1) Members of the chapter at North Harris College in Houston, Texas, have joined with the school's Cultural Awareness Club for a series of special guest speakers who discuss where different cultures and their traditions are headed in the new millennium. "We had almost 100 people at the last session," said advisor Lynda Dodgen. "We were thrilled with the attendance and feel the topic is helping everyone become more culturally aware."

2) At Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville, New Jersey, the Phi Theta Kappa chapter is hosting a series of satellite seminars and group discussions on the Honors Study Topic produced by the National Collegiate Honors Council. The chapter has contracted to downlink all five of the Honors Study Topic seminars. "The seminars are open to all the students on campus, and we have been very pleased with the response," said advisor Mary Ann Ryer.

3) Something's cooking at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, Michigan. Chapter members are writing a cookbook entitled Remember When...Family Foods...Family Spirit. The cookbook is a collection of historical family recipes and stories by members and their families celebrating family traditions and history.

4) The Honors Study Topic is generating a lot of interest at Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa, Virginia. Members of the chapter have designed a "Millennium Countdown Bulletin Board," with the theme "Past as Prologue," complimented by a daily countdown. "The board has gotten a lot of comments and generated great discussions around campus," said advisor Robin Rich-Coates.

5) Interesting ideas are in full bloom at Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Phi Theta Kappa members, along with other departments on campus, are designing and planting a "Past as Prologue Time-Equatorial Sundial Memorial Garden." The garden will consist of a large flagpole that will cast a time of day shadow on the concrete edge of the garden. Flowers in the garden will be those varieties found in early century gardens. "We have already planted over 1,000 spring bulbs and many rose bushes, and hope to include the new patent rose bush of the year 2000 when it is named," said advisor Dennis Anderson.

6) Members at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas, are asking tough questions. They are planning a student essay contest for the spring semester, asking "What has been the greatest contribution to the 20th century?" and "What do you think will be the greatest contribution to the new millennium?" "The topics will provide writers with a great deal of latitude but are directed at the new millennium through the eyes of the past," said advisor Bill Adler.

7) The Phi Theta Kappans at Kansas City Kansas Community College are making their mark in history. Quindaro, Kansas, once served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Today, residents are working to gain National Historic Landmark Status for the Quindaro Ruins to qualify for federal funds. "Preserving the Quindaro Ruins is one way to tell this story and keep it alive for future generations," said advisor Pam Louis. In order to help them reach that goal, Phi Theta Kappa members are publishing the first-ever Internet index of the abandoned Quindaro newspaper.

8) Seen any good movies lately? You would if you went to MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California. Chapter members are inviting students, Phi Theta Kappa advisors and faculty to see movies related to the Honors Study Topic. Some titles include October Sky, Blade Runner, Shall We Dance, Clockwork Orange and The Last Temptation of Christ. "We feel movies are a very tangible medium and would interest a diverse group of people," said chapter president Sarah Marcotte.

9) Members at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee, are getting an up-close-and-personal look at the Honors Study Topic. They brought a one-man performance about President Lincoln to the school and community, are holding book discussion groups on the topic, are taking trips to historical sites in the area and are volunteering at the new community history museum. "It is important to become more familiar with our past to understand its effect on our future," said advisor Patricia Bishop.

10) What will Phi Theta Kappa be like in 15 years? Members in Georgia will find out when they open the Georgia Regional Time Capsule in 2015. All Georgia chapters are invited to bring articles to put in the time capsule, which will be documented, sealed and stored until the new millennium. "We want chapters to bring things like photos, lists of awards, yearbooks and predictions of what the future of Phi Theta Kappa – and the country – will be like," said Martha Wilson, Georgia Regional Coordinator. "Then, in 2015, we will all come back and celebrate its opening!"

Top