Springfield College Unveils Zeta Upsilon Chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society

The Springfield College Academic Success Center recently hosted its inaugural induction ceremony of the Springfield College Zeta Upsilon Chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi) International Honor Society. Thirty-six undergraduate students and one graduate student were inducted into the honor society. DAPi is the only collegiate honor society with a mission of celebrating students with disabilities for their high academic achievement.

The Springfield College Zeta Upsilon Chapter of DAPi is a student driven chapter that affords members the opportunity to not only commemorate their academic excellence, but also encourages students to exercise their leadership and advocacy skills by leading and participating in campus wide-awareness events to help remove the stigma and negative perception of disability.

Springfield College Community Involvement and Program Liaison Katrina Valentin, G’19, was the keynote speaker, and delivered a heart-felt message, challenging student members to become active and make effectual change on the campus. 

To become a member, all students must have a documented disability, work with one of the Springfield College Academic Success Center’s disability and accessibility services professionals, and have a demonstrated interest in addressing disability-related issues. Undergraduate students must have completed at least 24 credits, and have a grade-point-average of 3.1 or better. Graduate students need to earn at least 18 credits, and maintain a grade-point-average of 3.3 or better.

Among the honorees were Margaret Dexter Towne, who was posthumously recognized as a member of the inaugural cohort for her pursuit of academic excellence, as well as her leadership in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities. Towne graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Springfield College in 1984.

With the inaugural induction ceremony of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter now completed, the work continues to keep building awareness on the Springfield College campus.

“Since this is a new student organization, there’s work to do,” said Springfield College Academic Success Center Associate Director of Student Services Camille Elliott, who serves as the chapter advisor. “We are excited about the work ahead, students need to elect chapter officers, write the chapter constitution, and develop a strategic plan for the upcoming academic year.  Based on the responses we received, members are eager to bring life to this organization.”

 Please visit Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society to learn more about this student organization.

Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. Approximately 4,100 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students, study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its regional campuses across the country. Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy – educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.