Westminster College Sociology/Criminal Justice Students Inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Six Westminster College sociology and sociology/criminal justice majors and minors were inducted into the International Sociology Honorary Society Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) on April 23.

The students inducted were:

• Colleen Costello, a junior sociology major, is a daughter of Kevin and Elizabeth Costello of Cranberry Twp., and a graduate of Seneca Valley High School.
• Jennifer Duvall, a 2012 graduate with a degree in sociology/criminal justice major, is a daughter of Frank and Jane Duvall of Atwater, Ohio, and a graduate of Waterloo High School.
• Gabrielle Elisco, a junior sociology major, is a daughter of Deborah Elisco and Dennis Elisco, New Castle, and a graduate of Neshannock High School.
• Lydia Hartzell, a junior sociology major, is a daughter of Robert and Beth Hartzell of Washington and a graduate of Trinity High School.
• Tricia Johnston, a junior sociology/criminal justice major, is a daughter of Korryn Berlin of Tionesta and a graduate of West Forest High School.
• Rachel Sherman, a senior political science major and criminal justice minor, is a daughter of Brian and Shelley Sherman and a graduate of North East High School. 

The ceremony was accompanied by a banquet for all current members and their parents. Dr. John Hazy, associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at Youngstown State University, presented a colloquium on the value of research and the many employment settings for students majoring in the discipline.

To be eligible for membership a student must be an officially declared sociology major or minor, or sociology/criminal justice, sociology/social policy or intercultural studies major or minor; possess at least junior year standing; rank in the top 35 percent of his or her class in general scholarship; possess a minimum grade point average of 3.25 in the sociology major or minor; and have completed at least four regular sociology, criminal justice studies or social science courses prior to initiation. 

Alpha Kappa Delta derives its name from the first letters of the three Greek words that together signify the Society's goal: To study humankind for the purpose of service. The mission of AKD is to promote human welfare through fellowship and through the development of scientific knowledge to be applied to solving social problems. 

Contact Dr. Gary Lilly, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice studies and chapter adviser, at glilly@westminster.edu for additional information.

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