Over the course of spring break, many Oakland University freshmen received news that their academic endeavors had paid off.

Those that maintained at least a 3.5 GPA and are in the top 20 percent of their class during their first semester of studies were invited to join Alpha Lambda Delta, the OU freshman honor society.

According to ALD adviser Karen Conn, there is a specific reason for why the organization is just for freshmen.

The group was founded in 1924 by the Dean of Women, Maria Leonard, at the University of Illinois to recognize academic excellence among freshmen women as a compliment to Phi Eta Sigma, a men’s freshman academic honor society.

OU’s chapter is relatively new and has only been active for about three years.

“I think it will look very good on my list of school accomplishments and it is a nice recognition for my hard work,” freshman Julieta Saluzzo said. “It will impact me positively because it highlights my good work and the events they will offer me will be rewarding in many ways.”

Students eligible for the organization were notified by an e-mail sent to their OU student account.

The invitation acknowledged the hard work of the students and commemorated their “good study habits and the self discipline to use time wisely.”

ALD offers students the chance to take part in service projects and other activities geared specifically toward members of the society.

By participating, members can be eligible for national scholarships and other honors organizations.

“I’m looking forward to being around students that exhibit similar academic aspirations,” freshman Andrew Wernette said. “I don’t want to be distracted from my career ambitions.”

With the acceptance of this invite is a $40 initiation fee that covers a lifetime membership to ALD, local chapter dues, an initiation pin and a certificate that recognizes their participation.

Once a student is a member of ALD, they have opportunities to meet with other students in the group, compete for $140,000 annually in national scholarships, participate in different leadership opportunities and follow the OU mantra of “get involved.”

“When I read that the society only invites the top 20 percent of the freshman class, I was ecstatic,” freshman Ashley Cerku said. “I think with this under my belt, my college career will be more fulfilling and worthwhile.”

Following the invite will be the initiation ceremony Sunday, March 28 from 3-5 p.m. in the Banquet Rooms of the Oakland Center.

The invited student and up to three guests are encouraged to attend the celebration.

Students who meet the requirements after this semester are encouraged to apply for membership as well, as invitations were only extended based on a fall semester list.

Potential ALD members were also informed that they could run for an officer position.

“We are currently looking for enthusiastic, hard working freshman members wanting to hold office in their sophomore year,” Conn said.

Those interested can e-mail Conn at [email protected] with a small bio about themselves by March 7.