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Jennifer May (left) coordinator of disability support services at Clarion
University, and Dr. Edith Miller (far right), co-founder of Delta Alpha Pi
International Honor Society, pose with Clarion University’s first inductees
into the honorary, from left to right: Mae Garver, Jim Brink, Dustin Sams,
Cynda Mitchell, Rachelle Rybicki, Susan Wheeler, Molly Lamison, Kaitlin
DeNovellis, Robert Baker. Zachary Carroll, and Bethany Bromley-Linn.
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Eleven Clarion University students became the first inductees into a new honor society, Delta Alpha Pi, during a ceremony held at the conclusion of the annual Equity Week Roundtable presentation. Eight additional students, who qualified for induction, but were unable to attend because of class commitments will be inducted at a later date.
Leading the induction ceremony was Dr. Edith Miller, director of disability services at East Stroudsburg University and co-founder of Delta Alpha Pi. The honor society was founded in 2004 at East Stroudsburg University. The three Greek letters stand for disability, achievement and pride.
"I knew that there were honoraries for academic accomplishment, but there wasn't one for students with disabilities," said Miller during her remarks. "I decided there was a need for one."
The result of her efforts is Delta Alpha Pi, which has grown from a single chapter at East Stroudsburg in 2004 to 26 chapters in 14 states. All of them practice the honoraries' motto, "Working for an Adaptable World."
"Society and environment need changes to meet the needs of the individual," said Miller. "Delta Alpha Pi has become a force for change."
Delta Alpha Pi's official purpose statement reads, "Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly. Delta Alpha Pi International Honors Society presents and opportunity to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments. In addition this honor society facilitates development of skills in leadership, advocacy and education for participating students."
Students who meet the criteria for membership receive a letter of invitation to participate in Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society through the established initiation process. All invited students must present with a documented disability and work with one of the faculty or staff in the university's Office of Disability Services, and they must demonstrate an interest in disability issues. Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits and attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.10 (on a 4.0 scale). Graduate students must have completed a minimum of 18 credits and earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.30.
Clarion University's first inductees include:
Robert Baker, a senior mass media arts, journalism, and communication studies major, resides in Knox and is a graduate of Ringgold High School.
Jim Brink, a senior mass media arts, journalism, and communication studies major, lives in Clarion and is a son of James and Patricia Brink of Meadville and is a graduate of Meadville High School.
Bethany Bromley-Linn, a senior special education major with a minor in psychology, is a daughter of Rebecca Bromley of Washington and is a graduate of McGuffey High School.
Zachary Carroll, a senior early childhood education major, is a son of Jim and Judy Carroll of Natrona Heights and is a graduate of Highlands High School.
Kaitlin DeNovellis, a junior liberal studies major, is a daughter of Chris and Wendy DeNovellis of Moosup, Conn., and is a graduate of Plainfield High School.
Mae Garver, a junior rehabilitative science major, resides in Rimersburg with her husband, Eric, and children, Doug, Blake, and Ashley. She is a graduate of Union High School.
Molly Lamison, a sophomore arts and sciences major, is a daughter of Mark and Mary Lamison of Freeport and is a graduate of Freeport High School.
Cynda Mitchell, a junior physics major with a minor in chemistry, is a daughter of Barry and Mary Mitchell of Oil City and is a graduate of Oil City High School.
Rachelle Rybicki, a senior theatre major, is a daughter of Gwenneth Rybicki of Leechburg and is a graduate of Leechburg High School.
Dustin Sams, a junior mass media arts, journalism, and communication studies major, is a son of Julie Raybuck of Sligo and is a graduate of Union High School.
Susan Wheeler, a senior secondary education/English major, is a daughter of Sarah Wheeler of Clarion and is a graduate of North Penn High School.
The first induction ceremony fit perfectly with Clarion University's Equity Week theme, "Affirming Abilities and Transforming Communities."
Miller was one of four people participating in the roundtable discussion, "When Access Leads to Success." The other roundtable panelists were: Brink, Melody Troup, counselor, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Clarion; and Meghan Linsted, a junior rehabilitative sciences major at Clarion University. Dr. Ann Stearns, assistant professor of special education and rehabilitative sciences at Clarion University, was the moderator for the panel.
Dr. Jocelind Gant, assistant to the president for social equity and assistant vice president for international programs at Clarion University, provided the introductory remarks at the roundtable. The Clarion University Presidential Commission on Human Relations and Disabilities and Office of Social Equity sponsored the roundtable.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
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