Last Remaining Chapter of Alpha Beta Alpha Celebrates Sixty Years at KU

Kutztown, PA (04/17/2017) — Kutztown University's Department of Library and Learning Technologies and the Alpha Beta Alpha Fraternity are co-hosting a Library Science Reunion in honor of Alpha Beta Alpha's 60thbirthday. The event will be held on Sunday, April 23 at 5 p.m. in the Georgian Room in Old Main.

On May 3, 1950, Alpha Beta Alpha was founded at Northwestern State College of Louisiana and is considered the first co-educational undergraduate library science fraternity. On Nov. 20, 1957, Kutztown State Teachers College established the Rho Chapter and inducted the chapters first 28 members. Since 1957, Alpha Beta Alpha has been not only an influential part of the KU community but also within the surrounding community.

The Rho Chapter is the last remaining chapter of the national fraternity.

"For several years, we have hosted the Scholastic Book Fair, volunteered at the Science Olympiad, organized bus trips to Washington D.C. for the National Book Festival with other clubs on campus, and hosted fundraisers in conjunction with the KU Campus Book Store and the Firefly Bookstore." Said Rachel Smith, Alpha Beta Alpha President.

Alpha Beta Alpha's mission for it members is to maintain an abiding interest in librarianship, acquire a true professional spirit and deep sense of responsibility to the profession, and seek a sincere, sympathetic and full understanding of the work and problems of human beings.

The 60th birthday celebration of the fraternity hopes to bring students, graduates and former faculty together to reminisce and reconnect while celebrating the noteworthy history of the fraternity. The fraternity is thrilled to celebrate the bright future that lays ahead for the Library Science Major and Alpha Beta Alpha as the number of incoming students for fall 2017 has increased.

"We are excited and optimistic about the Rho Chapter of Alpha Beta Alpha and expect to see growth because of the influx of new library science student coming to Kutztown this fall and increased interested in the redesign of the library science major." Smith said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring photos and any memorabilia they have so everyone can come together to celebrate the unforgettable experiences they have made during their time with the fraternity and begin the next chapter.

For more information, contact Rachel Smith at rsmit207@live.kutztown.edu or Beth at ekefe943@live.kutztown.edu.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Last Remaining Chapter of Alpha Beta Alpha Celebrates Sixty Years at KU

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

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