History

Alpha Lambda Delta's first chapter was created in 1924 at the University of Illinois to honor women who had achieved academic excellence during their first semester as college students. Since then, the organization has spread nationally. ALD currently consists of 217 chapters, and it holds a membership of over 500,000 young men and women.

Mission

Alpha Lambda Delta recognizes the hard work of students in achieving high marks during their first semester in college, and it encourages students to continue with their superior performance. Once accepted into the organization, students remain a life-time member of ALD, regardless of their final grade point average.

". . . to encourage superior academic achievement among students in their first year in institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist women and men in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society."

Membership

Membership is by invitation only. Invitations are sent in the early spring semester to freshmen who meet the following criteria:

• a first semester grade point average of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
• an earned course credit of 29 hours or less (excluding advanced placement credits)
• a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree