Recipients of the 2000 Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Awards

Dr. Ted Alexander
Pearl River Community College,
Poplarville, Mississippi

"During his term as President, Dr. Alexander has allowed for funding to assure that members were able to participate in regional and international events. Dr. Alexander has worked with other community college presidents in the state to obtain funding for the luncheon for students, parents and advisors of those students named to the All-Mississippi Academic Team. He has also made sure that funding was available for scholarships for those students named to the first team All-Mississippi Academic Team."

From the nomination by Iota Mu Chapter

 

 

Dr. Robert Gell
Cecil Community College,
North East, Maryland

"Dr. Gell has helped provide direction in several ways. Financially, he makes sure that we have enough funding to support those activities that would make a difference not just at the college but all of Cecil County. Leadership wise, he makes it a point to support us in his endeavors. His philosophy is that we should lead by example. Currently a good deal of Dr. Gell's time is spent in our state capital, Annapolis, where he is lobbying for several bills pertaining to community colleges. One bill in particular is HB 476 that would allow Phi Theta Kappa members to receive a $3,000 scholarship when transferring from a community college to a four year public or private institution."

From the nomination by Alpha Alpha Theta Chapter

 

 

Dr. Donald Haragan
Texas Tech University,
Lubbock, Texas

"As a dean, Dr. Haragan became a major supporter of the Delta of Texas Alumni Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Texas Tech. Supporting these students, he learned the strength and determination of the honors transfer student. In the 1980's he became a strong advocate of the Texas Tech Honors Transfer Program, which rewards Phi Theta Kappa and other honors students with scholarships and other benefits. Many times Dr. Haragan has spoken words of encouragement at the Honors Transfer Day each spring. As President of Texas Tech University in 1990's, Dr. Haragan's interest in Phi Theta Kappa has become even more intense. His support for the organization has continued to increase and become more focused as the university has made a major effort to seek out top-quality students."

From the nomination by Kappa Mu Chapter

 

 

Dr. Norman Jenkins
Kishwaukee College,
Malta, Illinois

"A leader, a supporter, a listener, a believer and a father: all are characteristics of our college president, Dr. Norman Jenkins. Dr. Jenkins has supported our chapter since it chartered. Each year as we inaugurate our new officers at a luncheon, the president judges the pies baked by our members. During this event he even mingles with old and new members to make them all feel significant. When each pie is tasted, several of the most kind and humorous comments delight the guests. Dr. Norman Jenkins has been our keynote speaker at induction ceremonies and he even became an honorary member of the chapter."

From the nomination by Alpha Rho Eta Chapter

 

 

Dr. Luther Bud Joyner
Amarillo College,
Amarillo, Texas

"Always involved whenever needed, Dr. Joyner was instrumental in Beta Eta's yearlong revision of our bylaws. With his help, we were able to bring about changes which have allowed the organization to become much more inclusive and welcoming. We have enjoyed working with Dr. Joyner on project after project, ranging from planning and holding an open house for the renovation of our three main campuses, to petitioning for legislative support for full formula funding from the Texas legislature, to designing a program whereby Phi Theta Kappa members mentor first-time Amarillo College students."

From the nomination by Beta Eta Chapter

 

 

Raymond LeFevour
Wilbur Wright College,
Chicago, Illinois

"It is certain that Mr. LeFevour understood the interests of Phi Theta Kappa. He had the foresight to lay the foundations for a chapter that would eventually benefit not only his college with pride for its duty to scholarship but also benefit the Wright College community with service. His generous funding over the years of his presidency allowed those many members to participate in many international and regional functions and his letters of recommendation helped support each of its Hallmark Awards aspirations. Finally, Mr. LeFevour's presence at functions served as a symbol of dedication to the Society."

From the nomination by Theta Omega Chapter

 

 

Dr. Milton Shaw
Ocean County College,
Toms River, New Jersey

"Dr. Shaw has always provided support for every Tau Iota endeavor. This is evidenced by his faithful attendance at our functions. He attends each induction, never failing to speak about the importance of the four hallmarks, fully supporting Tau Iota in their pursuit of these ideals. He encourages the inductees to take advantage of the opportunities Phi Theta Kappa offers and to become an active part of a dynamic group of committed individuals. He also proclaims the fact that Phi Theta Kappa is the most visible, active and esteemed organization on campus."

From the nomination by Tau Iota Chapter

 

 

Dr. Eddie Smith
East Central Community College,
Decatur, Mississippi

"Dr. Smith took an active role in helping secure property on which the Center for Excellence could be built. He worked tirelessly with legislative contacts to insure that some method could be devised to provide a location suitable to all involved. Once that responsibility was completed, he began to help with the Key Campaign to raise funds to build the Center. He was very instrumental in helping establish the All-Mississippi Academic Team. Through the years he has continued to work on activities that involve honoring those chapter members selected to the team. Last year, through the efforts of Dr. Smith and others, scholarships were awarded to those students selected to the first team."

From the nomination by Theta Xi Chapter

 

 

Dr. Larry Stanley
College of the Mainland,
Texas City, Texas

"As president, Dr. Stanley increased cooperation between the college and the local school districts by advancing tech-prep agreements, post-secondary counseling programs and a joint high school summer school on campus. In recent years, he has launched twelve new technical programs. Dr. Stanley also established literary standards for all degrees, diplomas and certificates. He improved ADA compliance by reducing substantial structural barriers on campus, which included adding ramps, elevators and assisted learning technologies, and upgrading doors and restrooms."

From the nomination by Sigma Delta Chapter

 

 

Dr. James Tangeman
Garden City Community College,
Garden City, Kansas

"When Dr. Tangeman arrived at Garden City Community College 12 years ago, Phi Theta Kappa did not exist on campus. Due to his leadership, his vision and his inspiration, Alpha Xi Upsilon was chartered and has touched the lives of over 1,100 students since 1989. His development of the All-Kansas Academic Team in 1996 encouraged not only the students of Garden City Community College, but community college students throughout Kansas, to raise their horizons and encompass the world."

From the nomination by Alpha Xi Upsilon Chapter

 

 

Dr. James Weber
Arapahoe Community College,
Littleton, Colorado

"Dr. Weber personally promoted chapter and individual achievement. At the College's Fall Convocations, he recognized Phi Theta Kappa's contributions and encouraged faculty to recommend eligible students. Thus he kicked off the fall membership drive and helped Sigma Phi to grow; membership more than doubled in five years. Dr. Weber wrote recommendations for enhanced members, an honor that encouraged participation in chapter activities and aided students in transferring to four-year schools. Additionally, he established five annual three-credit scholarships."

From the nomination by Sigma Phi chapter

 

[Return to the Gordon and Bennett Hallmark Awards Index]