The Washington State University chapter of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society will officially admit its first 180 members in a virtual ceremony on April 8th.
The Office of Access and Opportunity and the first generation Forward Working Group set up Tri-Alpha at WSU in 2020. Students, faculties, and staff across the WSU system have been invited to join the organization that recognizes academic achievement in first-generation students, enthusiasm for scholarships, encouraging leadership, and providing support networks across the country.
The first group of WSU candidates consists of 74 students, 28 doctoral and professional students as well as 78 faculties and employees.
Mary Jo Gonzales, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Sandra Haynes, Chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities, will host the event by invitation only.
Angie Klimko, director of First at WSU, said each initiate will hear their name during the ceremony and receive a pin and certificate in the mail.
“These are our shining stars,” said Klimko. “They are high-performing scientists who are leaders in our community and demonstrate the many achievements of first-generation students at WSU.”
Jennifer Espin, a first generation student with a focus on civil engineering, helped set up the honorary society at WSU. She was elected Tri-Alpha’s first president and is working with five other student officers to set the tone and direction for the new organization.
“We are very excited to connect with our fellow students and provide system-wide resources, workshops and support to all first-generation students,” said Espin.
Klimko is equally enthusiastic about the energy and enthusiasm of the tri-alpha officers.
“What better way for them to give back or pass on than to share their experiences as first generation students and grow their success, be it in their careers, in their society or in academia,” she said.
For more information on Tri-Alpha membership criteria and benefits, please visit the First at WSU website.
There are 55 tri-alpha chapters nationwide, with WSU and Seattle University being the only two in Washington. Tri-Alpha was founded in 2018 at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Penn.
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