First Generation Students Inducted into National Honor Society

Montclair State University recently held its first induction ceremony for the Delta Chi chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), the National Honor Society for First Generation College Students, welcoming a total of 52 students, staff, alumni and honorary inductees into its inaugural class.

The two honorary inductees are in leadership roles at the University: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales and Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris. One staff member, Lissette Gutierrez, an alumna who graduated in 1986, was inducted posthumously, and a certificate was presented to her brother.

Of the others inducted, 20 are undergraduate students, eight are graduate students, 10 are staff and 11 are alumni.

In a video message presented at the ceremony, Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell congratulated the inductees for being the “first group inaugurated into this honorary society especially created for first generation students.”

“That’s an important thing here at Montclair, where we’re becoming a model of inclusion, accessibility and excellent education, and you’re showing how important that is,” Koppell said. “It’s not enough to say ‘this is a university that’s available to everyone,’ you have to create an environment where people can thrive. Hats off to you for taking full advantage of that environment.

“I applaud your success but more importantly, your hard work, perseverance and your belief in yourself that you are capable of doing work at the very highest level no matter what obstacles had to be overcome.”