Tri-Alpha: Lambda Xi Chapter
At Penn College, we celebrate the first-generation college student experience. You are a force of inspiration and empowerment. Together, we can transform tomorrow.
What is Alpha Alpha Alpha?
Alpha Alpha Alpha, also known as Tri-Alpha, is the National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students. Tri-Alpha was founded at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in 2018 with the goal of supporting and celebrating the academic achievements of first-generation college students across the country. They aim to promote leadership and provide a support network across roughly 100 member institutions that range from community colleges to large universities.
Have questions? We have answers.
Eligibility
Any Penn College student whose legal guardians have not yet earned a 4-year college degree are eligible to join. There are two additional factors that impact eligibility including the number of credits you have earned and your cumulative enrollment GPA.
- Undergraduate students: Penn College students in a 2-year or 4-year degree program are eligible to join as long as they have earned at least 30 credits prior to applying and have a minimum enrollment GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Graduate students: students in graduate programs at Penn College are eligible to join as long as they have completed the equivalent of 1 full-time term of study (normally 9 graduate credits) and have an enrollment GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Each semester, the advisors for Tri-Alpha will send an email invitation to all eligible students to join. Students then fill out the application to collect some basic information. Right now, that happens through the Engage platform.
Tri-Alpha is know for having one of the lowest induction fees of any national honor society to remove a financial barrier to membership. The current fee at Penn College is $25 for lifetime membership.
- $15 of the current Penn College fee goes to the national organization
- $10 stays with the college and helps cover the cost of the induction ceremony
The Lambda Xi chapter of Tri-Alpha at Penn College is very new, and members have an opportunity to grow and make this organization what they want it to be. Membership in this organization will:
- Provide opportunities for leadership by mentoring member-elected officers.
- Facilitate personal and professional growth.
- Enhance your resume through volunteer engagements.
- Receive special recognition at graduation.
The Lambda Xi chapter of Tri-Alpha at Penn College is very new, and members have an opportunity to grow and make this organization what they want it to be. Membership in this organization should expect to:
- Participate in fundraisers a few time throughout the academic year
- Attend membership meetings 2-3 times per semester (virtual and in-person options available)
- Participate in volunteer opportunities to serve the community or the chapter to build your resume and networking skills
- This can include tabling for recruitment, participating in campus-wide events such as Accepted Students Day, and more
There are several ways you can connect with the advisors and chapter officers of Tri-Alpha.
- Click the "Contact" button on our engage page at engage.pct.edu/organization/trialpha
- Email the advisors
- Kaysey Beury, Coordinator of Student Success Solutions: KLB64@pct.edu
- Dr. Kathy Zakarian, Counselor: Kathy.Zakarian@pct.edu
- Stop by the Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic Excellence in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center, room 1049
Upcoming Events and Activities
Check back here frequently for upcoming opportunities to connect with and support members of Tri-Alpha around campus.
Jan 26
Tri-Alpha Membership Recruitment Events
12:00 PM
Alpha Alpha Alpha will have a recruitment table with information about joining and requirements on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11-1 p.m. outside of KDR and Le Jeune Chef. Stop by, ask questions, and find out more about benefits of joining The National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students.
Jan 26
Tri-Alpha Application Opens
11:59 PM
Applications will open for Alpha Alpha Alpha on or around January 26th. Eligible students will be sent an invitation via email and a link to the application which can be found on Engage under "Forms." Undergraduate students must be first-generation and have earned a 3.2 enrollment GPA and 30 credits. Graduate students must have a 3.5 enrollment GPA and have earned 9 credits. Applications Close February 6th.
Feb 06
Tri-Alpha Application Closes
11:59 PM
Applications will close for Alpha Alpha Alpha on or around February 6th. Applications can be found on Engage under "Forms."
Apr 11
Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony & Graduation Celebration
10:30 AM
Tri-Alpha will host their induction ceremony and graduation celebration for new and graduating students from 10:30-noon in the Davie Jane Gilmour presentation room. All current members are invited and encouraged to attend and network with new members. More details to come.
Tri-Alpha Honor Society
On March 22, 2025, Pennsylvania College of Technology held the chartering and first induction for Alpha Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students. President Savanna Duvall and Vice President Teagan Harzinski, were also recognized at the ceremony which was details in a Penn College News Article to commemorate the event.
