HCC Phi Theta Kappa Members Inducted for Spring ‘08

New members of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Alpha Eta Phi Chapter were inducted, Apr. 10. Pictured are (front row from left) Dorothy Harry, Shannon Simmons, Ashley Winslow, and advisor Shaun Stokes (second row) Carol Whitaker, Carlin Huff, Loretta Spear (third row) Susan Gray, Qiana Mann, Laura Cottle, Tina Curry (fourth row) Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr., Dr. Joy Cooley and Thomas Schwartz. Not pictured: Justin Burgess, Anna Robinson, Lisa Sawyer, and Dana Scott.

Halifax Community College (HCC) held a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society Induction Ceremony, Apr. 10. The Alpha Eta Phi Chapter-Carolinas Region welcomed 14 new members into the honor society.

New members included Justin Burgess, Laura Cottle, Tina Curry, Susan Gray, Dorothy Harry, Carlin Huff, Qiana Mann, Anna Robinson, Lisa Sawyer, Dana Scott, Shannon Simmons, Loretta Spear, Carol Whitaker, and Ashley Winslow.

Thomas Schwartz, vice president for Institutional Advancement was the guest speaker. His message focused on hard work and its rewards. “You’re here because of what you’ve accomplished,” said Schwartz. “It wasn’t just your genius that brought you here—it was also your hard work… We applaud you for your hard work, for your intelligence, and the things you’ve learned.” He also encouraged students to get involved in their community, church, and schools.

The Alpha Eta Phi Chapter was chartered at HCC on April 1, 1982. Since then, the chapter has inducted more than 400 members. To qualify for membership, students must be enrolled in an associate degree program and must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 (full-time) and 3.7 (part-time). Students must be of good moral character and possess recognized qualities of leadership.

Currently, PTK is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.3 million members and 1,200 chapters. It was established in Missouri by two-year college presidents in 1918, and serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.