About Us

We are the Mu Eta chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, a nationally recognized honor society for outstanding adult learners. The national organization, in partnership with more than 400 colleges and universities across the nation, was established to “celebrate the scholarship and leadership of adult students in higher education,” so it is no surprise that our motto is “First in Scholarship and Leadership.” This not only aptly summarizes the goal of the national organization but also our chapter’s mission.

In September of 2001, the Tinley Park campus received a charter to host a chapter of this prestigious national honor society for adult students. In 2007, we became a Triangle Society Member of the national organization. This affords our students the opportunity to compete for two additional scholarships offered by the Alpha Sigma Lambda Foundation in the annual Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship competition held each spring. In keeping with our motto, in 2008, we created the Mu Eta Chapter Scholarship program and the Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring faculty award to recognize the scholarship and leadership of others.

Our members are recognized for their outstanding academic success despite the challenges facing older students returning to school — balancing career, family and studies. They excel in their educational pursuits, demonstrate leadership in their careers and campus community and serve as role models for their communities.

Moreover, membership in this elite group is limited to only the top 10% of all adult learners attaining a minimum grade point average of 3.2, though in recent years, invitations have been limited to those earning at least an overall GPA of 3.5.

Most importantly, ours is a lifetime membership. Our chapter includes not only the active participation of our current student members but also our alumni members. Working as a team, they participate in community service activities, such as the Misericordia Candy Days held the last weekend in April; fundraise to support the annual Mu Eta Chapter Scholarship; nominate and choose the winner of the Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring faculty award; and plan the annual banquet.

The Mu Eta Chapter Scholarship

Awarded annually since May of 2008, this scholarship provides a guaranteed monetary prize to the one or two student representatives chosen to represent our chapter in the national organization’s annual scholarship competition. This scholarship is made possible through our various fundraising efforts; all monies collected are given to the annual winners to help them realize their dreams of a college degree.

RECIPIENTS
2008-2009 Gail Yvonne Allen $530

2009-2010 Robin Jones $200
2009-2010 Djatou Traore $200

Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award

In appreciation of the efforts of outstanding faculty members, current Alpha Sigma Lambda student members and recent graduates nominate faculty from the Tinley Park campus. Then, members vote to select an annual winner from the nominated group. The faculty member is awarded a trophy, a certificate, a letter from the student membership, and an invitation to be our guest at the annual banquet.

RECIPIENTS

2007-2008 Professor Edward Leipus

2008-2009 Associate Professor Deborah Edwards

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

Alpha Sigma Lambda’s aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work.
Alpha Sigma Lambda is dedicated to the advancement of scholarship and recognizes high scholastic achievement in an adult student’s career. By so doing, this Society encourages many students to continue toward and to earn associate and baccalaureate degrees. Through leadership born of effort, both scholastically and fraternally, Alpha Sigma Lambda inspires its candidates to give of their strengths to their fellow students and communities through their academic achievements.
To the newcomer in higher education, Alpha Sigma Lambda stands as an inspiration to scholastic growth and an invitation to associate with similarly motivated students.

* This information has been provided courtesy of the national organization’s web site: . It was copied verbatim.