Empire State University Students Awarded Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships

Two Empire State University students have been awarded scholarships by Alpha Sigma Lambda, the oldest and largest national honor society for non-traditional students. Donald “Donnie” Semple received the organization’s Dr. William C. Hine Scholarship, and Ghislaine Posy received the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society Scholarship.  

Read on to learn more about the honorees, who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees at SUNY Empire. 

Donnie Semple 

Donnie Semple built a career in the telecommunications industry before enrolling at SUNY Empire, where he’ll complete his bachelor’s in business administration this August. A resident of St. Johnsville, New York, he says his interest in leadership, process improvement, training, and helping others succeed led him to the program.  

“Business administration offered the broad foundation I was looking for while allowing me to connect decades of professional experience with formal education,” he explains. 

For Semple, a part-time Amazon employee who has been accepted to SUNY Empire’s MBA program, receiving Alpha Sigma Lambda’s Dr. William C. Hine Scholarship “was both humbling and deeply encouraging.” 

“It tells adult learners like me that our experiences matter, that our hard work is seen, and that it is never too late to pursue new goals,” he says.  

Ghislaine Posy 

Ghislaine Posy is working toward a bachelor’s in addiction studies. On track to graduate in 2027, Posy selected the degree program because she has “witnessed the profound impact addiction has on individuals, families, and communities, both personally and professionally,” says the Queens resident, who currently serves as a clinical care coordinator for New York City’s Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. “These experiences have strengthened my commitment to expanding my knowledge and developing the skills needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based support.” 

Posy says winning the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society Scholarship “has reminded [her] of the value of perseverance.” 

“Even when the odds seem overwhelming or success feels out of reach, taking a chance can lead to incredible opportunities,” she says. “This scholarship has reinforced my belief that determination, resilience, and the courage to keep trying can open doors that once seemed impossible.”