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.
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.
Oct 20
Tri-Alpha Fall Application Closes
12:00 PM
Applications will open for Alpha Alpha Alpha on or around October 6th. Eligible students will be sent an invitation via email and a link to the application which can be found on Engage. 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.
Oct 21
Membership Meeting and Fall Fundraiser Begins: Little Caesars Kits
12:00 PM
Tri-Alpha will be doing an online fundraiser for the fall semester in conjunction with Little Caesars. Pizza, Cookie, and breadstick kits will be available through our online store. Check back here for more details or scan a QR code from one of the posters around campus. The fundraiser will run through First-Gen Celebration on November 8th. Details will be discussed at the membership meeting held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in DJG1056.
Nov 08
Fall Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony
10:00 PM
Tri-Alpha will host their second induction ceremony for new students from 10-11 a.m. in the Davie Jane Gilmour presentation room. Current members are invited to attend and network with new members.
Nov 18
Tri-Alpha Membership Meeting
12:00 PM
Two meetings will be offered today for Tri-Alpha members. 3:30 p.m. will be held in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center presentation room. the 6:30 meeting will be held online via Teams. See Engage.pct.edu for the link to the meeting. You must be logged into your PCT account.
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.
