Reach Higher!
Phi Theta Kappa's 2006 International Convention
Powerful Speaker Lineup Featured at Convention
A "powerhouse" of speakers awaits attendees at Phi Theta Kappa's 2006 International Convention!
Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright, who became the highest ranking woman in the United States government when President Clinton appointed her the nation's 64th Secretary of State, will introduce the Society's 2006-08 Honors Study Topic, Gold, Gods and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power. Following her address during the Third General Session on April 21, Albright will respond to questions posed by a panel of Society alumni and friends.
As Secretary of State, Albright served as President Clinton's principal adviser on foreign policy, conducted negotiations related to U.S. foreign affairs, and was a member of the National Security Council. She previously was the United States' permanent representative to the United Nations.
Today former Secretary Albright is a professor at Georgetown University in Washington. Madam Secretary: A Memoir is her autobiographical account of her years in the State Department. Her new book, The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God and World Affairs, will be published in May 2006.Cokie Roberts
"Cokie" Roberts, award-winning journalist and author, has used the power of the press to inform the nation on many topics, including her own survival of breast cancer. She has supported efforts to fund cancer research and has spoken frequently about her own experiences, including losing her sister to cancer. She will share her knowledge at the Convention's Second General Session on April 21.
Roberts is best known for her work on National Public Radio, and also co-hosted This Week with Sam Donaldson on ABC. In her years in broadcasting, Roberts has won two Emmys and the highest honor in public radio, the Edward R. Murrow Award. She was also the first broadcast journalist to win the prestigious Everett McKinley Dirksen Award. Roberts has been cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting.
Roberts is the author of Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation, and We Are Our Mothers' Daughters. She currently serves on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, has worked to empower one of the world's most underserved populations, the women of rural Kenya. Professor Maathai, the first African woman to be honored as a Nobel Peace Laureate, has helped women plant more than 30 million trees on their farms and in school and church compounds across Kenya. In her Leadership keynote speech during the Fourth General Session on Saturday, April 22, Professor Maathai will inspire attendees to explore ways they can make a difference in their own communities through the Society's 2006-08 International Service Program partnership with Keep America Beautiful.
Internationally recognized for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation, Professor Maathai is founder of the Green Belt Movement. This broad-based grassroots effort started with planting trees as a simple solution to environmental degradation, and also inspired individuals to take action to improve their quality of life.
The first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree, Professor Maathai currently serves as Kenya's Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources and is a Member of Parliament.
Arthur Vargas
Arthur Vargas, Phi Theta Kappa's 2005-06 International President, will deliver a memorable Presidential Address during the Hallmark Awards Gala on April 22.
Arthur is currently serving as the Member Representative on the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors and is a Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society. A Coca-Cola Scholarship recipient, he was the 2004-05 Texas Regional President and has received a Distinguished Chapter President Award.
Arthur attends Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, where he is enrolled in a visual communications of graphic design program. He plans a career in advertising and public relations.
Major Programs to be Launched at Convention
Be the first to learn more about Phi Theta Kappa's NEW Honors Study Topic and International Service Program for 2006-08.
Beginning at the April Convention, Phi Theta Kappa chapters will turn their attention to Gold, Gods and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power, as the focus of the 2006-08 Honors Study Topic. Phi Theta Kappa will also officially launch a new International Service Program partnership with Keep America Beautiful. The program will focus on improving our communities through environmental education for children and adults, recycling, beautification and clean-up efforts.
A Convention Service Project to benefit the environment is also being planned. Visit http://convention.ptk.org/ for more details on how your chapter can get involved!
Register Today at Official Convention Hotels
Phi Theta Kappa's two official Convention hotels, the Seattle Sheraton Hotel & Towers and the Westin Seattle, offer the best advantage to Society members and advisors. Book your reservations today!
Five reasons why your stay will be rewarding:- Each hotel will award a $500 cash scholarship to a chapter registered for the Convention.
- Each hotel has a guaranteed room rate.
- Guests of each hotel may view the International Officer Campaign Caucus in their hotel rooms.
- Both hotels are located near the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, site of all International Convention activities.
- Both hotels are close to numerous fast-food outlets.
Claim Your Dream Career or Scholarship!
Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer College Fair and Career Resource Center have been extended and will last three hours in 2006, from 12 noon until 3:00 pm on April 22.
The Transfer College Fair is a "must" event for any member considering transfer. Members will meet one-on-one with recruiters from four-year colleges and universities that are offering thousands of dollars in transfer scholarships exclusively to Phi Theta Kappans.
The Career Resource Center will bring members and potential employers together. Members may also receive advice on career planning, resume preparation, interviewing skills and professional appearance from recruiters and human resource professionals.
Academic Marketplace to be Hub of Convention Activity
A highlight of every Phi Theta Kappa International Convention is the action-packed Academic Marketplace! Visit the Academic Marketplace during the 2006 International Convention for opportunities to:- Shop for Phi Theta Kappa merchandise, including the official Convention t-shirt.
- Meet candidates for International Office, and visit their Candidate Booths.
- Give back to the host area by donating to the Convention Service Project.
- Enhance community advocacy on your campus, through the Phi Theta Kappa Civic Engagement Center.
Wear Green for Earth Day
Convention attendees are encouraged to wear green shirts Saturday morning and afternoon, April 22, to help Phi Theta Kappa celebrate EARTH DAY 2006 in the Evergreen State! Wearing green will help us usher in our new environmental International Service Program, the focus of Saturday morning's General Session. Also the official Convention T-shirt will be green and available for purchase at the Recognitions booth in the Academic Marketplace.
Visit http://convention.ptk.org/ for everything your chapter needs to plan your participation in the 88th International Convention in Seattle, Washington, April 20-22!
