Kathleen Kenney (left) and Sarah Stock were recently inducted into Penn State Hazleton's chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honors Society.
HAZLETON – Juggling work, families and full-time education, two adult students earned recognition for their determination by being inducted into Penn State Hazleton’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honors Society.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Kathleen Kenney and Sarah Stock were inducted virtually on April 30. Initiation into the society acknowledges adult learners who excel academically while navigating the competing interests of home and work.
"Kathleen and Sarah are well-deserving of this academic achievement," said Lorie Kramer, chapter councilor and assistant teaching professor of rehabilitation and human services.
"Both serve as strong role models demonstrating how adult learners successfully balance multiple responsibilities" Kramer added. "The campus welcomes them into our honor society chapter."
Kenney and Stock each graduated earlier this month from the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Both said they have a strong passion for the field.
Kenney, from Wyoming borough, has worked for 11 years while maintaining her education. Whenever her classes got tough, her 3-year-old son was her “driving force,” she said.
In her free time, Kenney’s hobbies include teaching obedience to dogs. Training service dogs for the Wounded Warrior Project is what led to her interest in the physical therapy field, she recalled.
Stock, meanwhile, hopes to put her physical therapist assistant education to work in a hospital in either an acute care setting or inpatient rehabilitation facility, she said.
Outside the classroom, the 27-year-old from Minersville in Schuylkill County enjoys hiking with her dog and husband.
About Alpha Sigma Lambda
Full- and part-time degree-seeking students age 22 and older are invited into the organization after completing a minimum of 24 Penn State credits and earning a 3.4 GPA or higher.
Benefits include motivation for students to achieve academic and leadership excellence, publication of a semi-annual newsletter, a forum for the exchange of ideas on activities and programs for adult students, and scholarship opportunities through Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Education Foundation. Inductees must be present to assume membership into Alpha Sigma Lambda.
