Phi Theta Kappa gets active - for a change

James R. Dawson

Staff Writer

   Iowa Central has one of the states oldest chapters of Phi Theta Kappa, and this year has become an active organization. Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society for accredited 2 year junior colleges that offer an associate degree program. Iowa Central staff members along with the new Phi Theta Kappa student officers are venturing into an unknown land as they create an active chapter for the school. Before now the only part of Iowa Central’s Phi Theta Kappa program was an induction ceremony that was held along side The Night of Excellence. This year there will be a separate Induction Ceremony for the Phi Theta Kappa members being held on Thursday, March 4^th at 7pm in the Auditorium. Along with the college’s President and VP, special guest speaker Dave Drissel will be addressing the new members and their families on this extraordinary night. After this year Iowa Central will be holding two induction ceremonies every school year, as part of their activation.

   Becoming an active organization has and will entail a lot of work for the advisers and the willing members of Phi Theta Kappa. With in this national organization there is a Stars program, and based on certain criteria the chapters can receive up to 5 stars in recognition for their organizations prestige.  Iowa Central is now striving to become a fully active chapter with the maximum 5 stars rating. As part of these goals, members of Phi Theta Kappa are now having regular meetings to discuss up coming events and other important information. Phi Theta Kappa is going to become more involved with campus actives and community service projects. Many of you on campus may have all ready

bumped into some of members, who having been trying to raise funds for this new (and unbudgeted) organization. So please if you love chocolate, help support a good cause and either look for the candy bar boxes or stop by Rick Sandquist’s office in the Triton Inn.

   To become a member of Phi Theta Kappa there are certain guide lines one must meet. You must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours leading to an associates degree, have 3.5 GPA, and must enjoy full rights of citizenship. After filling out the application and paying the $60.00 fee all that one must do to maintain their membership is to sustain a 3.0 GPA. Once you are a member participation in the chapters activates are not required but are highly encouraged. The benefits of becoming a Phi Theta Kappa member are numerous to include many scholarship opportunities from other colleges.