Tri-Alpha Honor Society Inducts Second Class

WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College’s Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society chapter held a ceremony last month to welcome its second class of inductees.

The program, which took place in the Walter & Marie Williams Building’s Max Ray Joyner Auditorium, focused on the academic achievements and shared life experiences of Alpha Alpha Alpha’s (or Tri-Alpha’s) 10 newest members. PCC Assistant Vice President of Curriculum & Instruction Lori Preast, a member of Tri-Alpha’s 23-member inaugural class last year, was the ceremony’s featured speaker.

“Inductees celebrated with parents and loved ones who supported them throughout their academic journey at PCC,” said Dr. Travis Kinsey, PCC Director of TRiO Programs. “They were so proud of their achievement and induction into Tri-Alpha.”

Established at PCC in February 2022, Tri-Alpha encourages and rewards academic excellence among first-generation students, who are the first members of their families to attend college. Induction, Kinsey said, is earned through outstanding academic achievement, and membership features opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service.

Kinsey said starting a Tri-Alpha chapter at Pitt was a continuation of the college’s efforts to increase awareness of first-generation students and make them feel at home on campus. He said PCC has excelled in that endeavor and, as a result, earned designation as an “advisory institution” by the Center for First-Generation Student Success.

“As the only community college in North Carolina to have a Tri-Alpha chapter, PCC stands strong on its mission to educate and empower people for success,” Kinsey said. “We look forward to the continued success of Tri-Alpha and all first-generation initiatives.”

Along with students Yamileth Espino, Shaneka Fisch, Robin Fulford, Tahira Gatson, Kathryn Holder, Morgan Mazyck, Pamela Misenis, Erica Newton, Taliya Phillips and Rebecca Williams, four faculty/staff members—Lauren Allen-Joyner, Danielle Jones, Melissa Rees and Cheri White—were also inducted into Tri-Alpha.

This year’s induction class also included Dr. Thomas Gould, who was welcomed posthumously as an honorary member. Gould, a longtime proponent of first-generation students, was serving as PCC’s Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services when he passed away unexpectedly in February.

Induction into Tri-Alpha, which was founded in March 2018 at what is now Moravian University, is by chapter invitation for eligible first-generation college students. Induction requirements include full-time enrollment in an associate degree program, completion of at least three full-time semesters of study with a minimum of 30 curriculum credits, and an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Local chapters may induct faculty, staff and alumni, if the individuals completed a bachelor’s degree and were first-generation college students at the time they graduated. They must also have a relevant, ongoing connection to the institution granting membership, including service as a faculty or staff member, donor, board member or volunteer.

In addition to Kinsey, Don King, Cortisha Skinner and Abigail Wooten serve as PCC’s Tri-Alpha advisors.

05/15/2023