Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) recently celebrated the induction of 80 new members into its Beta Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society for first-generation college students and graduates.

MCCC is the first and only community college in Pennsylvania to host a Tri-Alpha chapter, according to the Honor Society’s website. Founded in 2018 at Moravian University (formerly Moravian College) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Tri-Alpha recognizes students, faculty, staff and alumni who are among the first in their families to attain college degrees.

At the beginning of the event, Dr. Stephanie Allen, MCCC Director of Equity, Diversity & Belonging, welcomed the inductees, family members and guests gathered in the Parkhouse Hall atrium on the Blue Bell Campus for the fourth annual induction ceremony.

MCCC’s Student Government Association President Loujain Ahmed began the program by praising the inductees’ accomplishments.

“As first-generation college students, you didn’t just walk through the door of higher education. You had to find the key, unlock it, and in many cases, build the door yourself—all the while balancing academic demands, working jobs and handling family responsibilities often with little guidance other than your own unwavering determination. But look where that determination has brought you,” she said.

Following her remarks, Ahmed introduced MCCC’s president, Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, who also is a first-generation college graduate.

“By pursuing higher education, you have not only trailblazed paths for yourselves but also set a powerful example for your families, networks, communities, and future first-generation students who will look to you for inspiration,” said Dr. Bastecki-Perez to the new inductees. “As you move forward, may your light continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for others to follow, and may your journey be filled with immense opportunities beyond your wildest imagination. Congratulations!”

President Bastecki-Perez then introduced second-year Psychology major, Delaney Niper, who shared her experiences as a first-generation student working full-time as a manager at Wawa to pay for tuition.

“What made the difference to me was finding a college that truly understands students like me. Montco provided me with the flexibility and support I needed to pursue my degree. With online courses, understanding professors and a community that values students with nontraditional paths, I was able to push forward, stay on track and complete my goals,” Niper said.

Following her remarks, she introduced the keynote speaker, Reverend Dr. Charles W. Quann, who has served as the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Springhouse, Pennsylvania, since 1986, and is the author of the book, “It’s Not Where You Start, But Where You Finish That Counts.” During his lively speech, he spoke about his educational journey, overcoming challenges, and accomplishing goals.

“Be diligent in all that you do, strive for excellence, don’t settle for mediocracy, reach for the top, go as high as you can go and don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do,” he said. “You can do things that you may not understand now. Some of you will be president, doctors, lawyers and more.”

Following Dr. Quann’s inspiring address, Dr. Allen shared the history and principles of Tri-Alpha and led the induction pledge. Each inductee walked across the stage, where President Bastecki-Perez congratulated them before they received their pins and certificates.

MCCC student inductees included Hellen J. Aguilar, Nayely Atilano, Taylor Bednar, Jenna Bennett, Noah Trinity Bolman, Katherine Chaisayan, Linda Renee Clemens, Gianna Colti, Samantha Colti, Alesia DeFino, Casey Derro, Nakissi Dosso, Nadia Ellis, Seham Fahmy, Osbelia Fajardo Rico, Grace Gallelli, Mya Gelet, Gisselle Gerena-Concepcion, Vanecia Green, Danielle A. Halloran, Stephanie Marie Hansell, Nichole Heiser, Tyler D. Himes, Regina D. Howard Daniels, Tyisha Lynn Hutchinson, Mikerlange Ilmo, Nicole Jefferson, Hadifa A. Johnson, Kiesha Johnson, Shahreare Hasan Joy, Julie A. Kerwood, Donna Klampfer, Alicja Kowalewska-Ortiz, Megan Krol, Kristina Labib, Elizabeth Angel Le, Jieun Lee, Alitres Leon-Alvarez, Brietta Ley, Brooke Elizabeth Lion, Reagan Mackenzie Lisius, Diamond Lochetto, Angel Lopez, Carrie Loughran, Christopher Mancini, Hilary Maxson, Sarah Mehenni, Aubrey Rose Miller, Curtis L. Miller, Sr., Alvin Munoz Cervantes, Stephaun Muse, Mariam Nasiry, Delaney Niper, Thy Lan Pham, Tatiana Pitts, Meg Prendergast, Mariam Rateb, Callisa Rebitz, Kaelea Alexa Rheaume-Holnick, Yalianne L. Rosa Ramos, Heather D. Schmitt, Rashida Sears, Christina Smith, Essossinam Talaki Tchalla, Adriana Termine, Colette L. Vercene, Jada Vivian, Shannon Whitaker-Brown, Heather Elaine Wilkins, Jacob Wolfgang, Jeehae Young, and Penny Ann Young.

Employee inductees included Emily Boyle, Emma Brown, Margaret Cox, Dr. Adriene Hobdy, Joseph Jacques, Dorothy Miller and Jana Nogowski. Reverend Dr. Quann was an honorary member.

To qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha, a student must earn at least 30 credits toward an associate’s degree or baccalaureate degree and achieve an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2. None of the student's parents, stepparents, or legal guardians may have completed a bachelor’s degree. For students at a community college, none of the parents, stepparents, or legal guardians may have completed an associate’s degree.

Faculty and staff also may be inducted into Tri-Alpha if they meet the definition of first-generation students and are willing to serve as mentors for first-generation students. In addition, a limited number of alumni and honorary inductees who meet the requirements of first-generation students and are connected to the institution may be initiated each year.

Since MCCC held its inaugural ceremony in 2022, it has inducted 355 members into the Beta Alpha Chapter of the Tri-Alpha National Honor Society.