Tri-Alpha, First-Generation Honor Society
The University has established a new chapter of an honor society for first-generation college students: Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha). First-generation college students are the first in their families to go to college meaning neither of the student’s parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor’s degree. According to Tri-Alpha’s national website, those who accept membership “recognize your responsibility to your family and to future generations of firsts, to finish what you started, to be their compass leading them to their destination when the way seems uncertain, to be their light in darkness, and to support others in their own journeys of ‘firsts.’ … You accept the obligation of thanking those who paved the way before you, and who made this journey possible for you. … You accept the responsibility of helping others as you have been helped, or as you perhaps wish you had been helped, to serve as mentors and guides for the next group of students to step foot on a college campus as the first in their family or circle of friends.” Students qualifying for membership must meet the following requirements:
· Identify as first-generation.
· Undergraduate students: earned at least 30 credits towards a baccalaureate degree and hold an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher.
· Graduate students: completed the equivalent of at least one term of study (9 or more graduate credits) and have a GPA in their graduate program of at least 3.5.
Spring 2024 Induction
WCU Tri-Alpha Honor Society induction will be held on April 16th, at 7pm in the Sykes Theater. We invite the campus community to attend in honoring this group of student's outstanding academic achievements. Please RSVP through RamConnect.
Spring 2023 Induction
WCU Tri-Alpha Honor Society induction will be held on March 23, 2023, at 7 PM in the
Sykes Theater. We invite the campus community to attend in honoring this group of
student’s outstanding academic achievements. Please RSVP through RamConnect. We will be inducting over 100 students! If you are unable to attend in person, your
student can provide you with a viewing link.
Spring 2022 Induction
On Wednesday February 23, 2022 the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Student Honor Society inducted 102 outstanding students based on their academic achievements.
Inaugural Inductions Spring 2021
The inaugural class of Tri-Alpha Honor Society was inducted on February 3rd. Watch the ceremony here.
Read more about our inaugural class of students inducted.
Fall 2021 Inductions
Please check back for video of ceremony.
Contact Info
About Tri-Alpha
Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, was founded March 24, 2018 at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Over 100 members of the Alpha Chapter were initiated that day, including undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and honorary members. Following the successful induction, the College took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha so that chapters could be started on other campuses across the country. Tri-Alpha exists as a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization, for the purposes of supporting the activities of the honors society. Learn more about Alpha Alpha Alpha.
First Gen Rams
Being part of First Gen Rams means being supported, and value by a diverse group of people who understand what is means to be the first. First Gen Rams is also can act as an information provider to new first gen students about experiences they may have and can also assist first gen students with tasks that may be difficult. First Gen Rams provide members with the opportunity to increase awareness about the experiences of first generation college students and to share knowledge and best practices for first-generation college student success.
The goal of First Gen Rams is to help first-generation college students feel engaged and supported by the broader West Chester community and their peers.
2023-24 Officers: Derrick Addison - President; Rylee Goerig - Vice-President; Angel Flowers - Treasurer; Laken Smith - Secretary; Victoria Grace - Leadership Consultant; Ruvieliz Acenvedo-Guzman - Media Chair
Advisors: Evelyn Anderson, Sabrina Rightmer, and Susan Prince