The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.
May 2000 Issue
Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Program:
Let the Journey Continue
As a Phi Theta Kappa member soon to graduate from community college, you are likely reflecting upon your experiences over the last few years. You have had the opportunity to develop through the Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship, in a continuing academic environment that sets a standard for excellence.
You have spent many hours studying, possibly taking care of family, and/or working to complete your community college education and prepare to either transfer to a senior institution or embark upon a career. Many hours have also been devoted to Phi Theta Kappa, for chapter meetings, service projects, regional meetings and International Conventions.
You may be wondering . . . “Where do I go from here?” Recently Lana Rotellini, soon to be a Phi Theta Kappa alumna from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, reflected on her experiences and her goals as she continues her journey.
“I realized that as I am getting ready to move onto the university level, I have already digested much of what Phi Theta Kappa offers. I have internalized the four Hallmarks and made them my personal Hallmarks, and I am ready to move onto the next level. But, I asked myself, ‘what is the next Society level?’ Then I recalled a recent Alpha Project question that dealt with that very issue. It occurred to me that as a new student, I looked upon Phi Theta Kappa as something that I aspired to be a part of. Once I became a member, I then aspired to explore the Hallmarks. Now that I am about to graduate and move on, I aspire to take the Hallmarks to the next level. Perhaps that level is Integrity, Achievement, Citizenship and Loyalty.
“I would like to see the current members aspire to become active alumni, and continue to embrace a higher standard – a standard that takes the members beyond the college and university walls on into our futures where integrity is first and foremost,” Rotellini continued. “Having embraced many of the Phi Theta Kappa challenges and opportunities, I do not want to set goals that are less distinguished than the ones I have aspired to while attending a two-year college.”
The Phi Theta Kappa alumni member's role is vastly different from the active member, as Lana so eloquently reflected, but many opportunities exist for participation on the alumni level.
Across the country, alumni are supporting the two-year chapters. Dr. Gene Barrett, an alumnus from Southwest Mississippi Community College, initiated Alumni Career Roundtables to assist Phi Theta Kappans in reaching their career goals. “How to Become a Physician,” held at Phi Theta Kappa’s Center for Excellence in October 1999, drew more than 20 members and advisors.
The Alpha of Illinois Alumni Association at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago worked closely with the two-year chapter to collect canned goods for a food drive – then invited the two-year members to enjoy fellowship at the Alumni Christmas Party.
For information on alumni associations, visit the on-line directory at to locate the closest active Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association, either at your four-year institution, in your community or your region. If none is within reach, you may wish to consider chartering an alumni association. Contact Ellen Treadway, Development Assistant, 800.946.9995, ext. 540, for information.
Check the on-line Alumni Notes pages for such headlines as:
Dr. Sylvia Earle, a Phi Theta Kappa alumna and the world's first woman aquanaut, delivers the Convention Keynote Address
Sela Ward, a Phi Theta Kappa alumna is the toast of TV Land, in her new series “Once and Again”
Send your news to the Alumni Notes page, where items of interest include:
Cheryl Brown, Burlington County College, Chi Iota Chapter, recently married Shawn Van Sciver . . .
William Zachmann, Athens Area Technical Institute, Alpha Tau Zeta Chapter, celebrated the birth of his first daughter . . .
Jamaine Howard, Daytona Beach Community College, Mu Rho Chapter, completed her Master's in Business Administration . . .
And, learn more about the Alumni Advisory Council, including contact information. This council provides advice to Society Headquarters and the Board of Directors concerning Phi Theta Kappa and alumni programming. They welcome your input and comments.
“Where do you go from
here?”
The choices are yours, the opportunities are unlimited, and the time is now for you to
become an active Phi Theta Kappa alumnus.
For information concerning the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Program, contact Linda Kay Myrick, Director of Development, 800.946.9995, ext. 537.