Stephanie O'Hara, Jason Pflomm, Jocelyn Popovici, Jillian Ross, John Storto, Lincoln Tirado, and Dawn Walmsley.

The Gamma Phi chapter is also proud to announce that Christel Stadler is the recipient of the spring semester William F. Murphy ASL scholarship. Christel, a Marketing major, will be graduating this May.

Following the induction ritual, two deceased members of University College were honored for their contributions to the adult learner. Dr. Aviva Cohen, professor of Sociology, was installed as the 2006 Honorary Inductee. Also remembered was founding dean of University College, Dr. William F. Murphy. (Read the feature article about these honorees) Submitted by Karen Donnelly, Academic Advisor, National Councilor, University College at Fairfield University

Henderson State University

ASL Cake The Rho Beta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda held its first induction ceremony on 16 November 2006. It was a momentous occasion.

The campus of Henderson State University has long been without adequate recognition of non-traditional students. Our National Councilor, Ms. Brenda Hagerich, presided over the ceremony. Acting President, Richard Braughton, conducted the induction of the new members.

Honorary members inducted include: Henderson State University President Dr. Charles Dunn, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Houston, and our National Councilor Ms. Brenda Hagerich. Pictured are the members except Dr. Robert Houston, Donald Ross, Shirley Willsey (click on image to see full size). Submitted by Mr. Richard E. Braughton, Education Specialist, Student Support Services

High Point University

The following students have been inducted into High Point University’s Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honors Society: Mary B. Ausburne, Rodney W. Blevins, Bryan R. Collins, Linda Bowers Douglas, Sheila Renee Finley, Linda G. Flick, Barbara J. Foy, Stephanie Averitt Hall, Shirley Hanson, Angela Huneycutt, Rebecca A. Jefferson, Michael Leclerc, James E. Liston III, Emily M. Nergart, Elizabeth Perry, Nicholas C. Smiley, James L. Sweet, Sondra L. Webster, Cynthia Robinson Wellmon, and Sharon Williams. Submitted by Page N. Stroud, Coordinator of Recruitment and Special Events, Evening Degree Program, High Point University

Judson College

Here at Judson College we have commencement in December and May. In Dec 2006 we inducted 17 new members and in May 2007 we are anticipating approximately 10 new inductees depending on the final graduation count. While our Chapter is not an active one since our adult student are all commuters, we do have a specific ceremony and their membership in ASL is given special recognition at graduation ceremony. Thanks for your hard work on our behalf. Submitted by Jim Kotleba, Ed.D., Student Services Counselor, AIM Program, Judson College

Missouri State University, MO

Our annual induction ceremony will be held April 22, 2007. The program will consist of a panel that ask questions and solicit answers prompting a discussion about the pros and cons of being a non-traditional student "going back to school." We currently have 108 active members. One of our unique benefits is the tutoring assistance that our members provide one another. Submitted by Dee Mayabb, Secretary, Adult Student Services, Missouri State University

Mount St. Mary's University, Maryland

Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland will hold its 7th Induction Ceremony for the Mu Sigma chapter on March 25th. Sixteen new inductees will be honored at the ceremony. President of MSM, Thomas H. Powell, will be the speaker for the ceremony. Refreshments will be served after the induction. Those being inducted attend The Mount's Division of Continuing Studies, which includes both the accelerated evening degree programs and the weekend college, both offered at the Frederick campus. Submitted by Dr. Linda Martinak, National Counsilor

Northwestern University

The Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies will be holding our annual Alpha Sigma Lambda induction ceremony on Saturday, April 14th in Evanston. It appears that we will be inducting approximately 60 members for the 06-07 academic year. ASL inductees who are graduating this in June/August will be recognized during our graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 16th. They will be wearing the ASL Tassel and Cord. Submitted by Lance Paulsen, Academic Counselor, Northwestern University

Seton Hill

Our December induction brought in 11 new members. We welcome new members Kathy J. Baum, Traci L. Bean, Holly A. Crowther, Denise M. Daugherty, Sherry A. Heining, Jacqueline L. Hornick, Christopher Kepple, Alisha M. Logan, Nikki A. Nicholson, Janet L. Parson, and Amy A. Sismondo.

On April 22, our chapter Gamma Upsilon is being honored by the Founder's Society at Seton Hill because of a significant donation to the Martha Raak Scholarship, which is designated for non-traditional students who have excelled academically. "The Founders' Society was designed to recognize and honor the University's donor whose vision and generosity are helping Seton Hill chart its future." This is quite an honor for the membership. Submitted by Debbie Fredo, Seton Hill University, Office of Graduate and Adult Studies

Southwestern Christian University

The charter membership induction ceremony for the Delta Kappa Mu chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda at Southwestern Christian University was held during April, 2006. The charter members included nine students and five administrative/faculty members. A second induction ceremony was held in October of 2006 for eight additional student members. With the growth of student members, the Delta Kappa Mu chapter held its first election of officers in February of 2007. The following elects will serve through December, 2007: President, Keith Ward; Vice President, Debbie Burpo; Secretary, Dollie Sherrill; Treasurer, Memory McElhaney. These newly elected officers will work tirelessly to promote academic leadership for the non-traditional students at the University. Submitted by Ken L. Young, Director, Adult Education, Southwestern Christian University

State University of New York College at Cortland

The Lambda Omicron chapter of the State University of New York College at Cortland will induct thirty-four non-traditional students to membership at the 8th annual Alpha Sigma Lambda ceremony to be held on Monday, April 9, 2007. According to Cheryl Hines, the National Councilor for the chapter, the new inductees will bring the chapter up to 303 members.

To be eligible for the 2007 induction, the top ten percent of SUNY Cortland's adult students had to have a minimum GPA of 3.7. Hines indicates that Dr. Timothy Gerhard, assistant professor of the International Communications and Culture Department, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Gerhard will reflect upon his experiences as a non-traditional student as he attended college. Submitted by Cheryl Hines, Academic Advisor and Coordinator of Non-Traditional Student Support, SUNY Cortland Advisement and Transition

University College of Widener University

University College of Widener University houses the Alpha Theta chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda. At this year's induction ceremony on March 18, they will be making a very special presentation. Donald Ellis, University College student and Alpha Sigma Lambda member passed away tragically in fall 2006, just a few credits shy of completing his Associate of Science in Information Systems degree, and due to graduate in May 2007. University College will be presenting his Associate Degree posthumously to his very proud family, whose inspiration encouraged him to return to school to pursue his dream, at the annual Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction of new members ceremony.

ASL inductees are Joanne Boyle, Rebecca C. DeCillis, Linda DeRenzis, Julie M. Fayer, Teresa Falvey, Carolina Gonzalez, Allison M. Griffin, Mark Graybill, Robert Scott Harver, Gena N. Law, Lisa Ann Leake, Barbara Leventon, Patrick McTaggart, Courtney L. Sullivan, Margaret L. Sweetwood, and Diane M. Whitehead. Submitted by Emily Richardson, Ed.D., Dean, University College, Widener University

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The Induction Ceremony for the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, Continuing & Professional Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst, will be held on May 18th, 2007, in the Murray D. Lincoln Campus Center Auditorium. Vice Provost for Outreach, Sharon L. Fross, will give the welcoming address and William S. McClure, Director of Continuing & Professional Education, will induct the candidates. We expect over 50 inductees this year including students in the following programs: Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Management, and University Without Walls. A reception for inductees, family and friends will follow the ceremony. Submitted by Christine Marcoullier, Academic Advisor, Continuing & Professional Education

University of Rhode Island, Feinstein College

The University of Rhode Island, Feinstein College of Continuing Education, Epsilon Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda provides the following services, activities and events:

Every year, family, friends, and alumni gather at the Paff Auditorium of the University of Rhode Island, Feinstein College of Continuing Education (FCCE), Providence Campus, to honor the Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL), Epsilon Rho Chapter inductees in its annual ritual of initiation ceremony. As part of this ceremony, a faculty or staff member of the university who has displayed a sincere dedication to the success of FCCE students is presented with the Dr. Gilbert Mongeau Award. The late Dr. Mongeau was a former FCCE student, a former URI/FCCE professor, and a strong advocate for FCCE adult students. With the assistance of former Dean Walter Crocker, Dr. Mongeau established the Epsilon Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda at URI/FCCE in 1982. This year's induction ceremony will be held on April 13, 2007.

The Epsilon Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, at the University of Rhode Island, has also been providing a free coffee hour to the Feinstein College of Continuing Education students at the Providence Campus. As students walk into the campus, they are greeted with a cup of coffee and cookies. This free coffee hour runs for two to three weeks, providing our students with both, a warm welcome during the coldest days of the semester and a chance to relax a moment rather than rushing straight into their classes from work. It also gives us an opportunity to hand out flyers providing information about the Epsilon Rho Chapter and its upcoming activities and services.

Additionally, the Epsilon Rho Chapter also offers the URI/FCCE students the opportunity to apply for five $1200, and one $1500 scholarship offered by the ASL National office every year.

We have also established a message board for members, internet dialog, and a website http://www.uri.edu/student_organizations/alphasigma to showcase chapter news and photos, and to enable internet shopping for Alpha Sigma Lambda gifts.