First-generation student honor society chapter installs first executive board

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students, named its first executive board ahead of the induction ceremony of its first members later this month. 

The Eta Psi chapter at University Park is set to induct 74 new members in a ceremony that will be held on April 22. The first class is comprised of 55 current students, 14 alumni, and five faculty, administrators and staff members. Denise Poole, director of the Student Success Center at University Park will be serving as the Eta Psi chapter adviser.  

"We’re ecstatic to launch a Tri-Alpha chapter at the University Park campus,” Poole said. “Tri-Alpha is a wonderful opportunity to provide Penn State’s first-generation scholars with the resources, tools and a scholarly and professional network that will foster lifelong success. Tri-Alpha will also help to empower the broader first-generation campus community as they strive toward their goals.  

The following will lead the Eta Psi chapter at the University Park campus in 2024-2025.

Nathaniel Hendricks, president 

Hendricks, a mechanical engineering major of Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, was inducted to Tri-Alpha at the Lehigh Valley campus last spring as part of its inaugural class. Tri-Alpha allows members to seamlessly move between campus chapters with adviser approval, making Hendricks the first official member and president of the Eta Psi chapter. He said he wants to create a welcoming and empowering environment within the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha. 

“As a first-generation student, I want to continue trailblazing for my family and begin a new tradition of seeking higher education,” Hendricks said.

Aryana Harris, vice president 

Harris, of Brockton, Massachusetts, is a human development and family studies major who is also pursuing a minor in child maltreatment and advocacy. She said she hopes to become a liaison between other members and the executive board. 

“As a first-gen student, I strive to let other first-gens know that you can do anything you put your mind to,” Harris said.

Ayaan Ehtesham, treasurer 

Ehtesham, a finance major from Carteret, New Jersey, said he hopes the executive board will leave an impact at Penn State and help others in need. 

“Being a first-gen student, this opportunity motivates me. I wish to pave the way for future generations in my family,” Ehtesham said.

Nicole Guzman, secretary 

Guzman, of Poughkeepsie, New York, is a finance major with an Italian minor. She said she aims to create a strong foundation for the Eta Psi chapter and collaborate with organizations across campus. 

“As a first-gen student, I feel empowered to go above and beyond academically and in my career,” she said. “I am able to overcome challenges and I can connect with other young adults like myself. “

Sadie Wilhelm, historian 

Wilhelm, of Halifax, Pennsylvania, is an advertising major with a minor in digital media trends and analytics. She said she wants to contribute creatively to Eta Psi’s first executive board and be on the ground floor of what she hopes will be a strong organization.  

“As a first-gen student myself, I want to make it known to other first-gens that it is something to be so proud of, and I want others who may not be first-gens to recognize the importance that we hold,” she said. 

About the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha and how to apply 

Eta Psi is the third Tri-Alpha chapter at Penn State, with chapters already established at Penn State Abington and Penn State Lehigh Valley. The Theta Chi chapter at Penn State Altoona and the Kappa Delta chapter at Penn State York will also induct their first class this Spring semester. 

While applications to the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha are closed for the current academic year, they will reopen in November 2024. More information can be found at success.psu.edu. 

Tri-Alpha will provide a built-in community for first-generation students who are changing campuses (e.g., 2+2 students) or those transferring to Penn State from another institution