The Sam Houston State University chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta is celebrating its 45th anniversary on campus by hosting a banquet for all past and current members.
Alpha Lambda Delta is a nationally recognized honor society for first year college students who have achieved academic excellence in receiving a 3.5 or higher grade point average in their first semester.
Kalyn Cavazos recently took over the faculty advisor position for the Sam Houston chapter. She spoke about the different components and values of Alpha Lambda Delta.
Alpha Lambda Delta members, in addition to attending chapter meetings, focus heavily on service projects not only for Sam Houston but throughout Huntsville.
Tayla Barnfield, Alpha Lambda Delta Historian, spoke about the many service projects scheduled for members this semester.
“I feel that the service projects that we have lined up this year are going to be extremely fun and fulfilling for our members,” Barnfield said. “There are so many opportunities for our members to help out with the community, and we are all so excited to get started.”
Members have hosted canned food drives, assembled Military care packages, and they also work with the children of the local Boys and Girls Club. Their upcoming project is entitled “Thanksgiving ToGo” which will be collecting nonperishable Thanksgiving foods for under-privileged families in Huntsville who cannot afford a Thanksgiving meal.
“’Thanksgiving ToGo is a service project that we decided our group will participate in this holiday season,” said Barnfield. “We are thrilled to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to those who lack the finances to provide that for themselves.”
Alpha Lambda Delta invites prospective freshmen with academic excellence after final grades are submitted for the fall semester.
The organization typically inducts 100 students each year. With large pledge classes, Cavazos talks about the benefits of knowing other academically successful students.
“Alpha Lambda Delta inspires motivation for students to take full responsibility of their academic excellence, embody true civic engagement and involvement in the community and establishes lasting friendships you’ll be able to maintain throughout your time here at Sam Houston State University,” said Cavazos.
Barnfield talked about the incoming pledges for the spring semester.
“I really hope that our current officers can excite our new members to really strive to take Alpha Lambda Delta to its fullest capacity,” Barnfield said. “I hope we can challenge them to keep improving this organization and to even encourage them to do more than what we could in the past.”
Cavazos continued on how beneficial being a member can be.
“Alpha Lambda Delta helps you gain networking skills and skills that you will be able to take with you into the workforce,” Cavazos said. “Skills can range from leadership skills, to communication, and teamwork with the variety of projects we do throughout the academic year”.
Alpha Lambda Delta gives its members several responsibilities.
“ALD gives you a goal to set for yourself as a freshman here at SHSU,” Cavazos said. “It helps to establish that sense of responsibility as a college student and will introduce you to one of the first organizations you’ll get involved in as a freshman here at SHSU.”
Cavazos encourages eligible freshman to seek Alpha Lambda Delta.
“The friendships, academic recognition, and skills you’re able to gain from Alpha Lambda Delta makes this one of the premier organizations for you to get involved in as a freshman,” Cavazos said.
A 45th anniversary banquet will be held for all past and current members on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center ballroom. RSVP inquiries for the event and questions can be sent to shsuald@gmail.com