Phi Theta Kappa News

Walgreens and Phi Theta Kappa Announce New Partnership

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 14:13:07 GMT

Jackson, Mississippi — Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is announcing a new partnership with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Walgreens has committed $10,000 to support PTK scholarships. Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Foundation, said the funds will be used to cover certification exam fees for PTK members who are pharmacy technician majors.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Walgreens to offer career opportunities and scholarships to our members,” Marlowe said. “Certification exam costs often create a financial barrier for students that hinders their ability to enter the workforce. We are grateful to Walgreens for addressing these challenges and providing a pathway to great career opportunities.”

Walgreens will also be one of an exclusive group of international companies exhibiting at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst 2019 in Orlando, Florida, April 4-6. The 4,000 students in attendance will be able to network with the exhibitors, meeting potential employers and discussing possible career pathways.

The mission of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation is to secure the financial resources to support the values, vision, and priorities of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

About Walgreens

Walgreens is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health, and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Twenty-Nine Serving on Phi Theta Kappa’s Alumni Advisory Board

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 12:35:21 GMT

Jackson, Mississippi – Phi Theta Kappa has appointed 29 alumni to serve on its Alumni Advisory Board (AAB).

The AAB consists of a representative from each of the Society’s regions, nominated by the regional coordinator. Their duties include increasing awareness of PTK, helping the Society connect with alumni, providing input to Headquarters staff on Society issues, and serving as a communication liaison between PTK and alumni associations in their respective regions. Four AAB Vice Presidents will be elected at PTK Catalyst 2019 to represent each one of PTK’s geographic divisions.

Alumni Advisory Board members include:

Alabama - Hannah Kilpatrick
Arizona - Michael Stark
Carolinas - Sara Oswald
Colorado/Wyoming - Donna M Gosbee
Florida -Tullio Bushrui
Georgia - Heather Herbert
Greater Northwest - Michelle Brownlee
Illinois - Michael Storey
Indiana - Moriah Mercer
Iowa - Julie Gore
Kansas/Nebraska - Lucus Drake
Kentucky -Charlotte McConaha
Michigan -Nicole Cossum Ready
Middle States -Maryann DeStefano
Minn-Kota -Deanna Keller
Mississippi/Louisiana -Jana Causey
Missouri -Fran Ritchey
Nevada/California - Sheila Burson
New England - Jodi LeBel-Christian
New Mexico - Angela Luna
New York - Kaitlyn Botjer
Ohio -Karen Spindler
Oklahoma-Arkansas - Rebecca Hudson
Pacific - Glenn Mendoza
Rocky Mountain-Cascade - Jason Ward
Tennessee - Rob Kay Keel
Texas -Brandon Robinson
Virginia/West Virginia -Laurel Rothenberger
Wisconsin - Anna Van Loon

Phi Theta Kappa Presents 2018 Board of Trustees Awards

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 12:07:36 GMT

Boards of Trustees from four colleges were awarded the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Board of Trustees Awards during a luncheon October 26 at the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) Annual Leadership Congress in New York City.

The Board of Trustees Award recognizes Boards that demonstrate a strong level of support for their local Phi Theta Kappa chapters. The Boards were nominated by their chapters for this award.

Recipients of the 2018 award assisted PTK chapters on their campuses by covering member induction fees, providing funding for chapter programs and travel, attending chapter events such as induction ceremonies or meetings, providing recognition for chapter advisors/members, and inviting PTK members to present at Trustee meeting or serve as student representatives to the Board.

The 2018 recipients of the PTK Board of Trustees Awards are

Passaic County Community College, New Jersey
Nominated by the Alpha Eta Chi Chapter

Dallas County Community College District, Texas
Nominated by the Alpha Delta Pi Chapter at Brookhaven College

Mid Michigan College, Michigan
Nominated by the Alpha Omicron Omicron Chapter

Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon
Nominated by the Rho Theta Chapter

150 Named to 2018 Coca-Cola Academic Team

Thu, 10 May 2018 10:33:57 GMT

Nearly $200,000 has been awarded to 150 college students nationwide for their selection to the 2018 Coca-Cola Academic Team.

Scholars are divided evenly into three categories:

Gold Scholars — receive $1,500 scholarship
Silver Scholars — receive $1,250 scholarship
Bronze Scholars — receive $1,000 scholarship

All scholars will also receive commemorative medallions. View a full list of the 2018 Scholars.

Students are nominated by their college administrators and are selected based on outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service. The Coca-Cola Academic Team is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community college," said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals."

Students will be recognized in All-State Academic Team recognition ceremonies held in 39 states, in addition to ceremonies held on their local college campuses. Attending scholars were also recognized during Phi Theta Kappa's annual convention, PTK Catalyst, April 19-21 in Kansas City, Missouri.

"We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures," said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. "Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals."

Buffy Duncan Receives $1,000 Calhoun Scholarship

Thu, 10 May 2018 09:57:15 GMT

Buffy Duncan, a Liberal Arts and Sciences major at Aiken Technical College, has been named the 2018 Christopher A. Calhoun Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

While attending Aiken, Duncan saw the need for greater accessibility in online courses. She took it upon herself to provide transcriptions for professors’ audio lectures and captions for videos, and she also has added descriptions for photos and PowerPoints used in online lectures. Her intention is to help create a more inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities or those that are learning English as their second language. By assisting her educators, their material now holds the potential to yield higher educational achievements for all students.

Duncan is a member of the Board of Trustees of her church and the recently-elected treasurer of her local Phi Theta Kappa chapter. She is also the program coordinator for a School of the Arts in her neighboring state of Georgia where she plans and coordinates art programs for preschoolers and school-age children.

The Calhoun Scholarship is awarded annually to a South Carolina student with a high-ranking score in the All-USA Academic Team Competition. The All-USA program is widely recognized as the most prestigious academic honor for students seeking an associate degree and recognizes students who extend their college education to better themselves, their schools, and their surrounding communities.

“We are very thankful for donors such as Christopher Calhoun who understand the importance of what recognition can do in a student’s life,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “Mr. Calhoun is paying forward the opportunity he received after being recognized for his achievement as a Phi Theta Kappa member. We congratulate Buffy for her academic accomplishments and wish her the best as she completes her education.

$75,000 Awarded to 2018 Hites Scholars

Thu, 10 May 2018 09:53:13 GMT

Ten Phi Theta Kappa members have been named 2018 Hites Scholars and will each receive a $7,500 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.

The 2018 Hites Scholars are:

Andrea Lucia Alfonso, County College of Morris, New Jersey
Kassi Blanchard, Everett Community College, Washington
Tea Burdine, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Mississippi
Mariantonieta Chavez, Miami Dade College, Florida
Chesney Davis, Northeast Texas Community College, Texas
Brenda Godoy, Northeast Texas Community College, Texas
Bernard Kondenar, College of Lake County, Illinois
Maxwell Manning, Mesa Community College, Arizona
Tetyana Rudenko, Montgomery College, Maryland
Sarah Stockman, Houston Community College, Texas

The Hites Transfer Scholarship is awarded to Phi Theta Kappa members who are preparing to transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting college or university. Winners were selected from among 3,100 applicants nationwide for their outstanding academic achievement and rigor, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in college and community activities.

The Hites Transfer Scholarship Program is made possible by support from the Hites Family Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. This is the largest scholarship Phi Theta Kappa awards to its members.

The Hites Family Foundation was established by Robert Hites, an executive with Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon his retirement, he became an instructor at St. Louis Community College. His brother, Ray Hites, served as President of the Hites Family Foundation and as a Trustee for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation until his death in 2015. Ray’s wife, Jackie, now serves as a Foundation Board Trustee.

$75,000 Awarded to 2018 Guistwhite Scholars

Thu, 10 May 2018 09:50:48 GMT

Fifteen Phi Theta Kappa members have been named 2018 Guistwhite Scholars and will each receive a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.

The 2018 Guistwhite Scholars are:

Michael Aguilar, Lone Star College, Texas
Heber Bibang, Mountain View College, Texas
Laura Clark, Odessa College, Texas
Lauren Easter, Pima Community College, Arizona
Rachel Eccles, Walters State Community College, Tennessee
Edward Gaskin, Union County College, New Jersey
Breana Houska, St. Louis Community College, Missouri
Ashley Kirkland, Miami Dade College, Florida
Mei Ling Lai, Skyline College, California
Felicia Molzon, Suffolk County Community College, New York
Kyle Mondino, Quinsigamond Community College, Massachusetts
Camila Silva Monroe, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado
Johnathan Speakman, Mesa Community College, Arizona
Riki Treadway, Lone Star College, Texas
Jason Ward, College of Western Idaho, Idaho

Winners were selected from among 3,100 applicants nationwide, and their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. They will also receive a commemorative medallion.

This is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.

“What Dr. Guistwhite started more than 40 years ago has become a transformational force in the lives of PTK members and has resulted in more than 750 colleges and universities designating transfer scholarship for our students,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “It is fitting that we continue to honor our students who excel in scholarship and leadership as Guistwhite Scholars in celebration of Jack and Margaret.”

$3,000 Awarded to GEICO Pathway to Completion Bachelor’s Degree Scholars

Thu, 10 May 2018 09:31:39 GMT

Two Phi Theta Kappa members have each received $1,500 scholarships from Phi Theta Kappa and GEICO.

The 2018 GEICO Pathway to Completion Bachelor’s Degree Scholars are:

Sarah Larash, St. Louis Community College, Missouri
William Seaton, Mt. San Jacinto College, California

These scholarships are presented by GEICO and Phi Theta Kappa to Society members who have held a significant leadership position on campus or in their communities, with preference given to those who have held chapter, regional, or international office.

GEICO is a sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention and has given nearly $3 million to support scholarships and programs for Phi Theta Kappa members. GEICO also provides scholarships for the completion of associate and master’s degrees and for the professional development of chapter advisors.

“GEICO is proud to continue our partnership with Phi Theta Kappa in support of such talented students and the excellent work they do inside the classroom, around campus, and in their communities,” said Deedre Daniel, GEICO’s Director of Partnership, Affinity and Membership Discounts. “Continuing education and professional development are highly valued at GEICO, so we are proud to support the members of Phi Theta Kappa in completing their bachelor’s degree programs. We wish them much success in their future endeavors.”

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 14 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 23 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

Using GEICO’s online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, visit geico.com.

$5,000 Awarded to GEICO’s Meme 4 Money Creativity Scholars

Thu, 10 May 2018 09:10:22 GMT

Five Phi Theta Kappa members have each received $1,000 scholarships from Phi Theta Kappa and GEICO.

The 2017 GEICO's Meme 4 Money Creativity Scholars are:

Sonya Dodson, Kennebec Valley Community College, Maine (*People's Choice Award Winner)
Rachel Eccles, Walters State Community College, Tennessee
Elisabeth Halm, Austin Community College, Texas
Rachel Pearson, Roane State Community College, Tennessee
Molly Velbeck, Rock Valley College/Illinois State University, Illinois

This is the first scholarship program to support the creativity of Phi Theta Kappa members. These students provided the most comical, "meme-able" caption for photos selected by GEICO. A "People's Choice" meme was also selected in an online vote by Phi Theta Kappa members.

"Having a keen sense of humor requires intelligence, creativity, and a light-hearted attitude, all of which are helpful in both personal and professional life," said Deedre Daniel, GEICO's Director of Partnership, Affinity, and Membership Discounts. "It takes a special person to possess those qualities, and GEICO is proud to recognize those individuals through the Creativity Scholarship program."

GEICO is a sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa's annual convention and has given nearly $3 million to support scholarships and programs for Phi Theta Kappa members. GEICO also provides additional scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members for the completion of associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees, and for the professional development of chapter advisors.

About GEICO

Using GEICO's online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims, and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone, or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers, and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes, and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, visit geico.com.

$5,000 Awarded to GEICO Pathway to Completion Master’s Degree Scholars

Thu, 10 May 2018 08:48:51 GMT

Two Phi Theta Kappa members have each received $2,500 scholarships from Phi Theta Kappa and GEICO.

The 2018 GEICO Pathway to Completion Master’s Degree Scholars are:

Bree Eccles, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech, Virginia
Hiep (Patrick) Ma, University of California-Davis, California

This scholarship — currently the only one supporting Society members’ pursuit of a graduate degree — is presented by GEICO and Phi Theta Kappa to students who have held a significant leadership position on campus or in their community, with preference given to Phi Theta Kappa members who served as chapter, regional, or international officers.

Applicants must be Phi Theta Kappa members who left their chapters in good standing and have completed a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited senior institution with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. They must be currently enrolled full time in a master’s degree program at a regionally accredited university with the intention of continuing full-time enrollment through Spring 2018.

“We have partnered with Phi Theta Kappa for many years and our relationship continues to strengthen and evolve,” said Deedre Daniel, GEICO’s Director of Partnership, Affinity and Membership Discounts. “Education and professional development are emphasized at GEICO and supporting a master's degree scholarship meshes perfectly with our focus.”

GEICO is a sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention and has given nearly $3 million to support scholarships and programs for Phi Theta Kappa members. GEICO also provides scholarships for the completion of associate and bachelor’s degrees and for the professional development of chapter advisors.

About GEICO

For more information, visit geico.com.