The University of Maryland proudly celebrated the inaugural induction ceremony of the Nu Zeta chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society on Sunday, November 9, 2025, welcoming its first class of student, faculty, and staff inductees.
The event marked a historic milestone as the University officially recognized the achievements of first-generation college students, including the first-generation faculty and staff who support their success.
Among the inductees were several Honors College community members, including both student inductees and Honors College staff, reflecting the outstanding leadership, service, and academic excellence within the Honors community.
The ceremony also recognized Ms. Chantelle Smith, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Inclusive Communities in the Honors College, who was instrumental in establishing the Tri-Alpha chapter at UMD and now serves as one of its co-staff advisors. She was inducted alongside Ms. Yanira Pacheco, Coordinator of First-Generation Student Initiatives in the Dean of Students Office, who holds the university’s first staff position dedicated to supporting first-generation success. Both advisors, first-generation graduates themselves, bring personal experience and deep commitment to guiding this new organization.
The induction brought together students, families, faculty, and staff in a moment of pride and connection—celebrating the perseverance, scholarship, and community that define first-generation success at Maryland.
Main photo: The inaugural class of Tri-Alpha inductees, Executive Board members, and staff advisors, University of Maryland, November 9, 2025.
