Georgia Chapter Marks 55th Anniversary
Alumni and friends of the Theta Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Andrew
College in Cuthbert, Georgia, gathered recently to commemorate the chapter's
55th anniversary - and celebrated the past by planning a scholarship for
the future.
Held during the Andrew College Homecoming, the
anniversary celebration was the focus of a banquet featuring guest speakers
Billy Wilson, formerly Phi Theta Kappa's Director of Honors Programs,
and chapter alumni Charles Lynn, 1963; Randy Braswell, 1978; Shaunn Alderman,
1981; and Krystal Cadle, 2006.
Wilson spoke of the chapter's
many contributions to Phi Theta Kappa, especially to the Honors Program.
Wilson credited longtime advisor Sarah Anne Staples, who served on Phi
Theta Kappa's Honors Committee, for being intrumental in developing the
Honors Program and the seminar format of the Honors Institute.
In
his remarks, Braswell recalled that the chapter had donated the portrait
of Phi Theta Kappa's first Executive Director, Dr. Margaret Mosal, that
hangs in the Center for Excellence.
Plans for a Phi Theta Kappa
scholarship, to be awarded to a freshman member who will return as a sophomore,
were announced. The chapter's anniversary was also marked by the dedication
of the Phi Theta Kappa Heritage Room in the college library, honoring Professor
Staples as a teacher, advisor, mentor and friend. Chapter awards, programs,
news clippings, yearbooks, photographs and other memorabilia will be
displayed in the Heritage Room.
Resolutions from the governor
and the college's state representatives commemorating the anniversary
were also read. In an afternoon Remembrance Ceremony, candles were lit
in memory of the chapter's deceased members.
"Just listening
to all the stories renewed my pride and belief in Phi Theta Kappa," said current
advisor Karan Pittman, also a Theta Lambda alumna. "It was good to hear affirmations
of the difference the organization has made in other people's lives. It
certainly made a difference in my life, and I can honestly say that working
with the students all these years has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience
for me. If I can give half back what I received from my time in Theta Lambda
at Andrew College, I will think I have done well."
"We congratulate
the Theta Lambda Chapter for 55 years of providing recognition and opportunities
for academic excellence, leadership development and service, to Andrew
College, the Cuthbert community, the Georgia Region and all of Phi Theta
Kappa," said Society Executive Director Rod A. Risley. "The Theta Lambda
Chapter has benefited from the leadership of outstanding advisors, including
Sarah Anne Staples, a former Board of Directors and Honors Committee member,
and the current lead advisor, Karan Berryman Pittman, who is a Theta Lambda
alumna. The chapter has also enjoyed wonderful support from the college
administration. We wish them all the success in the future."
