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​​​​​Kappa Epsilon Chapter
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History of Alpha Alpha Alpha

Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, was founded March 24, 2018, at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Over 100 members of the Alpha Chapter were initiated that day, including undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and honorary members. Following the successful induction, the College took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha so that chapters could be started on other campuses across the country. Tri-Alpha  exists as a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization, for the purposes of supporting the activities of the honors society.

Induction Criteria

• The student has earned at least 30 credit/semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) towards an associate's degree or baccalaureate degree (including half-time) AND
• The undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. (For schools using a pass, high pass, etc. system, a "high pass" average is required.)
• Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree
• Graduate students who are first-generation students can be admitted if they have completed the equivalent of at least one term of study (9 or more graduate credits) and have a GPA in their graduate program of at least 3.5. 

Membership Benefits

• An affordable, lifetime, national initiation fee of $15 (for students) and $25 for faculty, staff, and alumni.
• A certificate and pin signifying membership. Membership is for life.
• An outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarship.
• The opportunity to meet other first-generation scholars from all academic disciplines promoting academic excellence and creating a supportive environment for first-generation college students.
• Identifies you to employers, professionals, and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and commitment.
• Ability to receive mentoring from more senior first-generation students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students.
• Local chapter leadership opportunities.

The Keating Family Presidential Institute & Tri-Alpha Honor Society

The cornerstone of the Keating Family Presidential Institute for First-Generation Students will be the Kappa Epsilon chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), dedicated to supporting and celebrating the achievements of first-generation students. Established in April 2024, Tri-Alpha has already inducted 44 student members and 55 faculty and staff members, including Keating himself. These faculty and staff members will play a key role in providing mentorship and guidance to students through the Institute.