87th International Convention Breaks All Records!
Some 4,000 Phi Theta Kappa members, advisors and alumni converged on Dallas,
Texas, last week for the Society's 87th International Convention -- setting
attendance records for attracting the most-ever attendees, and also more
chapters than ever before.
More than 300 chapters and individuals
were recognized at the 2005 Hallmark Awards Gala. A complete list is available
on the Society's website.
The 2005-2006
International Officers, elected by voting delegates attending
the Convention, were installed at the conclusion of Saturday's Closing
Ceremonies.
Highlights of Thursday's Opening Ceremonies
included:
* Lighting of the Convention Flame
*
Launch of the new Hallmark Awards Program enhancements
* Presentation
of the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award to champion figure skater Michael
Weiss of Prince George's Community College in Maryland
* An
address by the National Director of the Peace Corps, Gaddi H. Vasquez
*
Vocal performance by Society members Danette Sheppard and the Regional
Officer Choir
* A salute to members serving in Afghanistan and
Iraq
* The Parade of Flags and Roll Call of States
Highlights
of Friday's two sessions included:
* Leadership Keynote
Address by Rudy Giuliani
* Service Keynote Address by Patti
LaBelle
* Presentation of the Guistwhite Scholars
*
Presentation of Shirley B. Gordon Awards of Distinction and Michael Bennett
Lifetime Achievement Awards to college presidents and CEOs
Those
attending Saturday's Fourth General Session and Hallmark Awards Gala
enjoyed:
* Speeches from International Officer Candidate
Finalists
* The Presidential Address by 2004-2005 International
President Keri Szymanski
* A performance from country-music
legend and Phi Theta Kappa alumnus, Rudy Gatlin
Convention
attendees also participated in numerous Educational Forums, Academic
Marketplace events, a Transfer College Fair and a new Career Resource Center.
