Grand Valley State University Welcomes their First Class of ASLHS Inductees!

12 Feb

Grand Valley State University Welcomes their First Class of ASLHS Inductees!

On February 5, 2026, adult learners and their families gathered at the Eberhard Center for a milestone moment: the very first induction ceremony of Sigma Lambda Sigma, Alpha Sigma Lambda’s newest chapter at Grand Valley State University!

The ceremony honored adult students who juggle coursework alongside careers and family life, all while maintaining strong academic performance. Speakers for the occasion included Kara Van Dam, Vice President and Chief Executive of GVSU OMNI, along with Brian Lassiter and Tim Marroquin, both adult student support specialists with the university’s Center for Adult and Continuing Studies.

Van Dam spoke to the value adult learners bring to campus, describing the depth of life experience they contribute as something that strengthens classrooms and the broader university community. She stressed that GVSU has a responsibility to ensure these students’ education remains both accessible and meaningful.
Marroquin, who once returned to school as an adult learner himself, reflected on the uncertainty many older and nontraditional students feel when re-entering higher education. He noted that the hesitation rarely stems from doubts about academic ability. It’s more often about wondering how well one will fit into a campus culture historically built around the traditional-age student. Looking at how far the university has come, he expressed pride in the growing recognition and support now given to the adult learner experience.

Anna Fowler, an adult learner and former president of the Adult Learner Student Organization, spoke to how much of a difference campus resources made in her own journey. In her words, “The resources that are on campus I have utilized have made all the difference.”

Several inducted students were joined by their own children during the celebration, a fitting reminder that many adult learners are also parents balancing family responsibilities alongside their studies.
Joining Sigma Lambda Sigma gives adult learners at Grand Valley State University a built-in community of peers walking a similar path, along with access to the broader benefits of Alpha Sigma Lambda membership, including scholarship opportunities.