"We shall pass our torches on, one to another"

Alpha Lambda Delta is a National Society for first year students which honors high academic achievement in the first year of college. New members are inducted into the society during their sophomore year and may have an active role until their senior year. This organization has the potential to recognize superior scholastic achievement, provide academic support, and also aid in developing friendships.

The purpose of the organization is "to encourage superior academic achievement among students in their first year in institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society."

Alpha Lambda Delta was founded as an honor society for freshman women in 1924 at the University of Illinois by the Dean of Women, Maria Leonard. It soon became a national organization as chapters were established at Purdue University in 1926 and at DePauw University in 1927. Men were first admitted to membership in the fall of 1975.

The initials of Alpha Lambda Delta stand for the Greek words: Allelois Lampadia Diadusousin, which stands for the motto "We shall pass our torches on, one to another."

The distinguishing symbol of ALD represents a lighted candle. The golden base of our candle signifies honesty and integrity, which are the foundation on which we build. The shaft of our candle signifies strength and courage, and the light of our candle signifies truth and wisdom, which dispel ignorance and superstition, and give us the insight to live well in our time.

Your education is the means by which you learn to recognize the wonders of science, to appreciate the beauty of great literature and art, to use well our own language, to learn the lessons of past history, to speak and read the languages of other peoples, to study the social and political forces of our world, and to discuss the thought and the philosophy of other ages. Through these means you can evaluate the forces and standards of your generation and learn to live significantly!

Accepting membership in Alpha Lambda Delta means understanding of the following:

• Accepting the responsibility of continuing to maintain its standards of service, industry, integrity, and giving support to the recognition and development of meaningful goals for students
• To endeavor to maintain high scholarship and to use your education for the benefit of your community, nation, and world which we live

Please contact the office of New Student and Family Programs at 507-389-5498 or go to http://www.nationalald.org/ for additional information