Alpha Lambda Delta is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year in college. Founded as an honor society for freshmen women at the University of Illinois in 1924, Alpha Lambda Delta became a national organization as chapters were established at Purdue in 1926 and at DePauw in 1927. ( Read the ALD Constitution )

Its purpose is to encourage superior academic achievement among students in their first year at institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist women and men in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society.

Alpha Lambda Delta's official symbol is a golden candle with its Greek letters superimposed on the candle holder. The society honor key and lapel pin depict this symbol. Colors of the society are red, gold and white. The coat of arms is a gold-bordered black shield with a red-tipped white candle, above which is a white altar with an open book on it.

All eligible freshmen (students who have achieved a 3.5 or higher GPA in their first year) at the University of Texas will be notified of their eligibility at the beginning of each semester.
Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 to recognize and promote superior scholarship among freshmen. The society has established chapters in over 250 institutions of higher learning in the United States. ( Read the PES Constitution )

Phi Eta Sigma was originally a freshman men's scholastic honor fraternity having a formal handshake, a password, and secrets. In 1974, the society dropped the word "fraternity", accepted both men and women into membership, and opened the induction ceremony to nonmembers. Phi Eta Sigma has held membership in the Association of College Honor Societies since 1937. It is the honor aspect which is emphasized, stressing the academic nature of the society.

Phi Eta Sigma is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment and serves as an incentive for continued high scholarship. It provides you the opportunity to meet freshman scholars from all academic disciplines and join them in promoting academic excellence. Membership in Phi Eta Sigma identifies you to employers, professional and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and performance.

All eligible freshmen (students who have achieved a 3.5 or higher GPA in their first year) at the University of Texas will be notified of their eligibility at the beginning of each semester.