Eastern Connecticut State University held its inaugural Iota Iota Iota (Triota) induction on April 12, launching the Epsilon Gamma Chapter by recognizing student and alumni members. Triota is a national service-based Women’s and Gender Studies honor society that promotes academic excellence and facilitates activism.

The application process for Triota began in the spring of 2017. Faculty voted on criteria and bylaws to submit to the National Chapter in Denver, CO, which are slightly more demanding than required. Eastern Triota members must have achieved second-semester standing with at least nine credit hours of women’s and gender studies courses, an overall GPA of at least 3.0, a GPA within the program of at least 3.3 and without a history of academic dishonesty or other unfitness. The department is committed to keeping Triota open to suitable alumni.

The ceremony began with an introduction by Professor Maureen McDonnell, director of Eastern’s women’s and gender studies program. “Our program has consistently been diverse in terms of race, sexuality, gender, ability, age and other identities,” she stated. She credited several contributors who helped bring the event to fruition, including alumna Allison Smith ’17, who initially questioned why the honor society did not exist at Eastern.

McDonnell also thanked “mothers of the Civil Rights Movement” for allowing Triota to prosper, such as Ella Baker, who encouraged paying attention to the courage of young people. “Each person in here has strengths, quirks, commitments, rage, joy and love that informs the work that they do. Our world is better for the work, and for them,” said McDonnell.

Kim Ward, professor of Mathematics, commemorated past Marcia P. McGowan scholars, who have received the endowed scholarship for excellence in Women’s and Gender Studies. The students were Mae Ehrnfelt ’16, Vivian Nguyen ’16, Lisa Maria Guerra ’16, Emma Costa ’19, Allison Smith, Andrea Slater ’18, Jordan Corey ’19 and Natalie Criniti ’19. The 2019 winner was announced as Makayla Mowel ’19.

Costa also received the Ann Marie Orza endowed scholarship, which is awarded to a student who has a minor in Women’s Studies or who has made a contribution toward human rights. Aubrie Curcio ’20 received the Megan L. Kleczka memorial scholarship, which is awarded to full-time students in good academic standing and committed to women’s social issues.

Michèle Bacholle, professor of World Languages and Cultures, named Brianna Prentice ’19 and Jordan Corey as commencement marshal and alternate commencement marshal, respectively.

When asked about the significance behind starting Triota at Eastern, McDonnell noted, “Having a Triota chapter allows us to celebrate the academic achievements of our students. Triota is distinctive in its ongoing commitment to feminist values of diversity and inclusion, and requests that its members engage in ongoing community service and social justice efforts.”

She concluded: “I look forward to seeing how Triota’s officers and members enact these principles.” In joining Triota, students gain new networking and coalition opportunities. Members are invited to wear honor cords and pins at graduation.

In addition to the Women’s and Gender Studies Advisory Board, the ceremony was made possible by Alumni Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Dean Carmen Cid and English Department Secretary Miranda Lau.