Arcadia Launches Tri-Alpha Chapter, Will Host First-Gen Student Celebration Nov. 8
Arcadia University is proud to announce the launch of a local chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha Society on campus.
The Alpha Alpha Alpha Society, also known as Tri-Alpha, is a national honors society for first generation college students that offers members a variety of benefits including mentoring sessions, networking opportunities with employers and other members, outward recognition of personal achievement, and much, much more.
First-generation college students share a unique bond on campus here at Arcadia and across the country as the first in their family to attend college. In fact, Arcadia President Ajay Nair and Donavan McCargo, Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students, are both first-generation college graduates themselves. At Arcadia, 26% of first-year students on campus are first-generation college students. The new Tri-Alpha chapter on campus will assist these students and connect them with peers to share their stories and experiences with.
“During my college experience, I wished there were more organizations that supported First Generation College Students,” said Donavan McCargo, vice president for Campus Life and Dean of Students. “As a young black man attending a predominantly white institution, being connected to an organization like Tri- Alpha could have made my experience more transformational through its mentorship and networking opportunities. Therefore, I am excited to be a part of bringing this opportunity to Arcadia.”
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, The Office of Student Engagement, Financial Aid, and Undergraduate Success along with a group of students, faculty, and staff are coming together to celebrate First Generation College Students Day, from 10am-1pm in the Great Room.
The hosts are looking for faculty, and staff who identify as first-generation to volunteer for this event! The event will have speakers, food, activities, resources, trivia, and games! The resource fair will include a tabling/meet and greet area where faculty and staff can share their stories with students and meet fellow first gen individuals. Join us for community, brunch and celebration. There are two times available to participate during the event, please sign up for the one that works best for you.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the new Tri-Alpha chapter on campus and apply to join!
First-Generation (according to Alpha Alpha Alpha) is defined as:
- You must have earned at least a Bachelor Degree.
- Neither of your parents, step-parents nor legal guardians completed a bachelor’s degree prior to your completing one (if they completed a bachelor’s degree subsequent to yours, that does not matter for this purpose).
