Recipients of 2001 Shirley B. Gordon Awards of Distinction
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North Central State College Mansfield, Ohio "Through his actions, Dr. Ron Abrams has shown he believes in empowering students to succeed. Dr. Abrams' interactions on campus are focused on ways to help students achieve their full potential. When it came to budget time, Dr. Abrams made sure that the Beta Theta Eta chapter had a budget, and not just a token one. Travel expenses are paid for regional meetings for any member attending. Our expenses were paid for last year's International Convention. Dr. Abrams shows how the college embraces the value of our chapter." From the nomination by Beta Theta Eta Chapter |
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Dr.
Michael Allkins "Dr. Allkins has consistently supported Phi Theta Kappa and its Hallmarks in numerous ways. He faithfully writes a letter of congratulations each semester to all Bay College students who are eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa. He also regularly participates in all Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremonies as a means of congratulating both new members and their family, and he has actively encouraged faculty members at Bay College to become involved with Phi Theta Kappa and its activities." From the nomination by Alpha Xi Delta Chapter |
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Dr.
Judith J. Carrier "Dr. Carrier's greatest contribution to Phi Theta Kappa has been as a liaison to the local four-year colleges. In particular, she personally convinced Dr. Robert Witt, President of the University of Texas at Arlington, to provide an unlimited number of scholarships to eligible Phi Theta Kappa members. As a result, Phi Theta Kappa students at our college can attend UTA virtually tuition-free. As a direct consequence of this scholarship program, UTA has established an alumni chapter. Our members are delighted that they can extend their association with Phi Theta Kappa as they finish their baccalaureate degree." From the nomination by Beta Delta Omicron Chapter |
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Dr.
William R. Crowe "Dr. Crowe continued his campus support by suggesting service projects, putting Phi Theta Kappans in visible leadership roles, having advisors make presentations to the Board of Trustees, providing clerical support, and finding additional funds for regional and international conventions and honors institutes. He also supports our service activities, even sitting in our dunking booth last fall to raise United Way funds. In 1998, his work with our chapter earned him a place in the Texas Region's Presidents Hall of Honor." From the nomination by Alpha Omicron Chapter |
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Dr.
LaVern Franzen "Dr. Franzen works to help the college and the community as much as possible, because he wants to make sure that everyone is getting the most out of what they are doing. In benefiting 'all things,' Dr. Franzen gives personal attention to Beta Alpha Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, participating in chapter functions, supporting chapter participation of on a regional and international level, and providing direction for chapter projects to benefit the college and community." From the nomination by Beta Alpha Delta Chapter |
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Dr. Robert
D. Jensen "Dr. Jensen is a staunch proponent of Phi Theta Kappa activities benefiting the college and local communities. He encourages administrators to include Phi Theta Kappans on college committees, which increases Phi Theta Kappa visibility, develops leadership, and allows members to have an impact on college policies and administrative hiring. He recommended this year's service project. The program exposes students to the possibilities of a college education after graduating from high school. This allowed the chapter to incorporate the Honors Study Topic, America's Promise and the college service into a single initiative." From the nomination by Alpha Beta Chi Chapter |
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Dr.
James Kellerman "In 1997, Dr. Kellerman created the All-Missouri Academic Team Board of Directors. He created the board because he wanted to take his initiative to a new level. To achieve this he utilized resources that were available throughout the state. Individuals from industry, government, education and Phi Theta Kappa were invited to serve as members of the board. At our first meeting, he explained the reasons for establishing the board and then sat back and listened. He listened to a group of about a dozen people talk about the merits of the program and brainstormed about how it might be improved. Today many of those ideas have been incorporated." From the nomination by Pi Kappa Chapter |
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Dr.
Bob Klabenes "Dr. Klabenes has always promoted our Phi Theta Kappa chapter. He encourages every student to try to join the Society and helps our chapter greatly through funding. He is proud of the chapter that he watched grow and flourish. Dr. Klabenes also attends every Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony and recognizes members at graduation. He also attends regional conferences when he is able." From the nomination by Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter |
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Dr.
Robert Krienke "Not only does Dr. Krienke participate in chapter functions, he also encourages participation of the faculty advisor, officers and members on multi-levels of Phi Theta Kappa. Dr. Krienke encourages Beta Gamma Phi to participate in both Regional and International events. He supports verbally and financially to have delegates attend the Regional and International Conventions as well as the Texas Honors Institute. In addition, Dr. Krienke has proven that he will help support students who compete academically in whatever capacity needed." From the nomination by Beta Gamma Phi Chapter |
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Dr.
Jo Ann McDowell "Dr. McDowell has been instrumental in many of our chapter functions. She has been our main 'cheerleader' when encouragement was needed. She has attended meeting and given us direction on different projects. Dr. McDowell is the reason we have a chapter. She began the first chapter of Phi Theta Kappa in Alaska. The Board of Regents and others were impressed with the Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony and encouraged other chapters in Alaska to participate." From the nomination by Alpha Psi Gamma Chapter |
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Dr.
Robert C. Messina, Jr. "Dr. Messina has embraced the ideals of Phi Theta Kappa on our campus. This year, for America's Promise, he initiated a special task force - a college-wide Service Advisory Board - to make America's Promise an integral part of BCC's entire student body. He is present at our inductions, once even coming out of his sick bed because he had promised to be there, an indication of his desire to recognize student scholars. Importantly, year after year, he continues to support Chi Iota by assisting us in the funding to attend all regional and international conferences." From the nomination by Chi Iota Chapter |
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Dr.
Charles H. Mitchell "Diversity and excellence. He lives it, embodies it, talks about it, and fosters a campus culture that exemplifies it. It's our college mission, and through his influence and vision, it has become ours. Dr. Charles H. Mitchell is our nominee for the Shirley B. Gordon Award for his dedication to excellence and his celebration of our diversity." From the nomination by Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter |
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Dr.
M. Valeriana Moeller "Dr. Moeller is always a present force on campus and at chapter activities. She makes students her first priority by bringing her experiences and knowledge to all students, not just Phi Theta Kappa members. Dr. Moeller attends each induction ceremony to welcome and congratulate the new inductees as they embark into the fellowship, leadership, service and scholarship that is Phi Theta Kappa. Her office door is always open to students with concerns and questions and she makes an honest attempt to respond in the most effective manner." From the nomination by Alpha Rho Epsilon Chapter |
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Dr.
Stanley H. Stone "While Dr. Stone gives of himself to support Alpha Gamma Omega, he also supports the chapter financially. Dr. Stone recognizes the honor associated with regional and international participation, and as such, he often funds many regional and international activities from his personal budget. For example, when a member decides to run for an international office, Dr. Stone finances the costs incurred. Dr. Stone also bought our chapter a new fully loaded computer from his personal budget at the beginning of this year." From the nomination by Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter |
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Dr.
LeRoy Strausner "Dr. Strausner's dedication to the service hallmark is reflected through his many years in the role of chapter advisor. He has overseen countless service projects, driven thousands of miles to international conventions and worked with chapter members in numerous fundraising activities. As College President he has continued to serve the chapter through his participation in our faculty recognition program, the Terrific Learning Coach (TLC) awards. Living his commitment to see that his faculty are publicly recognized for their most important job, teaching, he takes time each month to present the "golden apple" lapel pin to that month's TLC designee." From the nomination by Zeta Alpha Chapter |
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President
Mike Tacha "For the past five years President Tacha has been an inspiration and continuous supporter of the Mohave Community College Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Originally the catalyst for the creation of the chapter, President Tacha convinced the Board of Governors of the importance of student organizations at Mohave, especially an honor society that is recognized worldwide. President Tacha truly believes in the four hallmarks of fellowship, leadership, service and scholarship and it is exemplified through his constant support of our chapter, Alpha Chi Omega." From the nomination by Alpha Chi Omega Chapter |
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Richard
Thompson "From the moment the College Board of Trustees confirmed his position as Chancellor several years ago, Chancellor Thompson has been a proactive advocate for Phi Theta Kappa. Believing in its vision and goals, Chancellor Thompson insisted that each of the four chapters in the college be annually allocated $4,000 (a total of $16,000) to assist with operational expenses and with travel to Regional and International conferences. Additionally, last year he asked the OCC Foundation to begin the establishment of a fund that would partially reimburse tuition to Chapter Officers who serve the college and community." From the nomination by Alpha Omicron Xi Chapter |
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Mr. Ronald G. Verch |
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Dr.
Ronald E. Whitehead "Since Dr. Whitehead has a sincere interest in our chapter, he provides the incentive and resources for us to participate on regional and international levels. Our chapter has always attended the International Convention, International Honors Institute, Regional Honors Institute, the Fall Leadership Conference and our Regional Convention. The college provides total funding for the advisors and partial funding for the students." From the nomination by Rho Sigma Chapter |
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Dr.
Mary Wood "Dr. Wood maintains an open-door policy for Beta Epsilon Chi members. She has always encouraged us to come with ideas and concerns. Beta Epsilon Chi needed financial support so that members could attend Regional and International events. Dr. Wood responded by working with our advisors and the College Council to come up with a line item budget. She also provided avenues through which our leaders could develop fund-raisers and she advocated the support of those moneymakers to the faculty and staff of the college." From the nomination by Beta Epsilon Chi Chapter |
