Alpha Epsilon Delta Pennsylvania IOTA Chapter

Mission Statement

The Alpha Epsilon Delta chapter at The University of Scranton encourages and recognizes excellence in premedical scholarship, and stimulates an appreciation of the importanceof premedical education in the study of medicine. Along with The University's Health Professions Organization and Medical Alumni Council, the chapter promotes cooperation and contacts among physicians, pre-medical students, and educators while developing an adequate program of premedical education. Finally, the honor society brings students interested in the medical field together, and strives to benefit other health organizations, charities, and the community.

National History

In 1926, fifteen premedical students and Dr. Jack P. Montgomery, Chairman of the Premedical Committee and Professor of Organic Chemistry from the University of Alabama created the first premedical honorary fraternity. Ten members representing five chapters and one petitioning group attended the first national convention in 1930. Today, Alpha Epsilon Delta has grown to the world's largest body devoted to premedical education with a membership exceeding 138,000 in 179 chapters. Originally an unincorporated association, the Society became incorporated in the State of Michigan (1949). In February 1962, the Society was reincorporated in the District of Columbia as a non-profit, educational organization.

National Requirements

The honor of membership in Alpha Epsilon Delta recognizes students of superior scholastic achievement, and affords the opportunity to developqualities of initiative, leadership, and self-education by participating in the activities of the Chapter and Society. Active members of the honor society display a good character, personality, and a positive spirit. Students must study courses relevant to a future medical career. After completing three semesters of such college course work, they should possess a general scholastic average of 3.2 (4.0 scale). Members shall be elected without any discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, creed or national origin. Members pay a one time national fee of $50.00 upon initiation into Alpha Epsilon Delta.

Pennsylvania IOTA Chapter Requirements

In addition to national requirements, these stipulations apply to The University of Scranton chapter.

•  Membership is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a minimum overall GPA of a 3.2 and a science GPA of 3.2 (includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses). Students must have also completed at least three semesters of course work.

•  Applicants must intend to remain as active members of AED. This includes participation in meetings and community service activities.

•  If you believe that you meet the criteria for membership and would like to apply, you must complete an Application Form and return it to Michele Langan (LOY 115).  Questions should be directed to the AED Advisor, Maria Squire, Ph.D. (squirem2@scranton.edu), Department of Biology.

•  In addition, active members receive The Scalpel , AED's journal on premedical education, and The AED Newsletter, which provides information on admissions, professional education, health professional schools and publications of interest to members.

Mottos & Symbols

The motto, "Truth I Pursue," comes from the name Alpha Epsilon Delta.
 

Insignias

1. A hexagonal key or pin, on the face of which is inscribed AED in a longitudinal column. The shape reminiscent of the benzene ring indicates the marked leaning of this order toward the study of organic chemistry.
2. A coat-of-arms consisting of the:
1. Crest: An open book debruised by a death's head above a wreath of the colors.
2. Arms: A silver shield bearing a black caduceus below a red Greek cross. The shield is surmounted by an esquire's helmet and draped with a mantling of scroll work.
3. Motto: Alpha Epsilon Delta in upper and lower case Greek letters.
3. A seal consisting of an outlined benzene ring surrounded by a paneled border, containing the words: "Alpha Epsilon Delta, Founded 1926."
4. A cloth patch bea ring the coat-of-arms of the society.

Colors The colors are red and violet.

Flower The flower is the red rose.

Chapter News & Calendar

Next Year's AED Induction Ceremony and Brunch will be Held in May of 2008
 

For more information about the Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, you may contact the national office at the following address:

Alpha Epsilon Delta Natio nal Office
MSC 4307
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
email: aed@jmu.edu
(540) 568-2594  Fax: (540)568-2595
http://www.jmu.edu/orgs/nationalaed