History and Pillars of ALD

Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) was founded in 1924 by Maria Leonard, the Dean of Women at the University of Illinois, to recognize academic excellence among first-year students. It has enjoyed a rich history for more than 100 years, with over 400 chapters recognized and over 1.3 million lifetime members. Over the past several years we have developed pillars as a way to focus chapter activity and provide opportunities for engagement beyond academics. The Five Pillars of Alpha Lambda Delta—Academics, Scholarships, Service, Career Development, and Belonging—form the foundation of the honor society. Chapters are encouraged, but not required, to incorporate these pillars into their programming, from study support and scholarship awareness to service projects and career readiness initiatives. By embracing these pillars, ALD fosters a sense of community and long-term success for its members.