The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and
regional officers.
February/
March 2001
Issue
Chapters
Develop Inspiring Ways
to Celebrate Water and the Little Red Wagon
Chapters throughout the Society have come up with new and unique ways to support both the Honors Study Topic, “In the Midst of Water: Origin and Destiny of Life,” and the International Service Program, “America’s Promise - The Alliance for Youth.” The Honors Study Topic places current issues to the forefront of Phi Theta Kappa activities by focusing on an issue-oriented topic appropriate for interdisciplinary study. Likewise, the International Service Program, chosen every two years, encourages Phi Theta Kappa participation with national organizations related to the issue to strengthen the credibility, visibility and resources for the program. Below are some of the many exceptional and innovative ideas developed by Phi Theta Kappa chapters to promote each program.
Chicago Phi Theta
Kappans Clean Up with Benedictine University Students
Two groups of college students, both sharing the same commitment to community
service, coming together for a joint service project. That was the idea
Benedictine University’s Tom Syzmanski brought to the Phi Theta
Kappa chapter at Harold Washington College in Chicago. As a transfer
counselor, Syzmanski attended a Transfer College Fair at one of the Society’s
International Conventions, where he was inspired by Phi Theta Kappa’s
hallmarks. “I got to see what Phi Theta Kappa is really all about. Most
people think it’s just an honor society, but it’s much more than that.”
Knowing Phi Theta Kappans’ commitment to service, Syzmanski wasn’t surprised that the chapter’s officers — chapter president Felicia Johnson and chapter vice president Helen Tomkow — seized the opportunity to work together by planning a Chicago River Clean-Up Day, a service project that also incorporated the Honors Study Topic.
The chapter worked with the Friends of the Chicago River to map out the logistics of the clean-up, including which part of the river they would focus on. Approximately 20 students participated in the October 14, 2000, event, including eight from Benedictine University.
Evening of Arts
and Authors
Phi Theta Kappa members at Herkimer County Community College in
Herkimer, New York, held their first “An Evening of Arts and Authors,”
commemorating water in music, art and literature. Chapter members worked
with the college’s photography and art classes for original water-inspired
artwork, which was displayed throughout the evening. The evening also
featured poetry and essay readings, harp and piano music and a female
barbershop quartet.
Promise to Volunteer
Fair
The city of Tyler, Texas, benefited from the efforts of the Phi Theta
Kappans at Tyler Junior College when the chapter sponsored the
“2000 Promise to Volunteer Fair” to promote community and youth-oriented
agencies that were in need of increased community involvement and volunteer
services. “The fair was a huge success!” said chapter president Elizabeth
Shoemaker. “Over 500 people came to discover how they could assist
40 local agencies by providing volunteer services.”
Focus on Fitness
Phi Theta Kappa members at Austin Community College in Austin,
Texas, put a little kick into America’s Promise! The chapter partnered
with a local elementary school by implementing an after-school Tae Kwon
Do program. The martial arts program, held after school two days each
week, taught the fourth, fifth and sixth graders practical applications
and advanced techniques of the sport, as well as self confidence and the
importance of good health and nutrition.
Putting It All
Together - Chapters Combine the Honors Study Topic and the International
Service Program!
Searching for ways to conserve water, members at North Lake College
in Irving, Texas, are testing different grasses to see which types remain
healthy in drought-like conditions. “Our college president was more than
happy to give us a plot of land for the project, and we are partnering
with a local high school to conduct the research,” said chapter president
Ralph Patterson.
Members at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma, combined the Honors Study Topic and America’s Promise by hosting a water essay contest for fifth graders at a local elementary school. Each fifth grade class was given a different picture of water, and the students were asked to write an essay about their picture. “It was very difficult judging the essays,” said chapter president Samantha Lee. “Everyone deserved first place! I hope the students enjoyed participating in the water essay contest as much as we enjoyed organizing it.”
For more information on the Honors Study Topic, contact Director of Honors Programs Billy Wilson, billy.wilson@ ptk.org, visit www.ptk.org/honors/hp_hstg.htm, or call 601.957.2241, ext. 515.
For more information on the International Service Program, contact Director of Programs Jennifer Westbrook, jennifer.westbrook@ptk.org, visit www.ptk.org/sprogram/ampromise/ap_intro.htm or call 601.957.2241, ext. 532.
[Return to the Table of Contents]