Honor society awards academic achievement

By Josh Leyva

Contributor

New members

On Sunday, February 22, Crowder hosted the Spring 2015 induction for the Xi Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. PTK was established over 100 years ago to recognize achievements and encourage scholarship amongst community college students. A total of 104 students were recognized for their academic achievements, an increase over last semester’s 66.

Notable attendees

Pam Hope, co-founder of “Touch of Life”, a non-profit orphanage in Ghana, was the event’s guest speaker, encouraging students to use their ability to “make a difference”. Cope is also the author of Jantsen’s Gift: A True Story of Grief, Rescue, and Grace.

Also in attendance were Dr. Adam Morris – Assoc. VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jennifer Methvin – President, and Dr. Glenn Coltharp – VP of Academic Affairs.

Connor Poelett

Freshman Biology Major, Connor Poelett, pens his name into the Xi Xi Chapter membership book. The book, which has been with the college since the chapter’s founding in 1968, contains the name of every member in the history of Crowder. Drew Young | Executive Editor of New Media

National Impact

PTK, the only nationally recognized honor society for community colleges, offers $85 million in scholarship opportunities to members.

“I believe that Phi Theta Kappa will help me to build lifelong friendships and will provide as a great reference on resumes, scholarship applications, and college applications as well,” said freshman Spanish major, Kirsten Hargis.

In order to be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa,  a student must earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average while taking 12 or more credit hours.

PTK Officers include: President – Makala Stephens (Exeter, MO), Vice President – Esperanza Hope Guitierrez (Waynesville, MO), and Treasurer – Bethany Herron (Webb City, MO). Faculty co-advisors are Suzanne Puckett, English Faculty and Honors Program; and Dr. Peter Broglio, Life Sciences and Physical Education Division Chair/Biology Instructor.