GVSU honors adult learners with Sigma Lambda Sigma induction ceremony
Published February 9, 2026
Adult learners and their families gathered February 5 at the Eberhard Center for the first induction ceremony of GVSU’s chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, Sigma Lambda Sigma.
The honor society celebrates adult learner students who balance school, work and home life, while achieving academic excellence.
Event speakers included Kara Van Dam, vice president and chief executive of GVSU OMNI; and Brian Lassiter and Tim Marroquin, both adult student support specialists for the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies.
"We believe that adult learners bring a richness of lived experiences that make our community, campus and classrooms stronger," said Van Dam. "We owe it to them to make sure their education is accessible and meaningful."
Nursing student Safinaz Karaein poses for a picture with son, Sammy Hasan, 7, during the honor society induction ceremony on February 5 at the Eberhard Center.
Marroquin, a former adult learner himself, reflected on the challenges of being an adult learner.
“There's always a hesitation or even a fear for certain student populations, such as adult learners, student veterans, diverse identities,” Marroquin said. “And so, my greatest apprehension about coming back was not so much my ability to learn and do well. It was more about, ' What am I stepping into?’ in terms of a culture that favors the traditional student.
"It is great to see where we have come as a university and the added value placed on the adult learner educational experience."
Tim Marroquín gives a certificate to Abigail Austin during the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society induction ceremony as part of the Sigma Lambda Sigma Chapter of GVSU.
Kara Van Dam, vice president and chief executive of GVSU OMNI, gives remarks during the event.
Anna Fowler, adult learner and former president of the Adult Learner Student Organization, said, "The resources that are on campus I have utilized have made all the difference.”
Becoming a member of Sigma Lambda Sigma is a great way for adult learners to connect. Membership also unlocks a number of other honor society benefits, including scholarship opportunities. For more information, visit Sigma Lambda Sigma's website.
– Cass Wainwright is a senior majoring in writing and a student writer for University Communications.