DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton has announced the establishment of the Lambda Omicron Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society, a national organization dedicated to recognizing the achievements of first-generation college students.

Founded in 2018 at Moravian University, Tri-Alpha has grown to include colleges and universities across 39 states, emphasizing academic excellence, leadership and support networks.

The inaugural induction ceremony is slated for February 2025, and first-generation students at Penn State Scranton are encouraged to apply online for membership.

Additionally, a kickoff breakfast will be held Friday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. in the Sherbine Lounge to celebrate the achievements of first-generation students. RSVPs are encouraged for those who plan on attending the breakfast.

Eligible students must have completed at least 30 credits toward an associate or baccalaureate degree and maintained a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher. Additionally, neither their parent(s) nor guardian(s) should have completed a baccalaureate degree.

Inductees will receive a certificate, pin and graduation cords to symbolize their accomplishments as a first-generation student. The honor society also welcomes faculty and staff who meet the definition of a first-generation student and are willing to mentor members.

“I meet with a large number of students who are first-gen every single semester. Students come in with big dreams and parents and families often come in with big worries. Having been a first-generation student myself, I know how intimidating the financial side of higher education can seem,” said Stacy Shattuck, financial aid coordinator. “The best part of being at Penn State though, is that we have a large and strong community of people who not only understand that feeling but who are working tirelessly to make all of it more manageable so students can focus on their education and experience. First-gen students and families bring so much to the campus community, and it is an honor to help them make their dreams of a college degree a reality.”

Melissa Labuda, assistant teaching professor of human development and family studies, helped spearhead the initiative.

“I have been at Penn State Scranton for 11 years and during that time I have advised and taught countless first-gen students,” she said. “Although, I am not a first-gen student, my motivation for attending college is similar to those of a first-gen student. I have found that first-gen students are driven to succeed for their families. The students want to make their families proud. Watching and guiding first-generation students succeed is my motivation.”

Director of Student Services and Engagement Matthew Nied also played a key role in leading this initiative. Nied said that bringing the first-gen honor society to Penn State Scranton helps recognize campus students and their families for the hard work, dedication and sacrifice many of them make to ensure the students’ pursuit of a degree is at the forefront.

“Sharing success stories from our first-gen faculty and staff, sharing their experience may inspire or give the push to our students to keep achieving, keep striving to reach their goals and aspirations,” Nied said. “Tri-Alpha’s Lambda Omicron Chapter will provide students a support network where students can share and support each other through their unique college experiences. We are excited to create a new venue for students to feel connected to, create a sense of belonging, and ultimately celebrate our students’ achievements throughout the academic career culminating with commencement!”

With an affordable lifetime membership fee of $15 for students and $25 for faculty and staff, Tri-Alpha provides members with various benefits, including networking opportunities, mentoring and recognition in the academic community.

For more information about Tri-Alpha Honor Society at Penn State Scranton, contact Labuda or Nied.