Photo provided Indiana University Columbus signage on the Columbus Learning Center campus.
Twenty high-achieving, first-generation college students were inducted into the IU Columbus chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society during an award ceremony March 31.
“First-generation college students undoubtedly face challenges, but they also bring remarkable intelligence, determination and resilience to our campus community,” said Austin Newberry, Student Success Coach at IU Columbus.
Tri-Alpha membership is by chapter invitation for eligible students who:
- are a current degree candidate in a baccalaureate program
- are enrolled at least half time
- have an overall GPA of at least 3.2 in all coursework
- come from a family where neither parent nor any legal guardians earned a bachelor’s degree
- Graduate students: have completed the equivalent of one full-time term of study (normally 9 graduate credits) with an overall GPA in graduate courses of at least 3.5
This year’s IU Columbus inductees, listed by hometown, include:
Columbus: Wendy Cartwright, Brandi Eweka, Apache Gates, Natalie Medsker, and Kylia Siefert
Elizabethtown: Austin Ford
Franklin: Julia Diebold
Greenwood: LaShawnda Kirk
Indianapolis: Rhonda Lanter
Mecca: Tomi Jackson
Seymour: Danielle Kulich, Elayna Ord, Aspen Rhodes, and Kera Wischmeier
Shelbyville: Joshua Craig, Nikole Merriman, and Noelle Tucker
Nineveh: Abigail Watson
North Vernon: Tracey Driver
Westport: Kelsey Buchanan
