In a celebration that blended academic achievement with personal perseverance, WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) honored 53 students during the 2025 Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) National Honor Society induction ceremony.
Held on May 8, in Umrath Lounge as part of CAPS’ annual Honors & Research Night, the event brought together students, families, faculty and staff to recognize the accomplishments of modern learners who have excelled academically while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society with over 300 chapters across the United States. Founded to recognize the academic excellence of modern learners, ASL highlights students who demonstrate high scholastic achievement while managing the complex demands of adult life. WashU’s Xi Chapter was established in 1960 and membership is noted on students’ official transcripts.
Student Pathways Manager Rebecca O’Laughlin opened the ceremony highlighting the resilience and dedication of students.
“Most of our students are juggling so many things—work, family, multiple responsibilities,” she said. “It’s really important that we take the time to recognize and celebrate them. Some of these students I’ve only met over Zoom so seeing them in person is always a joyful experience.”
“This ceremony is one of my favorite events of the year,” she added. “Our students work incredibly hard and often don’t get much recognition.This night is about making sure they feel seen and celebrated.”
Dean Sean Armstrong followed with remarks that echoed the pride and admiration shared throughout the room.
“It’s amazing to walk into a room and see people who are managing full-time jobs, parenting, caregiving—and yet they still find the time and energy to excel academically,” he said. “That’s not just impressive, that’s inspiring.”
This year’s ASL inductees represent a wide range of CAPS programs and personal journeys, but all share a commitment to academic excellence. Some are nearing graduation, while others are continuing to advance through certificate or degree programs. Each name represents a story of hard work, persistence and personal growth.
Alpha Sigma Lambda Inductees include: Robert Atkins, Yolanda Bennett, James JB Bowen, Lorenda Boyd, Shanalee Brooks, Bertilla Burton, Jessica Cannon, Megan Caratenuto, Tara Carroll, Christina Clark, Heather Cobillas, Rebecca Cornett, Mark Derouin, Kimberly Finney, Jasmine Ford, Tevin Frazier, Diane Greer, Jeremy Hansel, Melissa Hardy, Brantz Heisler, Annie Impastato, Ryan Irving, Maya Johnson, Nichole Jose, Samuel Lane, Katherine Leemon, Jamie Litton-Miller, Bethany Martinez, Kylie Matthews, Abigayl McBee-Kemper, Marcus McCoy-Bey, Marqueze Murray, Melissa O’Sullivan, Katy Paglusch, Joseph Perou, Kourtney Pratt, Rae Price, George Putney, Eric Raines, Ibro Ramic, Elaine Rand, Brandy Rasheed, Diane Rodriguez, Angaline Ryan, Steven Schnell, Kylie Shepherd, Daniel Sims, Jessica Shields, Shawn Tate, Daniel Thorsen, Gwen Vandenhoeck and Amanda Zinke.
Please click on the images to view a larger gallery from the 2025 Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society induction ceremony.
In addition, CAPS recognized 36 graduating ASL members for their sustained academic excellence:
Graduating ASL Members include: Eve Adcock, Nathan Barry, Yolanda Bennett, Mina Bjelevac, Shanalee Brooks, Maribel Chebuske, Angela Clark, Christina Clark, Danien Cobb, Jasmine Ford, Marnie Ford, Pana Gherardini, Melissa Hardy, Ana Heermann, Brantz Heisler, Kathy Hentrich, Ryan Irving, Nicole Kirk, Lauren Kot, Jamie Litton-Miller, Libby Mauller, Marcus McCoy-Bey, Tracy Minx, Marqueze Murray, Jennifer Payne, Kourtney Pratt, Lisa Resnick, Steven Schnell, Daniel Sims, Jessica Shields, Daniel Thorsen, Demeyon Wayne Watie, Germaine Williams, Jun Xiong, Lily Zhou and Amanda Zinke.
It was a night that honored not just academic excellence, but the determination and drive that define lifelong learners.
Please click on the images to view a larger gallery from the 2025 Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society induction ceremony.
The ASL honorees exemplify the values of scholarship, leadership and perseverance—and the broader community of WashU Continuing & Professional Studies is proud to celebrate their accomplishments.
Held in conjunction with the evening’s student research presentations, the ASL induction highlighted the breadth and depth of achievement within the CAPS community.