The Alumni Association Award of Merit recognizes an alumni association which has been exemplary in meeting the mission of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alumni Association. Selection is based on a nomination that states the association’s goals and objectives for the year and how these objectives were met. When merited, a regional association, a senior institution-based association and a community-based association will each be recognized as finalists for the Award of Merit. These finalists and winners are recognized during the Alumni Banquet at the annual International Convention and announced again at the Hallmark Gala.
To be considered for the Alumni Association Award of Merit, associations must submit an Entry Form (coming soon for 2010). Nominations must be received at Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters by 5:00 pm Central Time, February 12, 2010. For questions, contact Courtney E. Taylor at 601.984.3577. View the Voting Rubric online.
See a list of Alumni Associations of Merit.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes an alumnus who has distinguished himself/herself in either a professional or humanitarian capacity on a national or international level. This recognition will be given when deemed appropriate by the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director and International Officers.
See a list of Outstanding Alumni.
The Board of Directors of Phi Theta Kappa recognizes an alumnus who has been exemplary in meeting the Society’s Mission through their support and leadership locally, regionally and/or nationally. A written nomination of no more than 500 words outlining the alumnus’ goals and objectives with regard to the Phi Theta Kappa mission should be submitted to the Director of Development a minimum of 60 days prior to the Society’s Annual International Convention. To suggest an alumnus for this honor, email your recommendation to alumni.office@ptk.org.
See a list of winners of the Board of Directors’ Alumni Achievement Awards.
Alumni Association Award of Merit
The Alumni Association Awards recognize alumni associations (community-based, senior institution-based or region-based), which have been exemplary in meeting the mission of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alumni Association. See a list of Alumni Associations.
Selection is based on a nomination that states the association’s goals and objectives for the year and how these objectives were met. When merited, a regional association, a senior institution-based association and a community-based association will each be recognized as finalists for the Award of Merit. These finalists will be announced at the Alumni Banquet at the annual International Convention and announced again at the Hallmark Gala. The overall winner of the Award of Merit will be announced at the Hallmark Gala.
To be considered for the Alumni Association Award of Merit, associations must submit an Entry Form (coming soon for 2010). Nominations must be received at Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters by 5:00 pm Central Time, February 12, 2010. For questions, contact Courtney E. Taylor at 601.984.3577. View the Voting Rubric online.
Past Award of Merit Winners
2009
- Award of Merit: Alpha of North Harris Alumni Association; Houston, TX
- Outstanding Community Association: Alpha of North Harris Alumni Association; Houston, TX
- Outstanding Region Association: Texas Region Alumni Association
2008
- Award of Merit: Eta Gamma Alumni Association at Coffeyville Community College; Kansas
- Outstanding Community Association: Eta Gamma Alumni Association at Coffeyville Community College; Kansas
- Outstanding Region Association: Texas Region Alumni Association
2007
- Award of Merit: Zeta of New York Alumni Association
- Outstanding Community Association: Delta of Missouri - East Central College Alumni Association
- Outstanding Senior Institution Association: Mississippi College Alumni Association
- Outstanding Region Association: Texas Region Alumni Association
2006
- Award of Merit: Zeta of New York Alumni Association
- Outstanding Community Association: Delta of Missouri - East Central College Alumni Association
- Outstanding Senior Institution Association: Mississippi College Alumni Association
- Outstanding Region Association: Zeta of New York Alumni Association
2005
- Award of Merit: Missouri Region Alumni Association
- Outstanding Community Association: Alpha of Illinois at Wilbur Wright College
- Outstanding Senior Institution Association: Pi of Texas at Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Outstanding Region Association: Missouri Region Alumni Association
2004
- Award of Merit: Middle States Region Alumni Association
- Outstanding Community Association: Delta of Missouri at East Central College
- Outstanding Senior Institution Association: Pi of Texas at Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Outstanding Region Association: Middle States Region Alumni Association
2003
- Award of Merit: Pi of Texas at Texas A&M University-Commerce
2002
- Award of Merit: Missouri Region Alumni Association
2001
- Award of Merit: Zeta of New York Region Alumni Association
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Outstanding Alumni
The outstanding alumni below who have an asterisk beside their names have received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award recognizes an alumnus who has distinguished himself/herself in either a professional or humanitarian capacity on a national or international level. This recognition is given when deemed appropriate by the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director and International Officers.
*Dr. Charles W. Branch
President, Chattanooga State Technical Community College
Spartanburg Junior College, SC
Awarded in 1974 |
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Carol M. Browner
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Miami-Dade College, FL |
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*The Honorable Larry Chesley
Vietnam P.O.W.; Author; Arizona State Senator
Weber College, UT
Awarded in 1976 |
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*Judge Eugene A. Cook
Justice, Texas Supreme Court
University of Houston, TX
Awarded in 1988 |
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*Dr. James Davis
Member, Virginia House of Delegates;
President of Shenandoah University
Ferrum College, VA
Awarded in 1980 |
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*Dr. Sylvia Earle
Oceanographer; Researcher
St. Petersburg College, FL
Awarded in 2000 |
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*Dr. Marvin R. Felder
President, Temple Junior College
Wharton County Junior College, TX
Awarded in 1974 |
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*Dr. Joe B. Frantz
Texas Historian; Author
Weatherford College, TX
Awarded in 1971 |
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*Dr. Janice Freeman
Distinguished Science Professor, Texas A&M University
University Del Mar College, TX
Awarded in 1975 |
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*Dr. Joyce Freeman
Distinguished Science Professor, Texas A&M University
University Del Mar College, TX
Awarded in 1975 |
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*The Honorable Reynaldo G. Garza
Senior Judge, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Texas Southmost College, TX
Awarded in 1993 |
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*Rudy Gatlin
Grammy Award-winning Country Western Musician
Odessa College, TX
Awarded in 1981 |
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*David C. Gruel
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Test Engineer; Flight Director for Mars Pathfinder Project
Holyoke Community College, MA
Awarded in 1998 |
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*Fred Haise
Apollo 13 Mission Lunar Module Pilot
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, MS
Awarded in 1970 |
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*Mayor Clarence Harmon
Mayor of St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Community College, MO
Awarded in 2000 |
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*Admiral B.R. Inman
Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Tyler Junior College, TX
Awarded in 1985 |
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Rich Karlgaard
Publisher, Forbes Magazine
Bismarck State College, ND |
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*H. Ben Kinchlow
Co-Host of The 700 Club, Christian Broadcast Network
Southwest Texas Junior College, TX
Awarded in 1986 |
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*Dr. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick
United States Ambassador, United Nations
Stephens College, MO
Awarded in 1983 |
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*Jim Lehrer
Co-Anchor of the MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour, Public Broadcasting System
Victoria College, TX
Awarded in 1982 |
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*Dr. Joseph A. Malik
President, Wharton County Junior College
Grays Harbor College, WA
Awarded in 1974 |
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*Dr. Thomas J. Malone
President and Chief Executive Officer, Milliken & Co.
Pearl River Community College, MS
Awarded in 1987 |
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*Monte Markham
Actor - Stage, Film, Television
Palm Beach Community College, FL
Awarded in 1973 |
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*Randal McDonald
Chief Executive Officer of Pennzoil Corporation
Wharton County Junior College, TX
Awarded in 1990 |
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*Dr. W. Kendall McNabney
Vietnam Field Surgeon; Established first Emergency Medical Residency Program, United States
Coffeyville Community College, KS
Awarded in 2002 |
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*Dr. Paul David Mork
President, Waldorf College
Waldorf College, IA
Awarded in 1974 |
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*Margaret Mosal
Former Executive Director, Phi Theta Kappa
Whitworth College, MS
Awarded in 1978 |
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*The Honorable Francine Neff
Treasurer, United States
Cottey College, MO
Awarded in 1976 |
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*Dr. Beverly H. Oliphant
United States Department of State Medical Consultant
East Central Community College, MS
Awarded in 2002 |
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*Dr. Arnulfo L. Oliviera
President, Texas Southmost College
Texas Southmost College, TX
Awarded in 1974 |
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*H. Ross Perot
International Businessman; 1992 United States Presidential Candidate
Texarkana College, TX
Awarded in 1977 |
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*Thomas Hal Phillips
Author; Screenwriter
Hinds Community College, MS
Awarded in 1972 |
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*Caleb Pirtle
Author; Filmmaker
Kilgore College, TX
Awarded in 1974 |
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*The Honorable Howard Pollock
Alaska’s First United States Congressman
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, MS
Awarded in 1970 |
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*Rod A. Risley
Executive Director, Phi Theta Kappa
San Jacinto College, TX
Awarded in 2009 |
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*Dr. William Roper
Director, Centers for Disease Control
Florida College, FL
Awarded in 1991 |
*Anthony J. “Tony” Sadberry
Executive Director, Texas Lottery Commission
Navarro College, TX
Awarded in memoriam in 2009 |
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*Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos
President, El Paso Community College
Laredo Junior College, TX
Awarded in 1974 |
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Dannette Sheppard
Featured vocalist, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus
Bronx Community College, NY |
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*Dr. David H. Shinn
United States Ambassador, Ethiopia
Yakima Valley Community College, WA
Awarded in 1995 |
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*Iris Futoranaky Siff
Managing and Artistic Director, Alley Theatre
Tyler Junior College, TX
Awarded in 1981 |
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*The Honorable Ike Skelton
United States Congressman, Missouri
Wentworth Military Academy, MO
Awarded in 1992 |
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Jeffrey William Smoke
Member of 2004 United States Olympic Kayaking Team
Holy Cross College, IN
Beta Epsilon Rho |
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*Gerald Steichen
Conductor, New York City Opera and New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Northern Oklahoma College, OK
Awarded in 2004 |
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*Lee F. Sword
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Lead Engineer, Mars Pathfinder Project
Pima Community College, AZ
Awarded in 1998 |
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*Dr. Billy Thames
President, Copiah-Lincoln Junior College
Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, MS
Awarded in 1974 |
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Sela Ward
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning Actress
Meridian Community College, MS |
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Michael Weiss
Three-Time US National Ice Skating Champion
Two-time World Bronze Medalist
Member of US Olympic Ice Skating Team
Prince Georges Community College, MD |
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*Dr. Jerome F. Weynand
President, San Antonio College and St. Phillips College
San Antonio College, TX
Awarded in 1974 |
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*Dr. Jean Woolfolk
Former National Treasurer, Phi Theta Kappa
Little Rock Junior College, AR
Awarded in 1979 |
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*Trisha Yearwood
Grammy Award-winning Country Western Musician
Young Harris College, GA
Awarded in 2002 |
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Board of Directors’ Alumni Achievement Award
The Board of Directors Alumni Achievement Award is presented annually to an alumnus in recognition of his or her service contributions in support of the Society’s membership on the local, national and international levels.
2009
Ruth Randall
Past Regional Coordinator, Kansas Region
Alumnus of Alpha Iota Gamma Chapter, Johnson County Community College, Kansas
Read a tribute to Ruth Randall.
2008
Matt Jones
Former National Officer
Alumnus of Upsilon Mu Chapter, Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Illinois
Read a tribute to Matt Jones.
2007
Shirley Scarbrough
Phi Theta Kappa
Alumni Advisory Council Chairman
Read a tribute to Shirley Scarbrough.
2006
Brady Surles
Phi Theta Kappa
Virginia Regional Coordinator
Alumnus of Gamma Pi Chapter, Bluefield College, VA.
Read a tribute to Brady Surles.
2005
Drs. Joyce and Janice Freeman
Advisors, Epsilon of Texas Alumni Association at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Endowment of an Honors Institute Lecture
Alumnae of Gamma Sigma Chapter, Del Mar College, TX
Read a tribute to Drs. Joyce and Janice Freeman.
2004
Tom Obee
Michigan Regional Coordinator
Phi Theta Kappa
Alumnus of Lambda Mu Chapter, St. Clair County Community College, MI
Read a tribute to Tom Obee.
2003
Billy Wilson
Director of Honors Programs
Phi Theta Kappa
Alumnus of Kappa Alpha Chapter, Holmes Community College, Goodman, MS
Read a tribute to Billy Wilson.
2002
Leanne Jardine
New York Region Coordinator
Phi Theta Kappa
Alumna of Lambda Beta Chapter, Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY
Read a tribute to Leanne Jardine.
2001
Norma Kent
Vice President of Communications
American Association of Community Colleges
Alumna of Eta Iota Chapter, Frank Phillips College, Borger, TX
Read a tribute to Norma Kent.
2000
Carolyn C. Shanks
President and CEO
Entergy Mississippi
Alumnus of Theta Sigma Chapter, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, MS
Read more about Carolyn C. Shanks.
1999
Lynn Gurganus
Associate Director of Admissions
Advisor, Gamma of Alabama
University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL
Alumnus of Omicron Upsilon Chapter, Central Alabama Community College, Alexander City, AL
Read more about Lynn Gurganus.
1998
Ann Morris
Chairman
Alumni Advisory Council
Alumnus of Iota Mu Chapter, Pearl River Community College, Poplarville, MS
Read more about Ann Morris.
1997
Barry Reynolds
Attorney
Titus, Hillis and Reynolds
Alumnus of Mu Chapter, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Miami, OK
1983-1984 National President
Read more about Barry Reynolds.
1996
Lars Hafner
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
Advisor of Eta Nu Chapter, St. Petersburg Junior College, St. Petersburg, FL
Alumnus of Eta Nu Chapter, St. Petersburg Junior College, St. Petersburg, FL
Read more about Lars Hafner.
1995
Dr. Olon Ray
Executive Director
Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges
Alumnus of Theta Sigma Chapter, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, MS
Read more about Dr. Olon Ray.
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