Adult learners achieve honors through society

A close mentor and persistence are the keys to a successful education for adult college students, said Nancy Van Tries Kidd, the keynote speaker yesterday at an initiation ceremony for an adult learners national honor society.

Alpha Sigma Lambda initiated a record 97 new students yesterday into the 437-member organization. Students must have completed 30 credits in four semesters and have a minimum 3.2 grade point average to be a member of the group.

There are many inhibitors for adult learners, including alienation from other students and feelings of inadequacy, said Kidd, who also went back to school as an adult. But, she said, these students must take the anger and frustration, which is often the result of these learning constraints, and do something about it.

"A returning student must never complain and whine. Put all that anger where your mouth is and use it constructively," said Kidd, a member of the University Board of Trustees and a Penn State graduate.

Many adult students prefer to be involved in Alpha Sigma Lambda because it provides the camaraderie which is often lost at a large university with mostly young students, said Frank Elliott (senior-speech communications) and the secretary of the honor society. There is a large generation gap because Penn State is made up of the traditional young undergraduate students, he added.

The honor society also encourages members to become involved in the Lion Liaison Mentor Program for Adult Learners. Adult students are paired with a faculty or staff member or another adult learner who can help them become familiar with the University and assist them with their collegiate career.

Newly initiated member Susan Simpson (junior-recreational park management and outdoor environmental interpretation) said the honor society is an encouraging and important part of her academic career.

"It's hard enough coming back to school as an adult," she said. "It's nice to be recognized."

Kidd also knows how difficult returning to college as an adult can be. After a career in advertising and modeling, she went back to college in the late '60s for her master's degree.

J. Thomas Eakin, assistant vice president of student affairs at the University, closed the ceremony with a few remarks about the courage of adult learners.

"There is no group of people who overcome more obstacles than you," he said to the new initiates. "I have the greatest respect for adult students. You really are achievers because you've made a commitment to your education."