First-generation scholars: Rowan hosts inaugural induction ceremony for honor society

Alexa Diamant was the first of the first. She embraced the moment, both for what it has meant and what it will mean.

“I really appreciate everything up to this moment,” said Diamant (at right, second from right), a sophomore writing arts major at Rowan University and an aspiring novelist.

“The fact that I’m standing here makes me really proud. I’m proving to myself that I can do this.”

During a ceremony on Nov. 7, Diamant was the first Rowan student to proceed across the stage to accept induction into the inaugural class of the Delta Tau Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national honor society recognizing first-generation students for academic excellence.

Altogether, 63 students were inducted into the society, founded this year at Rowan. Each student signed an induction ledger and received a pin and certificate. Upon their Commencement, they will wear the pin and honor cords to demonstrate their status as first-generation scholars.

First-generation students are students whose parents, step-parents or legal guardians have not completed a baccalaureate degree. To gain induction into Tri-Alpha, first-generation students must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher across 30 semester hours.

Hard work, resilience, dedication, mentoring others

While the society welcomed students, Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand, himself a proud “first-gen,” was Tri-Alpha’s first and only faculty/staff inductee.

“I call myself an extreme first-generation,” said Houshmand (at left), who shared his story with inductees. Houshmand, now in his 10^th year as president of the nation’s third fastest-growing public research university, grew up poor in Iran as one of 10 children born to illiterate parents.

Those who are successful, Houshmand said, are driven by tenacity and determination.

“Each and every one of you has the ability to achieve whatever you want,” he said. “I hope you believe in yourself. Dream crazy dreams.”

Houshmand was the perfect choice as Tri-Alpha’s first faculty/staff inductee because he exemplifies hard work, resilience, dedication, and mentoring others, “which is the best service a first-generation graduate can provide,” said Penny McPherson Myers, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and co-chair of Rowan’s First Generation Task Force.

During the ceremony, Houshmand also accepted the charter, delivered to Rowan from Tri-Alpha’s national headquarters, to officially welcome the chapter to campus.

‘Lighting the way for others to follow’

Tri-Alpha Adviser Joe Lizza, also a first-generation college graduate, explained the symbolism of the chapter’s seal, which includes a star surrounded by several circles.

“The circles indicate the various communities in which you are a part—the community of Rowan University, the community of Glassboro, southern New Jersey, and the community of the wider region and wider world,” Lizza said.

“The star represents you, as a star in your family, lighting the way for others to follow your lead into higher education. Remember that you are this beacon of light to someone else and you have a responsibility to lead others to the light.”

That resonated with psychology major Staci Haaf (center, at right). She attended the ceremony with her sons (from left), Bobby, 16, who is eyeing a career in athletic training, and Carter, 13, who is considering becoming an attorney. Both have their sights set on Rowan for their undergraduate studies.

“I’m very proud of her,” Bobby beamed. “I want to follow in her footsteps.”

‘Celebrate this moment’

Julius Grayson, a member of the Tri-Alpha advisory board, led the students in the society’s initiation pledge.

It said, in part, “By accepting membership in the Tri-Alpha honor society, 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.”

Director of University Advising Services Amy Ruymann, co-chair of the First-Generation Task Force, encouraged inductees to enjoy their accomplishments.

The Tri-Alpha Advisory Board includes Lizza, McPherson-Myers, Ruymann, Grayson, Atla Wells, Melissa Meireles, and Nancy Demaris.

“I hope you remember and celebrate this moment,” Ruymann said. “You belong here. And we are all connected, in the Tri-Alpha Society and in the Rowan community. You are the star and we are part of your circle.”

The inaugural Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society induction ceremony was a highlight of Rowan’s First-Gen Celebration Week.