Members of the University of Houston-Victoria Alpha Zeta Lambda education honor society pose for a photo Saturday during the society’s induction ceremony at the university.
Nineteen University of Houston-Victoria School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development students were welcomed into the UHV chapter of an international education honor society Saturday at an induction ceremony.
Alpha Zeta Lambda is the UHV chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. The chapter is open to undergraduate and graduate students, practicing educators, school administrators, university education faculty and education retirees.
“Being initiated into Alpha Zeta Lambda can really enhance an educators’ opportunities when applying for jobs, and obtaining scholarships and grants for future classroom necessities,” said Cassandra Flores, Alpha Zeta Lambda president. “This is just the beginning of developing teachers at UHV.”
Saturday’s induction ceremony at the UHV University North Multi-Purpose Room opened with a welcome by Fred Litton, dean of the UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development. The keynote speaker was Katina Thomas, a UHV assistant professor of literacy education.
“It’s always a special occasion when new students are welcomed into the honor society,” Litton said. “Being a part of Kappa Delta Pi can help future teachers by opening up resources and networking opportunities.”
Kappa Delta Pi inducts individuals who have exhibited the ideals of scholarship, integrity in service and commitment to excellence in teaching and its allied professions. Invitations to join Alpha Zeta Lambda are extended to undergraduate education applicants who have completed 30 semester credit hours or more and have at least a 3.0 grade-point average. Members must earn six hours of community service a semester, attend meetings and sustain a 3.25 GPA.
The new inductees and their hometowns are:
- Meagan Alex, Edna
- Criselda Cantu, El Campo
- Lisa Clair DeLeon, Hallettsville
- Elizabeth Villegas, Houston
- Bailey Rae Elizondo, Kenedy
- Olivia Nicole Valdez, Manor
- Sydney Stuhrenberg, Palacios
- Becky Anne Perez, Pettus
- Yasmin Hernandez, Rosenberg
- Kayla Hanson, Shiner
- Jesus Martinez, Sugar Land
- Miranda Kaye Ward, Sweet Home
- Gerald Garza, Victoria
- David Leason, Victoria
- Carrie Dawn Parkinson, Victoria
- Brandi Ann Smith, Victoria
- Emilee Marie Vega, Victoria
- Mercedes Dreitner, Weimer
- Miranda Saunders, Yorktown
Alpha Zeta Lambda also is holding a Change for the Change of Weather fundraiser now through Nov. 17. The society is collecting coats and donations to benefit students who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria. Society members will hand out the coats to the children later this month, Flores said.
Coats, or donations for coats, can be dropped off at the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, 202 Hopkins St., the UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development main office in UHV University West, Suite 228, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St., or the UHV Student Life & Services office in Jaguar Hall, 2705 Houston Highway.
For more information about the coat drive, email Flores at florescn@uhv.edu.