Something For Graduate Students To Strive For - Campus News

Something For Graduate Students To Strive For - Campus News
by Kaitlyn Davies

Most students in college want to be in an honor society. Well, graduate students are no different, but until recently they did not have one. That was when Kean University established the Alpha Pi Chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Lambda National Honor Society for graduate students. The Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society's, founded in 1990, mission is to confer distinction for high achievement, promote leadership development, promote scholarship and encourage intellectual development, enrich the intellectual environment of graduate education institutions, and encourage high standards of ethical behavior. Each of the five charter members, were officially inducted into the honor society in December, embodies all of those statements. Charter members include Janelle Alexander, Trevor Ramkissoon, Aneil Mohammed, Carey H. Brown, and Coretta Grant. The charter members have worked hard to make sure that their dream of having an honor society for graduate students came true.Trevor Ramkissoon, Chapter Founder and President gladly said, "It is my pleasure and honor to be the Founder and President of this prestigious honor society dedicated solely for Graduate and Professional School students. By chartering, the Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda at Kean University, an avenue has been created for us to recognize graduate students for their academic and leadership achievement during their graduate education at Kean University. Now graduate students at Kean have an honor society, which encompasses all majors and helps to recognize graduate students for their achievements." Janelle Alexander, Vice President and Charter member goes on to say, "As a graduate student who has been actively involved in campus activities and serving as President for the Graduate Student Government for the Fall 2005 & Spring 2006, I had the opportunity to advocate for graduate students, develop my leadership skills and develop intellectually. I had the chance to practice what I learned in the classroom. It was a stimulating bonus to be recognized for my involvement at Kean University and my commitment to graduate students by being inducted into the Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Lambda Epsilon." All graduate students now have a place to shine and be known for their achievements while their time here at Kean continues.Charter member Aneil Mohammed sums it all up by saying, "To be a part of the Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda at Kean University means a great deal to me at so many levels, personal and otherwise. It means that my colleagues and I were given the opportunity to be founding components of an honor society, which encourages excellence, leadership and character development in service to fellow graduate and professional school students. On a personal level, I was deeply honored to be recognized for the foundation of values for which the Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda at Kean University represents." The Alpha Pi chapter is funded by the gracious donations from the Graduate Student Government Association. The experiences that an honor society could give to its members are priceless. You will meet people who are dedicated to their schoolwork but who are also active in school. And let's not forget it also looks good on your transcript! If you would like more information about the honor society, you could go to the official Alpha Epsilon Lambda website at www.gradschools.org. The honor society is open to all graduate students with a 3.8 GPA, have leadership experience, and have completed at least 21 credits. All you have to do is fill out the application and cross your fingers!