Alpha Lambda Delta was founded as an honor society for freshman women at the University of Illinois in 1924 by the Dean of Women, Maria Leonard. She had the vision of creating a society where women apply and share their knowledge to help their communities. Leonard once wisely said, “nothing is truly ours until we share it”. We strive to continue her legacy by serving our campus and the community of Bozeman.   

 

Alpha Lambda Delta quickly became a national organization when chapters were added at Purdue University in 1926, Depauw University and the University of Michigan in 1927, followed by the University of Oklahoma in 1929. In 1976, the National Council in response to Title IX, became a coeducational society and welcomed its first male officers in 1981.


Today, Alpha Lambda Delta has 279 chapters across United State campuses and over a million lifetime members. Each year, Alpha Lambda Delta awards over $200,000 in scholarships to members who exemplify our philosophy.

Alpha Lambda Delta membership is open to all freshmen who meet the academic qualifications. Students must be registered for a full course of study leading to a bachelor's degree and must rank in the top 20 percent of their freshman class. The minimum scholastic average required for membership is a grade exactly halfway between the two highest grades given by the school, 3.5 or better. Eligibility is based on the first semester or on the cumulative average of the first year in college.

Once initiated, the student becomes a lifetime member of Alpha Lambda Delta. Members may remain active in the chapter throughout college. Offices are held by members while they are sophomores.

Alpha Lambda Delta makes numerous opportunities available to students, including: 

  • Lifetime memberships
  • Professional quality certificates
  • Initiation key or lapel pin
  • Sophomore membership awards
  • Opportunity to serve on National Council
  • National workshops
  • Senior certificates
  • Graduate study fellowships
  • Local Chapter activities
  • Recognition and prestige of national honor society membership