The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and
regional officers.
February/
March 2001
Issue
Why You
Can't Miss Denver
If you’ve never been to a Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, you may be wondering, “What’s in it for me?” Read on for some firsthand accounts by Phi Theta Kappa chapter and regional officers who unanimously agree it’s an unforgettable experience!
“One of the facets of the International Convention that I cannot stress strongly enough is the excitement a member feels when participating. Being surrounded by over 3,000 extremely active members is awe-inspiring. I went home from last year’s convention with a new appreciation for our Society, and felt energized by what I saw, felt, and learned. When our chapter needed someone to step up and accept the challenges of leadership, I felt obligated to take that extra step. In fact, the motivation I gained from the Orlando Convention still lingers, and I now find myself taking on regional responsibilities. I truly look forward to seeing some of my chapter’s newer members react to everything they will be exposed to in Denver. I am certain that some of them will come home with the same appreciation for our Society that I left Orlando with.”
Michael Berman
Chapter President
Florida Regional Leadership Hallmark Chapter
St. Petersburg Junior College, Clearwater, Florida
“International Convention is a fun and easy way to learn more about what Phi Theta Kappa is all about. There are so many people there, when a question is asked the answers come in a huge variety and there is never one answer, which helps when you would like to have different avenues to explore. For that very reason I have been encouraging everyone at chapter meetings and inductions all across Kansas to attend the International Convention.”
Tamara Kitchens
Kansas Regional President
Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville, Kansas
“Orlando was a phenomenal experience from which I returned with a better understanding of the organization and what it has to offer, as well as many new friends from across the country and around the globe! When you get that many Phi Theta Kappans gathered together in a single place... you can’t suppress the energy that is generated! It’s something you HAVE to experience at least once!”
Brian Tice
Michigan Regional Public Relations - Historian
Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, Michigan
“For me it was the greatest learning and fun experience. I learned what a fantastic organization Phi Theta Kappa is. I learned in depth about all the programs and benefits. I met all the great members of Phi Theta Kappa and the Headquarters staff and have been able to network with them.”
Manju Sinha
New York Southern District Vice President
Sullivan County Community College, Loch Sheldrake, New York
“Honestly, I did not know what to expect, but once I entered the huge room with cheering students, inspirational music that sent goose bumps up and down my body, and the wonderful speakers, I experienced the most thrilling feeling I could remember. I felt truly lucky that I was able to attend such a prestigious event. The meetings and workshops were well organized and I gained extraordinary information from all parts of the country. Meeting fellow Phi Theta Kappans from other parts of the country was educational. Overall, the International Convention was an experience I will not forget for the rest of my life.”
Cynthia Matthews-Prater
Arizona Regional President
South Mountain Community College, Phoenix, Arizona
“It just happens that attending last year’s Convention in Orlando is the primary reason I am now chapter president. I was so moved by the whole event, that my enthusiasm became infectious and apparent to others who nominated me. Confetti, awards, prizes for competitions, scholarships given, new fundings collected on the spot to start new scholarships, new ideas thrown out, shared experiences on what works: It was all just a melange of intensity and of excellence. I was transformed. I’m still glowing. The glow comes from the energy I have received in the last year from being a part of this organization and a lifetime commitment to an ideal in me I was only vaguely aware of before — that of pursuing excellence in all things.”
Dusty Miller
Chapter President
Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, California
“After attending an International Convention, you will have a different perspective on the amount of work that all Phi Theta Kappa chapters do, and you will get a jump start on the new Honors Study Topic with incredible speakers. When just looking at what your own chapter does for the International Service Program and the Honors Study Topic it may seem so small. But, when one sees the international perspective at International Convention, it is amazing how far our organization reaches to so many different communities! International Convention also has wonderful speakers with a great deal of understanding of the topic that is chosen for that year. This opportunity for highly rated speakers cannot be missed!”
Danelle Van Zinderen
New York Regional President
Tompkins-Cortland Community College, Dryden, New York
[Return to the Table of Contents]