Union County Review

Kean University recently honored the academic achievements of first-generation college students and alumni. The university inducted 26 individuals into a new chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for first-gen students.

Marvin Adames, Esq., assistant vice president for student retention and dean of students, highlighted the importance of the Tri-Alpha honor society in creating a supportive community for students who may feel isolated in navigating the college landscape.

Frederich Ureña, one of the junior criminal justice inductees, emphasized the significance of the ceremony in recognizing the efforts of first-generation students and the unique strengths they bring to their studies.

Senior Vice President for Student Success Katherine Gallagher, JD, shared her personal experience as a first-gen college graduate, encouraging inductees to be proud of their achievements and the qualities that have brought them to this point.

Amani Saleem, a communication studies graduate student, expressed that being inducted into Tri-Alpha symbolized years of dedication and a commitment to scholarly pursuits for all inductees.

Joseph Coste, a sophomore finance student, shared his experience of feeling part of a larger community of first-gen students through the Tri-Alpha induction, motivating him to work harder and inspire future generations.

The ceremony, held at the Liberty Hall Academic Center, was a family affair with inductees receiving recognition from their loved ones. The event celebrated the academic excellence, leadership qualities, and personal growth of the honored students and alumni.

For more information on Kean's First Generation Student Initiatives program or the Tri-Alpha honor society, individuals can contact Viviana Zambrano, director of the Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation at vzambran@kean.edu.