Phi Theta Kappa

The Mission
"The Purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership nd service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence."

Chapter By-Laws Revisions
Member. In addition to meeting membership eligibility requirements as stated in Article IV and Chapter 1 of the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws,* each candidate for membership must have completed 12 hours of associate degree course work, (none of which is developmental course work) with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and adhere to the school conduct code which includes no outstanding financial obligations to the college, in addition to demonstrating recognized qualities of citizenship.  Grades for courses completed at other institutions will not be considered when determining membership eligibility. A cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.35 must be maintained to remain in good standing. Failure to maintain the required cumulative Grade Point Average will result in the member being removed from good standing as stated in the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws,* Chapter 1, Section 3. Failure to meet good standing requirements as stated in the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws* will cause membership and all membership privileges to be revoked.

Cowley PTK students help with Symphony in the Flinthills 

On Saturday, June 13, 13 brave souls representing the Cowley College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa joined forces with 15 members from the Butler Community College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa for a fund-raising event extraordinaire.

The task was to assist with the parking and exiting of approximately 3,500 cars for over 5,000 attendees and 600 volunteers who came to Cedar Point, KS to experience the Symphony in the Flinthills.

The groups arrived at the site at 10 a.m. and finally headed for home just after midnight. It was a gorgeous day and a fantastic experience.

The fourth annual concert was held on the Doyle Creek Land and Cattle Company located between Florence and Strong City, south of Cedar Point. The site is in Chase County on privately owned ranchland approximately three miles southeast of Cedar Point. Several hundred acres of tallgrass prairie out in the middle of nowhere was transformed into a tent city which offered food, educational presentations on the grasslands and wildflowers, covered wagon rides, bird hikes, star gazing and much more. All culminating with a 90 minute concert performed by the Kansas City Symphony.

Symphony in the Flint Hills, Inc. is a Kansas arts organization that aspires to become a Kansas arts institution. Symphony in the Flint Hills, Inc. was formed in March 2004 by leaders in Chase, Lyon, Morris and Wabaunsee counties and was incorporated as a Kansas not-for-profit organization in November 2004.

Once a vast prairie covered one-third of this continent -- an endless grassland teeming with bison, deer, antelope, fowl and wildflowers of every color. Today, an untouched piece of that prairie still exists in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Each spring there is a gathering, a coming together of art, nature and the kindred souls who appreciate them both. For one evening, the meadowlark’s song is joined by the sounds of the Kansas City Symphony. The Flint Hills have many faces, so each year the symphony sight travels from county to county, honoring the beloved tallgrass prairie and the plains heritage with music as big as the western sky.

The group of Phi Theta Kappans received high praise for their willingness to work hard and their ability to stay calm and flexible when unforeseen problems occurred. The money they received will be used to help cover conference expenses for the next school year.

Bake sale at Mulvane Center raises over $200 for cancer fund

The Alpha Gamma Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is again teaming up with Cowley College to participate in the Cowley County Relay for Life on June 5-6 in Winfield.
Phi Theta Kappa members at the Mulvane Center held a bake sale last Wednesday and Thursday to raise money for the Cowley College Relay for Life Team. Lots of wonderful goodies were donated by many of the members and the group raised over $200 that will go toward finding a cure for cancer. Members of Phi Theta Kappa at Mulvane and Arkansas City will continue to sell luminarias for $10.00 each until the end of the semester.
Contact a Phi Theta Kappa member to purchase a luminaria. It is a wonderful way to honor or memorialize a friend or loved one who has battled cancer.

Cowley PTK students attend International Convention

Seven Cowley College students and their advisors joined over 3,500 other community college students from around the world at the 91st annual Phi Theta Kappa International Convention in Grapevine, Texas April 16-19.

Convention goers attended workshops on a myriad of topics, including membership building, honors programs, fundraising, leadership and saving the environment. Keynotes speakers for the event were Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., environmental activist and attorney, and Dr. Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International and CNN host.

“Both gave great insights into current national issues, the energy and economic crisis, with an emphasis on how our country got to this point and what we need to do to turn things around,” said PTK advisor Nancy Ayers.
The students also visited The Stockyards (Billy Bob's) in Fort Worth, Texas and the Dallas Museum of Art where they toured the King Tut exhibit.

Phi Theta Kappa students that attended were Emily Crain, Phuong Huynh, Shayla Roebuck and Allie Crow from the Ark City campus, and Keoki Waipa, Tina Wohlford and Irona Cliver from the Mulvane campus. Phi Theta Kappa advisors are Melinda Neal and Nancy Ayers.
Pictured, left to right: Melinda Neal, Shayla Roebuck, Phuong Huynh, Allie Crow, Emily Crain, Tina Wohlford, Keoki Waipa, and Nancy Ayers.

Phi Theta Kappa holds induction ceremony

Sixty nine students recently joined the Alpha Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Cowley College. Several new members attended the induction ceremony on Sunday in the Earle N. Wright Community Room of the Brown Center.

Emily Crain, PTK president of the Arkansas City campus, welcomed the inductees, family and friends and gave some background about the International Honor Society of two-year colleges.

Marlys Cervantes, Cowley College Humanities Department Chair, served as the speaker for the event. Phi Theta Kappa officers from the Arkansas City and Mulvane locations conducted the induction ceremony, while Traci Hall provided the music for the event.

Ark City advisor, Melinda Neal, looks forward to working with the new members of PTK and was grateful for the support of the college’s administration that attended the induction ceremony.

Students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa were: Stevi Anaya, Arun Ball, Quinton Bane, Kelsey Barger, Danielle Benbrook, Natalie Benton, Gabrielle Blanchard, Lloyd Bruce-Burgess, Cecilia Burley, Taylor Cantillon, Ryan Clark, Britney Cox, Darcy Cramer, Allie Crow, Cynthia Dameron, Kimberly Dooley, Suzanme Fairbanks, Wrylie Finkle, Jacque Fisher, Shannon Franz, Melissa Gay-Roberts, Nicole Gillespie, Janessa Gould, Elton Gove, Tasha Griffin, Teila Hartman, Richard Hatter, James Hobbs, Troy Hutson, Jennifer Hutton, Phuong Huynh, Jamie Hyle, Danielle Jackson, Jennifer Jensen, Allie Little, Aubrey Lyman, Meagan Mason, Steven Maxwell, William McKown, Andrew Meng, Josh Metzinger, Sarah Montgomery, Danielle Napier, Alison Nittler, Taylor Oliver, William Pirlot, Zac Price, Kelsey Rains, Robin Ray, Ashton Richardson, Elizabeth Ripperda, Sarah Rodgers, Nitasha Rodriguez, Amanda Russell, Lucas Smith, Matthew Smith, Mary Sook, Ashley Spencer, Nichole Stewart, Breayle Tackett, Samantha Thieme, Cheryl Thompson, Brent Turner, Victoria Upshaw, Robin VanDeest, James Walling, Mitchell Wright, Emily Zerger.

Cowley students attend Phi Theta Kappa Kansas Regional Convention

Eleven Cowley PTK students attended the Phi Theta Kappa Kansas Regional Convention held Friday through Sunday, March 6-8 at the Clarion Hotel in Wichita.

Emily Crain and Tina Wohlford, received a plaque for winning the Service Hallmark Award. Crain and Wohlford presented “Tons of Fun”, which covered the electronic recycling project they have been working on.

While, Irona Cliver from the Mulvane campus, ran for the Regional Alumni Officer position and won.

“I would like to commend the students and the faculty members, Melinda Neal and Nancy Ayers, for the fine dedication to learning, leadership and academia,” Cowley College vice president of academic affairs Slade Griffiths said. “We are all honored to have them at the college.”

The first general session keynote speaker was Greensburg Superintendent Darin Headrick, who is working on the construction of the first LEED platinum k-12 school in Kansas. 

The second general session keynote speaker was Gerald Coury, who spoke on Ethics for college students. Coury’s emphasis is on helping others be successful as they build good character in their lives. He has worked with numerous organizations throughout the United States and around the world. 

The third general session keynote speaker was Dr. Ben Cranor. His presentation was on leadership. Cranor has been a leader and preparer of leaders for over three decades, and is an assistant professor at Texas A&M University in Commerce. 

General session four keynote speaker was Rex and Lisa Ingelese from the Home and Garden Channel. They showed pictures of their home that was featured on HGTV the series “Beyond the Box” in 2008. Their home was constructed with a conscious appreciation of natural and re purposed materials.

There were also several small breakout sessions and social events as well.  Along with a Casino night, a Comedy group performed on Friday. The awards banquet and dance were held on Saturday night.

Members of Cowley College’s Phi Theta Kappa organization will attend the Phi Theta Kappa International Conference in Grapevine Texas on April 16-April 19.

Here is a list of Regional Awards members of Cowley College’s PTK organization won at the PTK Kansas Regional Convention:

• Service Hallmark Award – Top three of  Kansas region.
  
• Certificate of appreciation for contribution in hosting the 2009 Kansas Region Convention
• Certificate of appreciation for providing a Breakout Session during the 2009 Kansas Regional Convention
• Certificate for Five Star Chapter
• Most Improved Chapter in the Kansas Region – Honorable Mention •Paragon Award  Advisors – Melinda Neal
• Paragon Award for New Advisors – Nancy Ayers – Honorable Mention
• Kansas Region Horizon Award for New Advisors– Nancy Ayers
• Distinguished Member Award – Jessie Zimmerman – Honorable Mention •Distinguished Chapter Officer Award – Tina Wohlford – Distinguished Recognition
• Distinguished Chapter President Award – Keoki Waipa – Honorable Mention
• Kansas Region Achievement in Art Award – Tina Wohlford – Distinguished Recognition
• Kansas Region Achievement in Art Award – Cori Brooks – Outstanding Award Winner
• Kansas Region Achievement in Literature Award – Rebecca Johnson – Honorable Mention
• Kansas Region Achievement in Literature Award – Michelle Vishnefske – Distinguished Recognition
• Regional Alumni officer - Irona Cliver

PTK Members honored at luncheon in Topeka

Four Cowley College students were recently honored at a luncheon in Topeka for being named to the Kansas All-State Academic Team.

Representing Cowley College were, Candice Bliss and Emily Crain from the Arkansas City campus, and Keoki Waipa and Tina Wohlford from the Mulvane campus.

A total of 48 students from 20 Kansas community colleges were recognized at the luncheon. In recognition of their honor each member of the Kansas All-State Academic Team received an honorary medallion and certificate, state-wide recognition through the media, a stipend to be used at the institution of his/her choice, and a $1,000 scholarship for those who enroll at: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Kansas University, Pittsburg State University, Washburn University, and Wichita State University. 

Other colleges, such as Bethel College, Kansas Wesleyan University, Mid America Nazarene University, and Tabor College, will provide generous scholarships to the nominees.

Dr. Richard Burke, Dodge City Community College president, and Community College Council of Presidents, gave the welcome address and closing comments. Ms. Tammy Fuentez, Kansas Director of Phi Theta Kappa, introduced each recipient, who received their medal and certificate from their college president. 

Cowley College president, Dr. Patrick J. McAtee, and Board of Trustee members, Ron Godsey, Mark Patton, and Donna Avery attended the luncheon, as did Sue Saia, vice president of student affairs.

Cowley College students were joined by PTK sponsors Melinda Neal and Nancy Ayers.

Pictured are: Keoki Waipa, Nancy Ayers, Tina Wohlford, Emily Crain, Candice Bliss, Dr. Patrick J. McAtee, and Melinda Neal.

Pluck The Kardinals

On February 11th, Phi Theta Kappa members Made a banner for homecoming activities.

Members Tammie Zimmerman, Jessie Zimmerman, Kayla Slack, Ashley Heptig, Micaela Marks, Robert Young, and Joe Berg helped with the decorations.

Going Green

Phi Theta Kappa members at Cowley College have been focusing on “Going Green” the past few semesters by recycling plastics, cans and paper.

Tina Wohlford, vice president of service at the Mulvane campus, who has a real passion for recycling, wanted to do more.  After several brainstorming sessions the group decided to contact the college technology department and the City of Mulvane to work on a plan to collect old electronic devices and transport them to a company that would recycle them. Countless hours were spent planning the project and contacting city officials and companies that would take the electronic devices.

Dates were set and advertisements were placed in several locations. Mulvane City Administrator, Kent Hixson, was more than happy to participate in the project. He offered to fence off a corner of an open parking lot right next to the city building and allow residents to drop off their electronics. The City of Mulvane agreed to pick up the tab of $5.00 for every television that was recycled, which amounted to  $175.00.

Melinda Neal, PTK co-advisor and her husband Marc drove their 20-foot horse trailer to the campus in Arkansas City and students helped load the electronics donated by the college into the trailer. On Saturday, the trailer was pulled to Mulvane where Phi Theta Kappa members were waiting to help load the Mulvane City donations.

Two trips had to be made to American Waste e-Recyclers in Wichita. The project was a huge success with approximately two and a half tons of electronics collected in the city of Mulvane and three tons collected from the college in Arkansas City.

Members of Phi Theta Kappa want to encourage everyone to help save the planet by recycling whenever possible.

PTK Kansas Region Holds Honor's Institute at Rock Springs

The focus at the annual Kansas Region Honors Camp was on the society's international honor study topic, "The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges and Consequences".

Students from community colleges across the state enjoyed speakers and small group discussions surrounding the topic. A town hall meeting was held allowing students to individually voice their opinion concerning the positive and negative effects of affluence on our society in the areas of education and health care.

The retreat also included a bonfire and "Kappa Klatch" where students performed original and canned readings pertaining to the honor's topic.

Attending camp were Nancy Ayers, co-advisor and PTK members, Emily Crain, Keoki Waipa, Tina Wohlford, Crystal McGuire and Lisa Burns.

Safe Treat Night festivities in Mulvane

Members of the Mulvane Phi Theta Kappa participated in the Safe Treat Night festivities in Mulvane on Halloween night. Executive V. P. Keoki Waipa agreed to be the Cowley Tiger and member Curtis Hecker and V. P. of Service Tina Wohlford were his helpers. The three, along with advisor Nancy Ayers, walked the downtown area of Mulvane and through the city park handing out candy to hundreds of little ghosts and goblins. The event was sponsored by the Mulvane Chamber of Commerce of which Cowley College is a member.

Regional Leadership Conference

Six members of Cowley's Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, along with their advisor, attended the Regional Leadership Conference in Hutchinson, KS on September 26-27.

Students were involved in a mock election.  They were assigned different roles in the campaign and carried out those duties.  Senator Schmidt from Independence was the guest speaker.

PTK Presents "BodyWorlds"

It was free popcorn and standing room only, as 35 students and staff attended a showing of the documentary "BodyWorlds" at the Mulvane Center on Wednesday. The presentation was sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and Tina Wohlford, Vice President of Service at the Mulvane Center, organized the activity.

The movie gave some interesting background and insight into the human body exhibit now showing at Exploration Place in Wichita.

A group of students from the Math and Science Club along with members of Phi Theta Kappa are traveling to Wichita on Oct. 10th to attend the exhibit. The narrator described how the bodies are prepared for the exhibit, addressing each system of the body. Even a section on prenatal development was included. Following the showing, many students participated in informal discussions about what they had seen in the documentary.

PTK Appreciation Tea

Members of Phi Theta Kappa sponsored an appreciation tea for faculty and staff at the Mulvane Bloomenshine Center September 15-19.

Lots of homemade goodies, punch and coffee were enjoyed by all. Members of the honor society wanted to say "thank you" to all the faculty and staff who have contributed to a very successful beginning to fall semester at Mulvane.

Cowley PTK officers, advisors attend summer planning retreat

The Phi Theta Kappa Kansas Region held its annual summer planning retreat Friday and Saturday at El Dorado Lake with 12 chapters and 75 members participating.

Attending from Cowley College were four officers, Keoki Waipa, Whitney Hall, Tina Wohlford and Colleen Detar, along with their advisors, Melinda Neal and Nancy Ayers. Students spent Friday moving into their cabins and tents, boating at the lake and playing yard games. Intermittent showers dampened the plans for an outdoor movie, but campers still enjoyed hanging out together and sharing ideas for the upcoming school year.

On Saturday, the group moved indoors at Butler Community College. During the first part of the morning, students had a choice of several break-out sessions to attend. Chapters then divided into their districts and began planning the specific conference that they would be responsible for hosting in 2008-09. The conference concluded with a regional business meeting and lunch.

Letters of invitation to new members will go out in September. If you have completed 12 credit hours of non-developmental courses with a 3.5 GPA, you are eligible for membership. For more information, contact Melinda Neal at nealm@cowley.edu at the Ark City campus or Nancy Ayers at ayers@cowley.edu at the Mulvane Center.

Pictured, left to right, Melinda Neal, Keoki Waipa, Whitney Hall, and Nancy Ayers. Not pictured were Tina Wohlford and Colleen Detar.

PTK takes part in Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake

Members of Cowley College’s Phi Theta Kappa organization participated in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids at Northrock Lanes in Wichita. The team raised $661, which added to a grand total of over $13,000 for the evening.

Members participating were Keoki Waipa, Casey Bing, Becky Johnson (who works for Big Brothers/Big Sisters), Kimberly Rubio and family, and sponsor, Nancy Ayers.
[Press Release]

Phi Theta Kappa and Cowley Team Up For Relay For Life

Members of Cowley's Phi Theta Kappa Chapter contributed and helped the Cowley Relay for Life team at the American Cancer Society fundraiser held June 19th and 20th at the Agri Business Building in Arkansas City.

PTK members served free snow cones and face painting for the kids.

The Cowley team received the Gold Award for raising over $5000 to benefit the American Cancer Society.