Phi Theta Kappa: LBCC 2015 Winter Induction Ceremony

In the Forum auditorium on the evening of Feb. 19 students gathered for the 2015 winter induction ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Those invited to join have all completed a minimum of 12 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and vow to maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA while continuing their education. 

With a mission statement to, "Recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honor, leadership, service, and fellowship programming," PTK is the world's largest honor society with nearly 3 million members.

Chapter President Rebekah Pennington opened the ceremony welcoming LBCC's 48 new members this year, and congratulated them on their academic accomplishments. Although not all were present, just under half attended with their families, making a cozy crowd of about 70.

Guest speaker DeLinda Martin-Huggins, member and advisor at Portland Community College, shared her story and the impact PTK has had on her life.

"My night waiting where you are at was really the trajectory into my career," she continued, "Whatever it is that is your passion or your dream, you can. Have fun and make friends because it could change your life, your life experience, as it did for me."

The events of the evening included the signing of the membership book, signed by all previous PTK inductees. Each student was given a white candle and carnation to hold as the lights of the Forum were dimmed. Inductees stood single file on the stairs, the glow of candlelight on their faces, and recited their lifelong pledge to the society, support to their new brothers and sisters, and their promise to uphold the society's code of honor.

Officers led students in their induction pledge and LBCC PTK co-advisor Ginger Petersen handed each inductee their carnation.

"We hope that you'll be active in Phi Theta Kappa, and remember, the more you put into it the more you accomplish, so reach for the stars," said Peterson.

After the ceremony, attendees gathered in the Fireside Room for cake and conversation. One inductee, Allison Griffin, was accompanied by her husband Jerry and their four children Lillian, Mellanie, Tara, and Shelby.

"I have been attending community college for 13 years working towards this two-year degree. It's determination I tell you, one step in front of the other," said Griffin. "I'm really proud, it's acknowledgement for something you've been working so hard for."

Members will have special gold tassels on their graduation caps and have notation on their transcript of their membership. Members are encouraged to list their inclusion on resumes, as it is an academic achievement that may set them apart from competition.

Ninety percent of PTK members complete their Associates degree and/or transfer to a four-year university. As a member, students have exclusive access to $90 million in scholarships, and there are currently 735 colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain that offer $37 million in transfer scholarships specifically for PTK members. 

The American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929, after being founded in 1918. Now in all 50 states, PTK has a presence in seven other sovereign nations: Canada, Germany, British Virgin Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Alums have included influential Americans spanning from authors, astronauts, congressmen, and ambassadors to the United Nations. Some of history's brilliant minds are members, and LBCC honors it's own as they cultivate future leaders and scholars.