The Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha held its last induction ceremony on April 25, 2025. Credit: Shidika Goode / Penn State. Creative Commons
September 24, 2025
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Applications are open for the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha at the University Park campus, a national honor society celebrating academic achievement and leadership within the first-generation community.
Tri-Alpha membership is open to first-generation undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni and other University supporters. Penn State defines a first-generation student as an undergraduate student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
Tri-Alpha members receive a lifetime of benefits, including leadership, career and academic opportunities, a certificate and pin at initiation, access to a network of first-gen peers and mentors and public recognition of their induction. This year’s induction ceremony will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, in alignment with Penn State’s recognition of the National First-Generation College Celebration.
“Being the first in your family to earn a college degree is an immense accomplishment, made even more remarkable by achieving academic excellence along the way. Membership in Tri-Alpha provides a platform to celebrate these trailblazers and connect them to the larger first-gen community at Penn State,” said Eta Psi chapter adviser Chelsey Walls.
For the application and more information, visit the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success website. Applications and letters of recommendation are due Oct. 1. Those with questions about their applications should email Eta Psi Chapter Adviser Chelsey Walls at crs21@psu.edu or Eta Psi Chapter Vice President Gary Liu at gzl5289@psu.edu.
The University Park chapter also offers a built-in community for first-generation students who are changing campuses, such as 2+2 students, or those transferring to Penn State from another institution with a Tri-Alpha chapter. Tri-Alpha chapters can also be found at Penn State Abington, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Berks, Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Lehigh Valley, Penn State Schuylkill, Penn State Scranton and Penn State York.
Current Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to apply. In addition to submitting a brief statement of interest, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.
Currently enrolled undergraduate students must have:
Current Penn State staff, administration or faculty members must have:
Alumni who completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree at University Park and wish to join Tri-Alpha need a recommendation submitted by a current member of the Penn State community, such as faculty, staff or student, and identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success.
The Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education and is located at 325 Boucke Building on the University Park campus. The center provides proactive support and tailored interventions to help undergraduate students develop essential skills, navigate academic transitions, and foster a sense of connection and belonging.
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