True to its motto, “First in Scholarship and Leadership,” Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for part-time students in continuing higher education, holds up high standards. Founded in 1947 to honor evening students who while “adroitly handling their life responsibilities” still managed to shine academically, its newsletter is aptly called Midnight Oil. Alpha Sigma Lambda later expanded to 50 chapters, including Villanova University’s Mu Chapter, and now has more than 300.

As Part-time and Continuing Studies celebrate its 90th Anniversary, the Mu Chapter celebrates a milestone of its own. Since its founding 50 years ago, the chapter has inducted more than 600 students, faculty and alumni. To be eligible for this prestigious academic organization, Part-Time Studies students must: ·          Have earned a minimum of 24 Villanova credits, ·          Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.2, ·          Rank in the top 10 percent of their class

2008 Alpha Sigma Lambda Inductees

Ever since the Mu Chapter’s founding in 1958, Part-Time Studies has been a participating member in Alpha Sigma Lambda. Among those who signed the charter were high-profile University officials including:

·          Rev. James A. Donnellon, O.S.A., University president from 1954-59;

·          Rev. John J. Curran, previous vice president for Financial Affairs;

·          Rev. Joseph J. Boyle, O.S.A., previous vice president for Academic Affairs;

·          Sister M. Alma Lawler, R.S.M., previous dean of the Nursing Division;

·          Dr. Eugene Powers, previous dean of the Evening Division and the chapter’s faculty advisor

Dr. Patricia Brown, Rev. Peter Donohue, and Mr. James Johnson

On May 2, 2008, Part-Time Studies hosted the Mu Chapter's 50th anniversary with a dinner and ceremony for 17 newly inducted members, their families and friends. The chapter also welcomed an honorary inductee, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., President of Villanova University. Mr. James Johnson, Director of Part-Time Studies at Villanova University, also received a special honor recognizing his "Outstanding Achievement and Service to the Division of Part-Time Studies". Joining in the festivities was special guest, Dr. Patricia A. Brown, Dean of Education Outreach at Western Carolina University. Dr. Brown is the president of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.

The Part-Time Studies Medallion is awarded annually to those Part-Time Studies students who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their respective disciplines. This past year, six graduating seniors were awarded the Part-Time Studies Medallion:

·          Monika G. Germono '08 – Bachelor of Arts, General Arts;

·          Justin R. Keefer '08 – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration;

·          Colleen Konefal-Pale '08 – Bachelor of Science, Accountancy;

·          Sean R. McNamara '08 – Bachelor of Science, Mathematics;

·          David P. Powell '08 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Science, General Studies;

·     Patricia M. Romejko '08 – Bachelor of Science, Accountancy

The 50th anniversary of Alpha Sigma Lambda at Villanova University was one of the signature events celebrating the Office of Part-Time and Continuing Studies 90th anniversary year.

	Through the accomplishments of its outstanding members, Alpha Sigma Lambda keeps this tradition of academic excellence as strong as ever.   To learn more about Alpha Sigma Lambda please visit the national website.
The lamp symbolizes wisdom, the key of Alpha Sigma Lambda.