Alpha Sigma Lambda Celebrates Achievements of 17 Gardner‑Webb Adult Students

Honor Society Recognizes Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Character

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University’s Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society recently inducted 17 students. They were honored for their academic achievements, excellent character, and civic responsibility.

Dr. Wendy Athens, director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning and Chapter Councilor, conducted the ceremony. She explained that the Gamma Beta Upsilon chapter was established at Gardner-Webb in 2005 as a non-profit devoted to scholarship. “As a Christian university, we recognize that wisdom is a facet of the Holy Spirit and as Christians, we can seek God’s wisdom and receive it (James 1:5),” Athens stated. “We strive to continually grow in our knowledge of our disciplines and in our understanding of the Word, which is God’s revelation of Himself to humanity.”

Nationally, Alpha Sigma Lambda was established in 1946 to honor superior scholarship and leadership in adult students. It is not only the oldest, but also the largest chapter-based honor society for full and part-time adult students. Today, with chapters at over 250 colleges and universities throughout the United States, Alpha Sigma Lambda recognizes the special achievements of adult students who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of family, work, and community.

For non-traditional students, the Society stands as an inspiration for continued scholastic growth, a builder of pride through recognition and an invitation to associate with similarly motivated students. Candidates for Alpha Sigma Lambda induction must have completed a minimum of 88 credit hours, rank in the top 20 percent of their class, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate exemplary character and citizenship.

Athens gave the charge to new members. Others on the program were Gardner-Webb senior Peter Moore, who provided piano music. The processional was led by Faculty Marshal Dr. Anita Sanders, assistant professor of education. The featured speaker was Dr. Greg Pillar, associate provost and professor of environmental science and chemistry.

New Alpha Sigma Lambda Members Inducted During the Ceremony and their sponsors

• Randy Corry, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, sponsored by Dr. Tracey-Ann Carter, assistant professor and program coordinator, Human Services.
• Jennifer May, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, sponsored by Instructor of Nursing Jennifer Costello.
• Beverly Ruppe, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, sponsored by Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Anita Sanders.
• Kasey Williamson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, sponsored by Carter.

Members Inducted in Absentia

• Edna Fulton
• Karla Bazaldua
• Chasity Goode
• Abigail Henson
• Kierstyn Ligon
• Betty Newcomb
• Misty Ostrum
• Caleb Pruitt
• Katie Ramsey
• Bridgette Solomon
• Addisyn Sutton
• Jacob Toney

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.