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LOVE OF LEARNING, MOTIVATION AND ABILITY TO ENRICH CLASSES THROUGH LIFE EXPERIENCES MARK NEWEST MEMBERS OF ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA

Nearly 90 students at IUPUI have been inducted into the national honorary organization whose members share an important quality: an outstanding commitment to learning.

The accomplishments of these primarily part-time students, who are at least 25 years of age and have a 3.5 or higher grade point average, was celebrated at a reception and initiation ceremony for new members of Alpha Sigma Lambda, Zeta Chi Chapter, March 20 at the Lilly House, the Indianapolis residence of IU President Myles Brand.

Some 85 new members were inducted into the chapter, which has enrolled nearly 1,500 members since its inception in 1989.

"Returning adult students are juggling many responsibilities, and we often don't have good means to recognize their outstanding commitment to learning," said University College Dean Scott Evenbeck. "Alpha Sigma Lambda students show their commitment to learning in their very high grades. They are also leaders in the classroom, bringing their other experiences and commitments to class in a way that enriches the experience of everyone in the class."

Sometimes these students didn't have the chance to attend college when they were younger, Evenbeck noted. "When they are able to return to school, they make up for lost time."

One reason Dr. Linda Haas, Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor of Women's Studies agreed to become advisor to Alpha Sigma Lambda this year was because of the motivation, knowledge and life experience that members of the organization bring to the classroom.

"As excited as I am that more traditional age students are choosing to come to IUPUI, I hope IUPUI continues to provide support and assistance to our original student base, part-time non-traditional age students, who are interested in developing themselves intellectually and educationally, alongside full-time employment and family responsibilities," she said. "I hope this organization can provide high achieving nontraditional age students with opportunities for leadership development and service to the campus, perhaps serving as informal mentors to new incoming students."

Student Renea Vealey Hill, President of the Zeta Chi Chapter, hopes to get the campus organization more active this year by bringing together members of the Zeta Chi chapter along with other adult part-time students. They hope to support and address campus issues that directly affect this population of students.

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