Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Offers Benefits beyond Academic Recognition

Miranda Shepard is a commuter student, but her connection to the Buffalo State University campus goes beyond her time in the classroom.

Through her involvement in Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), a certified, national, interdisciplinary honor society that recognizes academic excellence in the first year at a university, Shepard has forged strong bonds with the campus community.

"ALD has made me more connected to the people on campus," said Shepard, a sophomore studying childhood and early childhood education. "It's a little bit harder when you commute because you're not always there with people. It gives me something to do after class, rather than just going home."

Amitra Wall, Buffalo State interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, became ALD faculty advisor in 2022. Wall said she is focused on building Buffalo State's chapter through establishment of a core executive committee, active membership, and increased involvement from department chairs and advisors.

"This can help students find their why," Wall said. "Focusing on academic excellence regardless of major allows the campus to create a cohort. Especially for the undeclared or Roar 2 Success student, this is something to connect to. This organization can provide a sense of encouragement."

Alpha Lambda Delta is built on five pillars: academics, scholarships, service, career development, and belonging. Membership affords students academic recognition, scholarship opportunities, the ability to serve on ALD's executive board or at Buffalo State events, online and in-person leadership development, and the chance to network with members not only on campus but also across the country and world.

To be eligible for membership, a student must have achieved a minimum 3.5 grade point average as a full-time Buffalo State student and not yet earned 30 credit hours toward a Buffalo State degree. (Some invitees, like Shepard, are also members of the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program.) These students receive an invitation email in February and accept membership on ALD's website, where they pay a nominal fee and then receive a certificate and a shirt. In April, Buffalo State hosts an induction ceremony for new members, faculty, staff, and families. Of the 301 invitations sent for the spring 2024 induction, 55 accepted.

Shepard, who was recently elected president of the Buffalo State chapter, said she was originally intrigued by the society's travel opportunities. In fall 2023, she traveled to Denver for the annual ALD Leadership Conference (this year's October conference will be held in Chicago), where she was able to meet, network, and brainstorm ideas for improvement with other ALD officers. The experience left her with a desire to build the Buffalo State chapter and collaborate with more campus organizations.

"I am studying to be a teacher," Shepard said, "so it's good for me to practice being in a leadership role and organizing things."

Amitra Wall, Buffalo State interim provost and vice president for academic affairs and ALD faculty advisor; Miranda Shepard, Buffalo State sophomore and ALD president.

Throughout the academic year, Buffalo State's more than 150 ALD members participate in community service opportunities, volunteer during Bengal Study Nights, and host events and activities during Bengal Pause.

While ALD celebrates its centennial this year, Buffalo State was installed as a chapter in 2008 by Scott Johnson, former associate professor of criminal justice and assistant dean of first-year and academic support programs; Janet Ramsey, former associate vice president for undergraduate education and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of communication; and Eileen Merberg, '84, '86, former director of student life and current national ALD executive director.

In her piece "In Defense of Honor," Merberg illustrates the value and necessity of honor societies by outlining numerous benefits like building community, professional networking, coordinated community service projects, national conference opportunities, and scholarship funding:

"Honor societies play a vital role on a college campus," Merberg writes. "They are steeped in rich history, deliver distinct value, and help students identify and develop their unique roles in society."

Shepard encourages all students who receive an invitation to take the leap. "It's a really good opportunity that adds to the college experience," she said. "I've gained friendships, leadership skills, and connections all over the country. Being able to say you belong to something is pretty cool."

Pictured above: Buffalo State ALD members represent the society at a tabling event.

Pictured below: ALD members at the national ALD Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Photos courtesy of Miranda Shepard.