UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Ten students at Penn State New Kensington were inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for nontraditional adult college and university students. The students were recognized for their achievements at an induction ceremony April 22 in the campus Conference Center.
The new inductees were Sarah Al-Lozi of Arnold (Organizational Leadership), Ryan Barton of New Kensington (Information Sciences and Technology), Leslie Davis of Lower Burrell (Organizational Leadership), James Joseph of Greensburg (Business Administration), Joseph Laurina of Pittsburgh (Information Sciences and Technology), Brittny Logesky of Murrysville (Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology), Carolyn Mihalinac of Cranberry Township (Organizational Leafership), Justin Page of Cranberry Township (Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology), Justine Rojeski of Apollo (Biomedical Engineering Technology) and Julianna Scoglietti of Pittsburgh.
Barton, a senior, is a former petty officer in the U.S. Navy. He has assumed numerous leadership roles on campus, including faculty senate representative for the Student Government Association. Induction in the honor society is an extension of his college experience.
“I think it is important to be a member (in Alpha Sigma Lambda) because it shows that you are willing to be involved with groups and organizations instead of just remaining a student,” said Barton, who will graduate in the fall. “Honestly, college coursework takes a lot of drive and initiative, and it is nice to be noticed for it.”
The Cabot native served four years in the Navy where he was a member of the Reactor department, which is responsible for propelling the ship and launching aircraft. Barton's duties included working with the confidential computer network aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear aircraft carrier. He was drawn to the campus by the quality of the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) program and the teacher-to-student ratio. IST is the connection between his military service and civilian career. The small classes provide one-on-one opportunities with faculty.
“My job in the Navy was very technical,” said Barton, who attended Evangel Heights Christian Academy in Sarver. “With the IST program, I’m learning much about the technical side of everything to make the most of the degree.”
Barton’s off-campus time is spent with his family. He has been married to Cassie Barton for seven years, and they have a 3-year-old daughter, Alexis. He relishes his time with his wife and daughter and says that “juggling school and family is quite easy.”
“The secret to that is doing most, if not all, of my schoolwork at school before I go home,” said Barton, who moved to the city of New Kensington when he began classes. “The campus makes learning more personable, and as an adult it makes it easier to work with the faculty if any issues arise at work or home.”
Alpha Sigma Lambda
Alpha Sigma Lambda, which translates to “First in Scholarship and Leadership,” recognizes the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. Criteria for membership for students include a minimum 3.2 grade-point average and completion of at least 24 credits.
The oldest and largest chapter-based honor society, Alpha Sigma Lambda was created for full- and part-time students. There are more than 300 active chapters in the United States. Penn State New Kensington is the Eta Mu chapter of the honor society.
The society was founded in 1946 by Rollin B. Posey, dean of University College at Northwestern University, to recognize the academic achievements of evening students who handled social responsibilities as well as course requirements. The society stands as an inspiration for continuing scholastic growth and is a builder of pride through recognition.
Regina Cherish, a senior communication major, was inducted last year with the Class of 2014. She agrees that membership in the society has its benefits.
“It is a confidence builder to be recognized for all the hard work that I put in,” said Cherish, who will earn her bachelor’s degree in May. “And it is always good to wear a special chord at graduation.”
For commencement ceremonies, cords and stoles are worn around the neck and signify membership in a national honor society. Alpha Sigma Lambda chords are burgundy and gold. Burgundy denotes power, action and the confidence to go after your dreams. Burgundy also represents the color of blood, the essence of life and living. Gold denotes wisdom and wealth used wisely, as well as prosperity, success, good health and optimism. The society’s crest features its Greek symbols and a book (knowledge), lamp (wisdom) and torch (life). For more on Alpha Sigma Lambda, visit http://www.alphasigmalambda.org/
Adult learners
Adult learners, including veterans, comprise approximately 25 percent of the student population at the campus. In addition, the number of vets at the campus is expected to rise as more military personnel fulfill their service obligations and return to civilian status. Evening programs are an essential component of class offerings for adult learners, many of whom work full-time jobs. Four campus bachelor’s programs -- Business, Information Sciences and Technology, Nursing and Organizational Leadership -- can be completed at night.
The evening schedule complements another support feature for nontraditional students, the Adult Learner, and Veteran Student Resource Center and Lounge, which gives adult learners their own space on the campus. Located next to the Student Life office on the lower level of the Administration building, the lounge includes a small library of resource books, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, a computer and printer, white board, table and chairs for small-group study and comfortable chairs for relaxation. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. For more on evening programs, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/45195.htm
Information Sciences and Technology
The IST degree is designed to bridge the knowledge gap between the diverse fields of computer science and business. Experience with all of these disciplines enables students to see the overlap of these fields and contribute to a variety of technical and nontechnical roles after graduation. For more about the IST program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44621.htm.