PennWest California’s chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta was named a Maintaining the Flame Award winner for their activities during the 2022-23 academic year.

The collegiate honor society chapter received the national Order of the Torch award in 2022; the Maintaining the Flame Award is for “the continued excellence” of the chapter, according to ALD’s national release.

ALD national executive director Eileen Merberg said the award recognizes the ability of the chapter’s members to maintain academic excellence while managing other responsibilities including work, community service and campus participation.

“It is truly impressive what the winning chapters were able to accomplish this past year,” she said.

California’s ALD leadership group during the application process included: Tenley Hughes, chapter president (fall 2022); Sarah Seader, chapter president (spring 2023); Cassidy McCormick, vice president; Maggie Hay, communications chair; and Bekah Schrack, social media chair.

In addition, Seader, a business administration management and management information systems dual major, was awarded the $6,000 Jo Anne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship.  Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.5 GPA, take part in community and campus service projects, and remain active in Alpha Lambda Delta activities.

“ALD has helped me become a stronger leader through attending the two virtual ALD Leadership Summits and becoming ALD LEADS certified,” Seader said. “Many honor societies are for upperclassmen only, which limits opportunities for students to serve as leaders, participate in community service, or enhance professional development skills. Thanks to ALD, I have had the opportunity to take advantage of these experiences throughout my college tenure.”

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