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Eta Sigma | American University's Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter National First-Generation Honor Society

A student who has been inducted into Tri Alpha poses with the Tri Alpha advisor as she holds her Tri Alpha certificate.

Tri-Alpha, also known as Alpha Alpha Alpha, is a national honor society for first-generation student. This honor society is a way to celebrate the academic achievements of our first-generation students and is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Faculty and staff may also be inducted. We hope that you will join! To learn more about the Tri-Alpha Honors society and its history, visit their official website. 

Eta Sigma Chapter

American University’s Tri Alpha First Generation Honor Society
The Eta Sigma Chapter of Tri Alpha here at American University was officially Installed in November 2023. This was a part of our annual National First-Generation Celebration Week. Each year during the week of November 8th we celebrate our First-Generation students that include a formal dinner and indcution of the newest Eta Sigma Chapter.

History
Tri-Alpha was founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with the induction of 100 members of the Alpha Chapter. Moravian College then took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha as a not-for-profit organization so colleges and universities across the country could start their own chapters of the society. 

Students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria:

  • The student has earned at least 15-30 credit/semester hours towards a baccalaureate degree 

  • The undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. (For schools using a pass, high pass, etc. system, a "high pass" average is required.) 

  • Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree 

  • Graduate students who are first-generation students can be admitted if they have completed the equivalent of at least one term of study (9 or more graduate credits) and have a GPA in their graduate program of at least 3.5 and or are in satisfactory standing with their program (NOTE: The executive board voted to change the GPA requirement to 3.5, but now allows for part-time students in graduate programs to be admitted.). (For schools using a pass, high pass, etc. system, a "high pass" average is required.) 

  • Faculty and staff may be inducted as well. To qualify, they must have met the definition of a first-generation student listed above at the time they completed their bachelor's degree. Faculty and staff must be willing to serve as mentors for first-generation students. 

Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Faculty & Staff, & Alumni
If you meet the criteria (listed above) and would like to join, submit your membership application here. 
Apply Here

Eagle First Initiative

In CDI we are committed to sharing, empowering, and acknowleding that each of us that are First-Generation as uniquely First-Generation. With so many initiatives we have in the form of the First-Generation Hanbook, Yearbook, The First Stop (First-Generation Newsletter), and programming we are eager to hear of your story of being First-Gen. 

Please share your first-gen story with us by completing this form:

Eagle Firsts Survey Response

The national initiation fee is $10 for students and $20 for faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as a local initiation fees (where applicable).

You will receive a certificate and pin signifying membership, which is for life. 

As a member of Tri Alpha, you will receive the outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarship. You will also be identified by employers, professionals, and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and commitment.

  • Have the opportunity to meet other first-generation scholars from all academic disciplines on your campus and to join them in promoting academic excellence and creating a supportive environment for first-generation college students. 

  • Mentor younger first-generation students. 

  • Get mentoring from more senior first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students. 

  • Build your resume and connections through networking. 

  • Gain local chapter leadership opportunities.

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Leadership

American University Chapter Student Executive Board
Our elected chapter officers for 2024-2025: 

  • President: Alexei Habermehl, B.A | Kogod 2025
  • Vice President: Rodrigo Velasco-Hernandez, B.A | SPA 2027 
  • Treasurer: Hanna Hajdu, B.A | SPA 2027 
  • Secretary: Emelyn Sanchez Calzada, B.A. | SPA 2026 
  • Historian: Jessa Holton, B.A. | CAS 2025 

Interested in joining the executive board? Find the application here!

American University Chapter Advisors

  • Quintenilla Merriweather, Associate Director of Student Equity, Access, & Retention, Center for Diversity & Inclusion
  • Allison Wallen, Assistant Director of Student Success, Transition, & Retention, Center for Diversity & Inclusion 
  • Vicky Wilkins, Acting Provost & Chief Academic Officer, American University 

National Tri-Alpha Leadership
Please visit the national Tri-Alpha website for a current list of the members of the national executive board of directors.

Proud to be first, American University

First Generation Students

Learn more about the First Generation student community at AU, and how AU supports the First Generation student experience.

Explore First Gen Support

Center for First-Generation Student Success First Forward Institution

First Forward

Because of our commitment to first-gen students, AU was designated as a First Forward Institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success.

First-Gen Forward