HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, November 13, 2024 — Centenary University marked National First-Generation College Student Day on Nov. 8 with a series of events to highlight the achievements of first-gen students and support their efforts to be successful in college and their careers. The national celebration recognizes the unique challenges first-gen students overcome and the invaluable contributions they make on college campuses, and later, in the workplace and their communities.

Centenary’s all-day event featured a breakfast for first-gen students, signing of the Pledge to Graduate, distribution of First-Gen: A Memoir by Alejandra Campoverdi, and a financial literacy workshop to empower first-gen students to manage personal finances. The day concluded with the induction of 15 students and one Centenary staff member into Alpha Alpha Alpha—also referred to as Tri Alpha—an honor society that promotes academic excellence and provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service for first-gen students. The University introduced a Tri Alpha chapter at Centenary last year.

In addition, Washington, NJ, resident Jerry Palmer—owner of DIVINE KIN in Hackettstown—was inducted as an honorary member of Tri Alpha. Centenary Tri Alpha Advisor Diana Alzate said of Palmer, “Jerry is a first-generation college graduate who has dedicated his life to mentoring and supporting young people on their journey to success. His dedication to guiding our students and creating safe, transformative spaces has made a lasting impact.”

Members of the Centenary University community inducted into Tri Alpha this semester are:

 New Jersey

Middlesex County

East Brunswick—Sabrina Paupaw

Perth Amboy—Litzy Diaz

Morris County

Denville—Nicole Leonard

Landing—Amanda McCarthy

Randolph—Nancy Podesta (staff member)

Passaic County

Haskell—Edward Mitchell Pol

Passaic—Saurelys Escano

Sussex County

Sussex—Caitlin Modero (graduate student)

Warren County

Hackettstown—Chloe Neubauer, Jessica Raab, and Madisyn Rojas

Phillipsburg—Wanda Santiago

Vienna—Justice Chiappetta

New York

Bronx—Dave Annisafee

Georgia

Blue Ridge—Susan Napierski-Myers

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

CONTACT

Kristen Volkland
Erbach Communications Group
(201) 960-3102