Cliver receives Distinguished Regional Officer Award at Phi Theta Kappa Convention

Recognized for her work recruiting Phi Theta Kappa alumni and promoting the importance of the role of alumni in the Kansas region, Cowley College sophomore Irona Cliver received a Distinguished Regional Officer Award at the 2010 Phi Theta Kappa International Convention held in Orlando, FL.

Cliver, the Vice President of Leadership for the Cowley chapter and V. P. of Alumni Relations for the Kansas Region, was one of only 10 people in the nation to receive the award.

The Distinguished Regional Officer Awards are presented for distinguished service, based on nominations
Cliver was surprised to hear her name called to come on stage and receive the award in front of more than 3,600 Phi Theta Kappa members in attendance.

“I was grateful for the Regional Advisor (Tammy Fuentez) for putting me up for the award,” Cliver said. “I would have enjoyed the experience without the award, but this made it even more memorable.”

Although the award may have come as a surprise to Cliver, it did not surprise Nancy Ayers, Mulvane Campus PTK advisor.

“This award, in my opinion, was a no-brainer, as they say,” Ayers said. “Irona has been one of the driving forces of our chapter as well as the region.”

Fuentez referred to Cliver as the glue that held the regional officer team together through some challenging circumstances this year.

After serving her country by spending eight years in the Marines, Cliver was looking for another way to give back. She found that through the volunteer work she has done with Cowley’s PTK organization.

“It has helped fill that gap in my life,” Cliver said. “I have made wonderful friends throughout the region as well as internationally.”

Along with taking classes at Cowley, Cliver also took classes at Wichita State University and was enrolled in 23 credit hours between the two schools during the spring semester. She graduated from Cowley in May and is working towards a degree in accounting and management.

Along with her school work and active involvement in PTK, Cliver also owns her own business.

“She is a true servant leader and very deserving of this award,” Ayers said. “Melinda and I are really going to miss her leadership and her craziness. There was never a dull moment with Irona around.”

Summer 2010