University’s National Criminal Justice Honor Society Chapter Welcomes 16 New Members Monday, April 1, 2019
"Not only is the campus perfectly located, but the professors in every department are extremely helpful and continuously push their students to reach for their goals."
Point Park University’s Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter — the nation’s only accredited criminal justice honor society — recently inducted 16 undergraduate students from the Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies.
“The induction of these 16 students is a recognition of their academic success. It was an opportunity for them to be honored in the presence of their families, friends, faculty and fellow students,” said Richard Linzer, J.D., associate professor of criminal justice and director of the M.S. in criminal justice administration program.
According to Linzer, the four ideals of Alpha Phi Sigma — academic excellence, leadership, service and unity — are guidance for the students’ personal and professional lives.
“Membership in Alpha Phi Sigma is not only a recognition of their accomplishments, but serves as an inspiration to continue to strive to succeed. The honors cords that were presented and will be worn at graduation are an indication to all of the level of academic success that they have achieved,” he added.
The 16 students honored were:
- Renad S. Albugami
- Vincent T. Bonacci
- Je’Quaya Lynn Dorsey
- Crystal A. Ferrio
- Sarah Green
- Victoria A. Hershberger
- Danielle Kathleen Maxwell
- Kayla McDonald
- Shannon Perry
- Nicole P. Ries
- Justin Raymond Stengel
- Jocelyn Ann Stombaugh
- Noelle A. Wachter
- Elliot Alexander Wallace
- Tylisha Rose Washington
- Kelia K. Wilson
“Being inducted into Point Park’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma was a great honor for me! The ceremony was wonderful and I felt as if all of my hard work in my major finally paid off,” said Kayla McDonald, a junior criminal justice major from Buffalo Academic of the Sacred Heart High School in Buffalo, N.Y.
“I chose Point Park primarily because of its location, but throughout my time here I’ve come to love so many other things. Not only is the campus perfectly located, but the professors in every department are extremely helpful and continuously push their students to reach for their goals,” McDonald said.
Sophomore criminal justice major Justin Stengel wanted to be inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma as soon as he heard about the honor society during his freshman year.
“Being part of Alpha Phi Sigma is important to me because it was a goal I set out to achieve and only choice members are selected, which sets me apart from others. This achievement will motivate me to continue putting in the same effort, giving 100% in every class,” explained Stengel, a graduate of Carlynton Junior-Senior High School in Crafton, Pa.
Stengel chose Point Park for its Downtown Pittsburgh location, small class sizes and faculty with industry experience.
“I wanted professors who had actually worked in the criminal justice field rather than individuals who had just studied it. Professors who have first-hand knowledge and experience can offer advice and teach lessons in ways other professors who do not have that cannot.”
McDonald added: “Professors such as Richard Linzer have been such a great help by not only teaching me the information needed to succeed, but also aiding me in test preparation and searching for jobs and internships. I'm very grateful for all the help the faculty here at the University offers! Also, I have met my best friends and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.”
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