Tri-Alpha Honor Society inducts first members

Heidelberg hosted the inaugural induction ceremony Wednesday for the Tri-Alpha National Honors Society. This new honor society recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of first-generation college students.

The ceremony represents over a year of work for advisor Barry Devine, assistant professor of English and first-generation student himself.

“I’m really excited it’s finally happening,” he said. “I’m happy to be able to welcome everyone the way they should be into this honor society.”

Heidelberg’s chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha was officially established in March, but with campus closed due to COVID-19, the ceremony had to be postponed until this fall. Last night’s virtual ceremony included graduated students from the class of 2020, current students, and faculty and staff members. Elected officers were Shaadia Flint (president), Jonathan “Rocky” Hurst (vice president), Hailey Taylor (treasurer), Gabrielle “Bella” Ballard (secretary), and Chelsea Higgins (historian).

Heidelberg has always championed providing a high-quality education for students of all backgrounds and has a significant number of first-generation college students – a fact that many current students might not be aware of.

“The greatest benefit of having this organization on campus is to highlight the fact that these students are not alone,” Barry said. “This will not only help Tri-Alpha members, but all first-generation students on campus.”

To qualify for Tri-Alpha students must have earned at least 36 credit hours, have achieved an overall GPA of at least 3.2, and neither of their parents, step-parents, or legal guardians have completed a bachelor's degree.

Tri-Alpha Inductees