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

Chapters Invited to Help with Oklahoma Tornado Relief

Immediately following the Tuesday, May 3, tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, Phi Theta Kappans began placing phone calls and sending e-mail messages to find out how they could lend a helping hand.

According to Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Coordinator, Deborah Broberg, "By Wednesday morning I had received well over 100 e-mail messages and telephone calls from chapters within the region and all over the nation wondering if we were safe and wondering what they could do to help."

Chapters from as far away as New Hampshire e-mailed wanting to know how they could support the tornado victims. Anthony D. Green, vice president of evenings, at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, New Hampshire, and a team of officers and advisors from the New England Region did not hesitate in answering the call. The New England Region began organizing a fundraising cookout with entertainment and a special guest speaker. All proceeds from the June fundraiser will aid the Oklahoma tornado victims.

"It is such a rewarding feeling to be an advisor and know that I am part of an organization that instills and nurtures the leadership and service abilities of its members," says advisor Troy Milligan of Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma. "Members do not even wait for the next day or next week to check on and assist those in need after a tragedy. In true Phi Theta Kappa fashion, they start working right after something happens."

The Rose State College Foundation in Midwest City, Oklahoma, joined with the campus's Phi Theta Kappa chapter to establish a fund for Society members who were victims of the tornadoes. Many students from Rose State College lost everything. Donations may be sent to: Rose State College Foundation, Attention: Phi Theta Kappa Fund, 6420 S.E. 15th St., Midwest City, OK 73110.

As part of the Phi Theta Kappa relief effort, Oklahoma/ Arkansas Regional President Shannon Mehan worked with the Colgate company as well as local dentists and motels to have 5,000 toothbrushes and 5,000 tubes of toothpaste donated.

Incorporating the Society's International Service Program, the America Reads Challenge, the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Oklahoma State University -Oklahoma City has organized a book drive for several public and school libraries destroyed or damaged. Contributions must be new items or items in very good condition, appropriate for the pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade levels. Library donations may be sent to: Alpha Pi Nu Book Relief Drive, Oklahoma State University -Oklahoma City, 900 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6120.

Cash donations may be sent to: Alpha Pi Nu Library Relief Fund, Catreana Woods, chapter advisor, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, 900 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6120. Individuals desiring a tax-deductible receipt should make checks to "Oklahoma State University Foundation" and designate the donation for the Library Relief Fund.

Oklahoma City Community College, home of the Alpha Theta Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, opened its college campus to more than 1,000 students from Westmoore High School. The high school suffered extensive tornado damage and the students would have otherwise been unable to finish their school year. Society members have volunteered in a number of ways, from directing traffic to working with the high schoolers to ease the transition.

Phi Theta Kappa's Most Distinguished Chapter for 1999, the Alpha Zeta Alpha Chapter at Tulsa Community College's Northeast Campus in Oklahoma, coordinated work groups who collected and delivered basic supplies (flashlights, candles, baby items), then spent time in the hardest hit areas helping citizens clean up the debris.

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