In April, the Alpha Chi Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society held its annual spring induction ceremony at the William Pitt Union on the Oakland campus. The ceremony was honored by the presence of Carol Cushman, ASL Alpha Chi's 1st president and founding member, Mary Pollick, ASL Alpha Chi founding member, as well as faculty honorees Dr. Herbert Wang and Dr. Wes Hiers, whose dedication to CGS students and commitment to academic excellence embody the values of Alpha Sigma Lambda.
The event welcomed the 2026 ASL Alpha Chi inductees: Autumn Amoroso, Deborah Boehm, Melissa Ilnicki, Saoirse Kelly, Aubrey Montes, and Christina Singh. Of the 2026 inductees, Aubrey Montes and Christina Singh were able to attend the ceremony in person, along with 2025 inductee Angie Byrne, who delivered the closing remarks. Learn more about the 2026 ASL Alpha Chi Inductees.
The event was part of the Excellence Reception hosted by CGS Student Government to celebrate the achievements of faculty, staff, and students in the College of General Studies.
Chapter Councilor Dr. Boryana Dobreva opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to inductees, guests, and chapter leadership.
Dr. Boryana Dobreva welcoming guests and inductees.
Carol Cushman, ASL Alpha Chi's 1st president and founding member, then shared the history of ASL Alpha Chi, recounting the beginning years of the chapter and the CGS non-traditional student experience in the 1970s.
Carol Cushman addressing the audience.
ASL Alpha Chi was established at CGS in 1973 to recognize and honor the academic accomplishments of CGS's non-traditional students.
Co-Councilor Jeffrey Reamer then presented the colors and symbols of the ASL crest, walking inductees through the meaning and tradition behind each element of the Society. He then led the induction of new members, guiding them through the oath and presenting each inductee with their ASL certificate and honor cords.
Co-Councilor Jeffrey Reamer presenting the colors and symbols of the ASL crest.
After learning about the colors and symbols of the Society, the inductees took the oath and received their ASL certificate and honor cords.
Inductees taking the oath and receiving their ASL certificates and honor cords.
Inductees receiving their ASL certificates and honor cords.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Angie Byrne, CGS student and 2025 ASL inductee, who shared about her education journey as an adult student and the significance of the ASL honor society.
Angie Byrne delivering closing remarks.