ALDPES students honored with national scholarships

Since 1985, Indiana University Indianapolis has served as an official host for chapters of the Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) and Phi Eta Sigma (PES) honor societies. This year, individual members of each organization and the ALD chapter as a whole were recognized with national awards.

ALD and PES provide recognition for first-year success, offering membership to students who earn at least a 3.5 GPA during their freshman year.

Lisa Ruch, assistant dean of academic affairs within the Honors College, has been serving as the advisor for ALDPES at IU Indianapolis since 1998. Through Ruch’s guidance, the chapter has seen great success, both in full chapter awards and individual student scholarships.  

Since 2003, the ALD chapter at IU Indianapolis has been highlighted as one of the top chapters in the nation. Most recently, it received the 2024 Maintaining the Flame Award, which recognizes chapters for outstanding work throughout an academic year.  

Ruch reflected on the chapter’s success and the impact it has had on both ALDPES members and IU Indianapolis as a whole.  

“Winning scholarships and awards instilled a great sense of pride in our members, as we received recognition along with big-name schools such as UCLA, Florida State, Baylor, USC, and many others,” Ruch said. “It motivated us to continue to be successful, and I believe that we have set the standard for what an honor society chapter should be.” 

Along with the success of the ALD chapter, the PES chapter has also had a record-breaking year. Nine national PES scholarships were awarded to IU Indianapolis students, becoming the highest number of scholarships to be awarded to any PES chapter.

Morgan Fischer is an Honors College junior who served as the Undergraduate Student Government senator for PES in 2023–2024 and will move into the internal operations student advisor role for the 2024–2025 academic year. 

Fischer received $5,000 from PES through the Founders Fund. She is one of three IU Indianapolis students who received a scholarship from ALD this year, and only one of five students nationally who received a $6,000 award from ALD through the Trow Scholarship. Fischer explained how these scholarships will support her throughout the next academic year.  

“In addition to being a full-time student, I am also a part-time employee,” Fischer said. “During my time at IU Indianapolis, I have had a variety of jobs to fill in the gaps that financial aid alone does not cover. These scholarships will allow me to dedicate a greater amount of time to my studies without the added financial burden.”

Fischer also commented on the experiences she’s had through ALDPES and the impacts they’ve had on her, both professionally and personally.  

“In working with other ALDPES student leaders, I have learned to advocate for myself and others on the grounds of things that I believe in,” Fischer said. “I came into the previous academic year feeling isolated and worried I would never find my place here. As I enter this academic year, I stand with a group of friends who love and support me in being exactly who I am. I cannot thank ALDPES enough for providing me the opportunity to find and cultivate these impactful friendships and incredible connections.” 

Fischer highlighted Ruch as a major and invaluable supportive figure as she applied for scholarships.

“In my time in ALDPES, I have had the absolute pleasure of getting to know and work with Lisa," Fischer said. "She has encouraged me to break out of my shell and to pursue opportunities. She is truly the reason that I have been so successful in ALDPES, and she has helped me to refine my skills to drive meaningful change in this organization, the IU Indianapolis community, and beyond.” 

Kristy Sheeler, dean of the Honors College, praised scholarship winners for their accomplishments, and referenced the impact that Ruch has on the ALDPES program and students.