University Life
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First-Gen National Honor Society: Alpha Alpha Alpha

Bentley University is pleased to announce the formation of a new honor society, Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri-Alpha), which recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students.

The Eta Beta Chapter of Tri-Alpha at Bentley University is now accepting applications for review as we identify our first cohort of inductees to support and advocate for the academic excellence of first-generation college students. The induction ceremony for the Eta Beta Chapter of Tri-Alpha will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:20 p.m. in Koumantzelis Auditorium, Lindsay Hall, Third Floor.

Nov. 17, 2026

Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 2:00 to 3:20 p.m. Koumantzelis Auditorium Lindsay Hall, Third Floor

Benefits

  • Identifying you to employers, professionals, and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and commitment.
  • Motivating you to maintain good grades as doing well and high academic achievements will pay dividends later in life.
  • The opportunity to meet other first-generation scholars from all academic disciplines on campus and to join them in promoting academic excellence and creating a supportive environment for first-generation college students.
  • Engaging in service and leadership initiatives on-campus and within the local community which enables members to commit to improving themselves and their communities.
First Gen student
smiling student on Bentley campus

Eligibility Criteria - Students

To be eligible to apply for Tri-Alpha, you must:

  • Have at least 30 earned credits
  • Have a GPA of 3.2 or higher for undergraduate students, 3.5 for graduate students
  • Be an undergraduate or graduate first-generation college student

Eligibility Criteria - Faculty and Staff

To be eligible for Tri-Alpha, you:

  • Were a first-generation student, meaning neither your parents, nor stepparents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree when you completed your bachelor's degree.
  • Are currently employed either full-time or part-time as staff or faculty at Bentley University.

Eligibility Criteria - Alumni 

To be eligible for Tri-Alpha, you:

  • Were a first-generation student, meaning neither your parents, nor stepparents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree when you completed your bachelor's degree.
  • Demonstrate some continued connection to Bentley University — a member of an alumni board; the sibling of a current student; a volunteer; a donor; etc.
  • Have established yourself in your post-college life in a manner that can be held up to first-generation students as someone to aspire to and must be willing to connect with first-generation students, if asked

If selected for induction into the society, the University will cover your dues, and you will receive lifetime membership in Tri-Alpha. 

For more information, contact the co-advisors below:

Jackie Masloff, Senior Lecturer, Computer Information Systems, jmasloff@bentley.edu

Joao Resende-Santos, Associate Professor, Global Studies, jresende@bentley.edu  

Arthur F. Ream III, Lecturer, Computer Information Systems, areamiii@bentley.edu 

Kelly Cunningham, Lecturer, Philosophy, kcunningham@bentley.edu

 

The officers of Tri-Alpha for this year are: 

Co-Presidents: Brooke Whelan, Hannah Tenecota Arpi

Treasurer: Cole Veltre

President: Brooke Whelan

Vice President: Drew Lane

Treasurer: Asia Boulware

Tri-Alpha Application

Apply Here