Ashley Duquette of Myrtle Beack Inducted into Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society at Clemson University

2012 May 7

Ashley Duquette of Myrtle Beack is one of seven students inducted into the Nu Chapter of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society at Clemson University this semester.

Duquette is a senior majoring in sociology.

Delta Alpha Pi, founded in 2004 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, recognizes the academic accomplishments of honor students who have disabilities. The three Greek letters stand for disability, achievement and pride.

"I know what it feels like now to be judge because you look 'normal,' but have a condition that makes it harder to walk, get out of bed and be a typical college student," said Duquette. "My goal is to become more involved with other students with disabilities. . . . I offer this organization my passion for equality, justice and overall love for diversity."

Guest speaker and Delta Alpha Pi member Nicole Snell of Los Angeles served as the guest speaker for the induction ceremony. She is currently in her fourth year of doctoral studies in the rhetoric, communication and information design program at Clemson University and is a Ph.D. candidate.

Snell's main interests include assistive technology, web accessibility, visual communication and the dynamic relationship between technology and the deaf and hard of hearing population.

Students who meet the criteria receive a letter of invitation to participate in Delta Alpha Pi through the established initiation process. All invited students with a documented disability must work with the university's Office of Student Disability Services and demonstrate an interest in disability issues. Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits and attained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.10. Graduate students must have completed a minimum of 18 credits and earned a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30.

Ranked No. 25 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel.