“As someone who has grown up living in a world not made for me, it’s an amazing feeling to see disabled people being included. It’s a privilege to be a part of something that embraces diversity.”
— Petra Petty of Kewanee, IL
Black Hawk College East Campus student
Black Hawk College students with disabilities can join a new honor society, and BHC is only the second Illinois community college to offer membership to its students.
Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society was founded in 2004 to recognize high-achieving college students with disabilities. There are 235 chapters in the United States with less than 30 of those chapters at community colleges.
On Sept. 4, 2024, Black Hawk College was officially chartered with two chapters – one at each campus. They are the society’s 234th and 235th chapters.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to recognize our students with disabilities who have at times had to overcome the challenges of their disability and have continued excelling in their academic journey,” said Jen Holldorf, chapter advisor and coordinator of the Disability Resources & Access Office.
Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly, the society’s website says. Delta Alpha Pi presents an opportunity to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments.
“I have struggled with learning and mental disabilities from a very young age, and I never thought I would ever make an honor roll,” said inductee Leah Murphy of Milan, IL.
“I’m glad to be a part of Delta Alpha Pi where we can educate others about and reduce the stigma around mental and physical disabilities,” she said.
To join, students must have:
- A documented disability and work with the BHC Disability Resources & Access Office or self-identify as an individual with a disability.
- Demonstrated an interest in disability issues.
- Completed a minimum of 24 credits.
- Earned an overall GPA of 3.10.
The first Black Hawk College inductees were welcomed into the East Campus chapter Nov. 12, 2024. Pictured in the above photo are:
- Standing from left to right – Danielle DeDecker of Colona, IL; Jena Higdon of Peoria, IL; Leah Murphy of Milan, IL; Ally Cytrych of Polo, IL; and Morgan Heath of Joy, IL
- Seated – Petra Petty of Kewanee, IL
See more photos from the induction ceremony.
For more information about Delta Alpha Pi, contact one of the advisors at Black Hawk College:
- Jen Holldorf – holldorfj@bhc.edu
- Leah Michel – michell@bhc.edu
- Georgjean Pitsoulakis — pitsoulakisg@bhc.edu