April 18, 2007

Cowley students attend Phi Theta Kappa National Convention

Pictured are, from left, Jennifer Holley, Nancy Ayers, Vi Nguyen, Melanie Pratt, Wesley Wilson, Elisha Swope, Jancye Sturd, Lisa Burns, Melinda  Neal.

Seven members of Cowley College’s Phi Theta Kappa organization joined sponsors Melinda Neal and Nancy Ayers at this year’s Phi Theta Kappa National Convention held April 11-14 at the Gaylord Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Cowley students that attended the convention were, Jancye Sturd, Elisha Swope, Vi Nguyen, Wesley Wilson, Melanie Pratt, Jennifer Holley, and Lisa Burns.

On April 11, Sturd, Swope and Burns attended an officers training session on leadership. The actual convention began on April 12 and consisted of small group sessions and general sessions.

The Keynote Speaker at the convention was former vice president Al Gore, who delivered the keynote address on Operation Green and Global Warming.

Other speakers included: Jehan Sadat, internationally known middle eastern activist; Kevin Sharp, country music singer and cancer survivor; Sue Smith, national director of education for Keep America Beautiful, Inc; and Tycia Foster, 2006-07 international president of Phi Theta Kappa, addressed the opening ceremonies.

Along with the convention activities, the group also enjoyed its time in Nashville at sites such as the Hardrock Café, the Aquarium, and The Ryman Auditorium, which was home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974.