First-Generation Excellence Recognized Across Rutgers–Camden
There are moments on campus when individual achievement becomes collective momentum. The recent induction ceremony for the Beta Mu chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society – Tri-Alpha – was one of them, as graduate students from Rutgers Graduate School–Camden stood alongside undergraduate peers from across Rutgers–Camden to be recognized for academic excellence as first-generation scholars.
Assistant Dean Danielle Askew underscored what it means to reach graduate study as a first-generation student, noting the discipline and determination required to persist and excel. Erica Reeves-Mukherjee, Co-Advisor of the chapter and a Public Affairs student, reflected on the importance of building a visible, cross-campus network where first-generation students – undergraduate and graduate alike – see their success affirmed. As part of the ceremony, each new member stepped forward to sign the official Tri-Alpha book, formally entering the chapter’s record, and pinned the society’s insignia as a mark of induction.
The following Rutgers Graduate School–Camden students were inducted:
| Nadia Agarrat – Childhood Studies |
| Lester Engels – Prevention Science |
| Matthew Gould – Liberal Studies |
| Chimere Nicole Haskins – Public Administration |
| Gina Schober – Executive Master of Public Administration |
| Lindsay Peck – Prevention Science |
| Priscilla Merlino – Forensic Science |
| Charles Saini – Liberal Studies |
| Maria Schwarz – Computational and Integrative Biology |
| Maninder Singh – Public Administration |
| Cheryl Towns – Executive Master of Public Administration |
| Edward Wingfield – Liberal Studies |
Tri-Alpha continues to invite eligible first-generation students to apply. Graduate students qualify if neither parent nor guardian earned a four-year bachelor’s degree, have completed at least 9 graduate credits, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Inducted members receive formal recognition and are invited to participate in mentoring, networking, and campus programming, culminating in a cording ceremony at graduation. Eligible students are encouraged to submit the Tri-Alpha Honor Society application by the posted deadline to confirm their eligibility for induction.
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