Phi Theta Kappa inducts new members, plans for the year

Phi Theta Kappa held its first meeting of the school year on August 31to discuss the roadside trash cleanup, the Banned Book Club, the Activities Fair and the upcoming Bake Sale.  Phi Theta Kappa also announced that 358 students who have maintained a 3.5 GPA and completed 12 hours of college course were sent invitations to join their Honor Society. The invitation encourages these students at Kish to become a part of their leadership and service programs and offers various scholarships.  If these students choose to accept this honor, they are asked to attend a Fall Induction Ceremony which will be held with candle-lighting on October 12 at 7p.m. in Jenkins Auditorium.

The new Officers of the Alpha Rho Eta Chapter for 2011-12 academic years are: M. Sebastian Dargatz, President, Dytania Washington, Vice President, Tia Williams, Recording Officer, Luis Aguilar, Hallmark Officer, and Katrina Stone, Public Relations Officer.

What is Phi Theta Kappa? PTK is the International Scholastic Honor Society for two-year colleges.  Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above earning at least 12 hours of Associate’s Degree work here at Kishwaukee College and also be currently enrolled in three or more credit hours.  Colleges and universities nationally recognize PTK all over the United States and actively recruit new students.  PTK also offers scholarships: the “Leader of Promise,” the Guistwhite Scholarship Program” and the “All-USA Academic Team,” amongst many others.  This information can be obtained through the PTK Web site at www.ptk.com.  PTK members are committed to the elimination of discrimination based on economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation and cultural and religious background.

What is the Alpha Rho Eta Chapter? The Alpha Rho Eta Chapter of PTK was chartered at Kishwaukee College in March, 1990.  The founding advisor was Kishwaukee College’s science department instructor, Terry Martin, and the chartering ceremony was presided over by then-Illinois Regional Coordinator, Dr. Mary Anne Player.  Since being chartered, ARE has achieved a five-star status numerous times, had the advisors awarded with a number of regional awards in the Hallmark Awards competition and had been the home chapter to five Illinois Regional Officers. ARE has activities that revolve around the four hallmarks of the society - Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship – as well as the current Honors in Action Research.  The Honors Study Topic of Information focuses on the “Democratization of Information”: Power, Peril, and Promise.” The Honors Program Guide can be found online at www.ptk.org/honors/guide/.

Meetings for PTK are held every other Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in B112.  The next meeting is September 14.  There is an Information Board located in the hallway outside of B100 or online at www.alpharhoetaeta.com.  These meetings are open to everyone.

There are many benefits offered to those who join including business networking on campus, international scholarships, recognition awards, travel, leadership and service activities. As a member of PTK, students will be recognized on their diploma, on their transcripts and by wearing the golden regalia at commencement when they graduate.

Membership requires a one-time fee of $60.  For more information regarding membership in the ARE chapter of the PTK International Honor Society, you may contact either Advisor Laurie Hoecherl at (815) 825-2086, ext. 5030, Nicole Criswell at (815) 825-2086 ext. 5440 or Chapter President M. Sebastian Dargatz at mdargarz@st.kishwaukeecollege.edu.