The Journey
         A newsletter for Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.  

Phi Theta Kappa Alumni: Let The Journey Continue

Not what we get, but what we give, measures the worth of the life we live.

Phi Theta Kappa has played an important role in your two-year college journey. You have developed through the Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. At the conclusion of another academic year, you may be reflecting upon those opportunities where you developed your leadership skills in your chapter, region and possibly the international level.

You have attended many chapter meetings organizing and developing service projects and times of fellowship together. You have spent many hours in studying to complete your community college education and preparing yourself for either a senior institution or a career. Through all these endeavors, your contributions to your school, community and fellow Phi Theta Kappans will long be remembered and cherished. Now is the time for your journey not to end, but to continue through joining the ranks of the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni.

If you are graduating, you will possibly be attending a senior institution this fall and participating in a university alumni association. Or you may be pursuing a career where your knowledge and leadership can continue benefiting Phi Theta Kappa chapters through a local alumni association. Either way, your support of Phi Theta Kappa is needed.

Shirley Scarbrough, member of the Society's Alumni Advisory Council, understands the important role alumni play in the organization. "The mission of alumni within Phi Theta Kappa is to support the people, programs and priorities of the Society," says Scarbrough. "Alumni have valuable contributions to make to Phi Theta Kappa. Through alumni support, the integrity of the Society's programs and services will continue, and new programs and services can be developed and offered in the future." By staying in touch with a chapter advisor of your home chapter or a chapter near you, says Scarbrough, "You can volunteer to be a resource for the chapter."

Areas in which you can support Phi Theta Kappa include the following:

• Serving as a speaker or providing referrals

• Serving as a judge for regional competitions

• Assisting with the coordination of college fairs at regional conventions

• Assisting students with the scholarship process in completing forms for the senior institutions

• Hosting a graduation reception for members of Phi Theta Kappa

• Raising funds to help members attend regional and international conventions, and to assist with scholarships

• Providing friendship and counsel to new transfer students

• Wearing your Phi Theta Kappa pin with pride

Lynn Gurganus, recipient of the 1999 Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors Alumni Award at the recent International Convention, has seen the rewards of continued Phi Theta Kappa involvement. As an admissions official at University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama, Gurganus has been instrumental in the university's establishment of exclusive transfer scholarships for members. Under his leadership as advisor of the university's Phi Theta Kappa alumni chapter, the senior institution has also hosted numerous Phi Theta Kappa regional events.

In accepting his award, Gurganus summed up the alumni's role of giving back. "All of these opportunities for service amount to three things: (1) recognizing potential in someone; (2) helping them see their potential; and (3) giving them the opportunity to reach their potential. It is giving to other Phi Theta Kappa members the same gifts that you and I were given."

For more information concerning your involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association, contact Linda Kay Myrick, Director of Development, 800.946.9995, ext. 537.

Or check out the Phi Theta Kappa web site, for our upcoming Alumni web page.

Ways Alumni Associations Are Continuing Their Journey . . .

The members of the Nevada/California Regional Alumni Association found many ways to support their fellow Phi Theta Kappans in 1998-99.

Among their accomplishments: hosting their second annual College Fair at the Regional Leadership Conference; awarding three book scholarships; doubling their membership; collecting schoolbooks for Vietnam Veterans Peace Initiative Program; participating in several regional/chapter community service projects; volunteering at the International Convention in Anaheim, California; and assisting host chapters at regional events.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Center for Excellence
1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS  39211
800.946.9995