Charter members of chapter of honors society to graduate

YSU had no chapter of the prestigious national honorary when they arrived.

YOUNGSTOWN — The charter members of Youngstown State University’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors society, have completed their undergraduate education.

The seven are graduating from YSU on Saturday.

When Shauna Hartline came to YSU in 2003 as a shy freshman, she could not have predicted how much her life would change in four years.

During those years, Hartline, of Cameron, Ohio, in Monroe County, became the public relations representative and a founding member of the new YSU chapter of Sigma Alpha Lambda.

Hartline and six other YSU students were instrumental in starting the honor society here.

“I have witnessed firsthand the commitment, dedication and service the SAL members have given during the past three years,” said Brenda Crouse, chapter adviser and academic adviser in the Rayen College of Engineering and Technology. “Their story is truly one of success and captures the true essence of many of our students.”

About SAL

Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national organization with nearly 60 chapters nationwide.

To qualify for membership, students must have at least 24 credit hours and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. Members can also receive awards and scholarships.

What those seven young women started in 2004 has grown rapidly, with more than 350 students from freshmen to seniors joining and helping to raise several thousand dollars for various organizations such as Relay for Life, the Share Our Strength Great American Bake Sale, the Beatitude House for battered women and Habitat for Humanity.

“Sigma Alpha Lambda was a great fit for me because the organization focuses on community service,” said Hartline, who will receive a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. “For example, we have been involved in the Relay for Life for the last several years. That event holds special meaning for me because my grandmother fought against breast cancer and won.”

Other charter members

Founding president Ashley Jones of Circleville, Ohio, which is south of Columbus, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. Ashley Basile of Boardman, who served as club historian, will receive a bachelor of science in business administration in marketing. Nicole Widomski, also of Boardman, is the founding member who managed fund-raising efforts for the organization. She will receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing.

Ravonne Maxon of Clinton, Ohio, vice president, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology and will seek a master’s degree in chemistry from YSU starting this fall semester.

Shereen Esmail of Liberty, who served as treasurer, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and will also begin a master’s program in business with a concentration in accounting at YSU this fall.

Louise Popio of Canfield, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, was also a founding member of SAL.