Alpha Alpha Alpha logo.
Fresno State recently established the Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (also known as Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-generation college students that provides mentorship, leadership opportunities, academic and personal resources, and promotes academic excellence.
Fresno State is now one of only six California State University campuses with an Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter, joining CSU Channel Islands, CSU Dominguez Hills, Sacramento State University, CSU Stanislaus and Sonoma State University.
“We are continuing to uplift and celebrate the momentous achievements of our students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree,” said Dr. Kent Willis, vice president of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State.
“I want to thank our dean of students, Terree Stevenson, for her unwavering commitment to student success and her foresight in bringing this organization to our campus as part of her initiatives. Establishing a Tri-Alpha chapter at Fresno State reaffirms our commitment to some of the nation’s brightest and most resilient students.”
In the 2023-24 academic year, 64.1% of undergraduates at Fresno State were first-generation students.
Many first-generation students express feelings of imposter syndrome and uncertainty as they navigate higher education, sometimes relying solely on resources they find on campus to guide them through.
Benjamin Garcia, a first-generation student from Delano who is in his final semester at Fresno State, said, “Some students are scared to ask for help. I was scared to ask for help when I got here. People think it’s a weakness, but good things can come out of it…having Alpha Alpha Alpha on campus will be a good resource for so many students who are working to better their own futures while also honoring their family’s sacrifices.”
In joining Alpha Alpha Alpha, students will receive:
- The opportunity to meet other first-generation students from across campus and create a support network.
- Mentorship from their more senior peers as well as alumni, staff and faculty.
- Leadership opportunities.
- Recognition for personal and academic excellence.
- A certificate and pin signifying their lifetime membership.
To qualify for induction into Alpha Alpha Alpha, undergraduate students must have completed at least 30 credits toward their degree and have a GPA of at least 3.2. Graduate students must have completed at least 9 credits toward their degree and have a GPA of at least 3.5. Both undergraduate and graduate students must not have parents, step-parents or legal guardians who have completed a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to students, Alpha Alpha Alpha membership is open to Fresno State alumni, staff and faculty, if they were first-generation students and are willing to mentor students in the honor society.
A small number of honorary members can be inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha as well. While these individuals do not need to be Fresno State alumni or first-generation students, they need to have a connection to the university, be advocates for first-generation students and be willing to serve as mentors.
Applications and nominations for Alpha Alpha Alpha membership are open now through March 31.
All applications and nominations will be reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students, and applicants and nominees will be notified regarding their membership status.
All accepted members will be invited to participate in Fresno State’s inaugural Alpha Alpha Alpha induction ceremony taking place this May at the Smittcamp Alumni House.
For more information about Fresno State’s Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter, visit https://studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/trialpha/index.html or contact trialpha@mail.fresnostate.edu.
