On April 23, 2026, the Gamma Pi Chapter at Morgan State University proudly inducted 38 outstanding adult learners into Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society during a special ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland.
Hosted by the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS), the ceremony celebrated the remarkable academic achievements, leadership, perseverance, and resilience of adult students balancing higher education with professional, family, and community responsibilities.
Dr. Nilajah Nyasuma Sims, Executive Director of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies and National Councilor for the Gamma Pi Chapter, welcomed inductees, families, faculty, staff, and guests to the ceremony. In her remarks, Dr. Sims emphasized the significance of Alpha Sigma Lambda’s mission to recognize adult learners who demonstrate academic excellence while navigating the complexities of adult life.
The Gamma Pi Chapter was originally chartered in 1984 by Dr. Clayton C. Stansbury and reinstated in 2007 through the efforts of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies. To date, 474 students have been inducted into the chapter.
The ceremony featured written expressions from distinguished public leaders, including Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Each commended the inductees for their perseverance, academic commitment, and leadership potential.
Congressman Mfume praised the students for overcoming life’s challenges while pursuing higher education, noting that Alpha Sigma Lambda recognizes those who have thrived despite all of life’s obstacles. Governor Moore reminded inductees that success is not linear and encouraged them to continue forging their own paths while inspiring others. Mayor Scott applauded the scholars for exemplifying lifelong learning and balancing rigorous academic pursuits with careers, families, and community commitments.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Patricia Williams Dockery, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Morgan State University. A nationally recognized scholar, playwright, Fulbright scholar, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Dockery encouraged students to embrace their educational journeys as acts of transformation and leadership.
The ceremony also recognized Dr. Patricia Williams Dockery and Dr. Adekunle Adejumo, who were inducted as Honorary Members of the Gamma Pi Chapter in recognition of their outstanding support of adult learners and commitment to academic excellence at Morgan State University. Their induction reflected the chapter’s appreciation for leaders whose service, mentorship, and advocacy continue to positively impact the adult learner community.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the participation of Mr. Gbolahan Abioye, a 2024 Alpha Sigma Lambda inductee and recipient of the 2024–2025 Alpha Sigma Lambda National Scholarship Award. Mr. Abioye assisted with the induction of the new members and served as an inspiring example of scholarship and leadership among adult learners. Notably, he is only the second student in the history of Morgan State University’s Gamma Pi Chapter to receive the prestigious national scholarship award.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Abioye shared:
“Being inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda and later receiving the National Scholarship Award affirmed that adult learners belong in every academic and leadership space. My journey at Morgan State University has taught me that perseverance, innovation, and service can transform challenges into opportunities. I hope my story encourages other adult learners to continue pursuing excellence, regardless of the obstacles they may face.”
His remarks reinforced the evening’s themes of perseverance, leadership, and the transformative power of education for adult learners.
The 2026 inductee class represented a diverse range of academic disciplines, including Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Fine Arts, Theatre Arts, Journalism, and Applied Liberal Studies. Thirteen of the 2026 inductees graduated in May 2026, making their induction into Alpha Sigma Lambda a meaningful celebration of both academic excellence and perseverance. Their success reflects the resilience and determination of adult learners balancing education with work, family, and community responsibilities.
The induction ceremony reflected the core values of Alpha Sigma Lambda: scholarship, leadership, perseverance, and service, while reaffirming Morgan State University’s continued commitment to supporting adult learners and fostering educational opportunity for all.
“First in Scholarship and Leadership” remains more than a motto for the Gamma Pi Chapter — it is a reflection of the extraordinary journeys and accomplishments of Morgan State University’s adult learners.
Congratulations to all the new inductees! We are excited to witness your continued success as members of Alpha Sigma Lambda.
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