Correction on Potluck Location: DEL RIO 174

My apologies, Kappans!

In the last email, I said the potluck would be held in Wichita 174 -- that is INCORRECT.

The potluck will take place in DEL RIO 174.

Thanks!

Potluck and Campaign on Wed, May the 4th

Well, the end of the year is upon us and it's finals time but that also means ...
 

It's CULTURAL POTLUCK TIME!!

As always, we ask that members please bring a dish (preferably something cultural) to share with the group.  If you are not able to make or buy a dish, do not worry -- you can still join us for food and fellowship.

All you have to do is bring yourself, bring some friends, and/or bring people you want to see join our chapter alliance next year!

The Potluck will be held in DEL RIO 174 from 3:15PM until no later than 7:00PM on Wednesday, May 4th.

Please feel free to bring any board games so that we can also turn this shindig into a game night!

If we do not have games available, I will have a special surprise that has traditionally been a staple of May 4ths.

 

---

Officer Elections

During the Potluck, we hope to have our officer candidates present their 1-2 minute speeches at around 4:00PM.

There is still time to sign-up to be a candidate. You can sign up at the following link: http://ptkaax.blogspot.com/2016/04/2016-2017-hallmark-officer-candidacy.html

Several candidates have shown to be force-sensitive and expressed interest in running for office in the council at a prior meeting HAVE NOT signed up yet.  Please do so ASAP.

Cheers ... and ...

Spring 2016 Induction Photo Album is COMPLETE

Link to the Latest Newsletter

http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e9aa768759afcdf00df8d8eec&id=f7c90c8fa4

Post-Induction Fellowship Dinner Ballot

Orientation Meeting Re-Cap 03/10/2016

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – March 10^th, 2016

The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m.

Officers introduced themselves and discussed what Phi Theta Kappa is about - including membership requirements and benefits.  Every year each chapter works on special projects such as Honors in Action and College Project.  Members also have the opportunity to attend regional and national conferences where they can hear special guest speakers and participate in leadership workshops.  Additionally, there are service opportunities that will be will promoted by the chapter, and students may obtain service hours by volunteering.  Phi Theta Kappa is well-known for the multiple scholarships available to its members.  Meeting attendees were shown how to navigate to the scholarship page on the Phi Theta Kappa website www.ptk.org.

Officers spoke about what it is like to hold a Phi Theta Kappa officer position and informed students that elections for the Fall 2016 – Spring 2017 term will take place sometime around April or May.  All officer and support positions will be open.  Those interested in running for an officer positon should plan on preparing a one to two minute speech to present to the club.  The speech should include why you would like to become an officer and what you can bring to the position.  A workshop will be offered soon that will help the transition to the new officer team.

Spring induction will be Sunday, April 24^th in the Fannin Hall Auditorium.  This is a special ceremony that celebrates and recognizes your achievements.  Members who have recently joined Phi Theta Kappa are encouraged to attend the ceremony, but it is not mandatory.  The ceremony is from 3:00 – 4:00, but inductees need to be there no later than 1:00 p.m.  The attire is business, so please dress accordingly; no jeans or tennis shoes.  Jackets and coats should be left in the car as students will not walk the stage wearing them.

Two current chapter members talked about their experiences with the chapter and what they have gained from becoming a member, and students were provided with information on how to contact the chapter.  Alpha Alpha Xi may be reached via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ptkaax, email ptkaax@gmail.com, website www.ptkaax.blogspot.com, and Instagram.  Students were urged to join the Facebook page.

A globalization conference which will be held in Salzburg, Austria will take place soon.  Two students will be selected to attend, and all expenses will be paid.  The requirements are U.S. citizenship, a U.S. passport, and the student must enrolled at Richland for the Fall 2016 semester.  Those considered only need to be Phi Theta Kappa eligible, so students who have not yet become a member may also be considered.  

The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Meeting Re-Cap 03/02/2016

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – March 2^nd, 2016

The meeting was called to order at 3:24 p.m.

Two members who volunteered for the leap-year fundraiser were awarded $20 gift cards to Dave and Busters.  The fundraiser was a big success, and the chapter collected $220.50.  Thanks to all who volunteered.

Information regarding scholarships was provided.  There is now a myScholarships page on the Richland College website where students may submit scholarship applications.  As of March 1^st, the Celia Riddle Millemon scholarship opened, and Richland members may now apply.  In addition, Alpha Alpha Xi members with financial need may submit a form for possible reimbursement of their Phi Theta Kappa membership fee.  Please see Omar to obtain a form.

Be the Change, an environmental group, is organizing a lake cleanup effort at White Rock Lake on Saturday, March 5^th with For the Love of the Lake.  An email was sent requesting volunteers and more are needed.  Volunteers will receive a certificate and can obtain service hours.  If interested, sign up at https://www.dcccd.edu/Emp/Departments/Public%20and%20Governmental%20Affairs/PGA%20Depts/Community%20Development/Service-Learning/Pages/be-the-change.aspx?source=imageslider.

Chapter officers and leaders had a wonderful time at the Texas Regional Conference.  Pictures were shown, and two attendees spoke about what an amazing experience the conference was for them.  They encouraged other members to become active and, given the opportunity, to try and attend a conference with the chapter.  Several chapter members, as well as advisors Jon Ewing and Melanie Pruit, received awards at the conference.  These individuals were recognized at the meeting and presented with their awards.  Alpha Alpha Xi also received an award as a chapter for obtaining Five Star Status. 

The Phi Theta Kappa International Convention will be held in Washington D.C. this year.  All expenses, excepting airfare, will be paid for a select number of officers and members.  As space is limited, please let the officers or advisors know as soon as possible if you would like to attend.

The meeting on March 10^th is an orientation meeting.  Students who are interested in joining Phi Theta Kappa may attend, so members may bring their friends.  A fellowship event will follow the meeting.  Come and relax with your fellow members with a movie, pizza, and ice cream.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:42

Texas Regional Conference Recap

Hello all:
 
This past weekend, Richland’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter officers and members participated in the 2016 Texas state-wide Regional Convention, which was held in Waco, TX.
 
Over four hundred attendees from all across the state participated in this important annual convention.
 
Here is a list of Richland students and advisors who travelled with the group:
 
Omar Demachkie, Leadership officer
Kennedy Agusi, Scholarship officer
Jay Saadaddin, Service officer
Jessica Arriaga, Fellowship officer
Forrest Garrett, Media Specialist
Stephen Aigbomian
Samra Tariq
Sokyou Ly
Muhammad Hasan
Qurrat-ul-ain Gul Muhammad
 
Prof Jon Ewing, Advisor
Mr. John Millemon, Advisor Emeritus
 
Certificates and Awards:
 
The following Richland students were recognized with Texas Hall of Honor certificates for District II [North Texas]:
 
Omar Demachkie
Jessica Arriaga
Melissa Savoy, Chapter Secretary
Samra Tariq
 
Our own Ms. Melanie Pruit was recognized with a Texas Hall of Honorcertificate, District II, for her contributions as an advisor to the Richland chapter.
 
Prof Jon Ewing received a Texas Region Distinguished Advisor Awardand medallion in recognition of his contributions as an advisor to the Richland chapter.
 
The Richland chapter, collectively, received a certificate for once again attaining 5-Star status, the highest ranking given in the Texas Region.
 
 
We are able to function as an active chapter in the Texas Region because of the support of Dr. Kay, Dr. Zarina, Mr. Carter Bedford, Office of Student Life, and Richland’s Administrators, Faculty and Professional Support staff. On behalf of the officers, student members and advisors, please allow me to extend our gratitude for such support.
  
Respectfully,
Jon Ewing

Leap Year Bake Sale Sign-Up Sheet

Induction Meeting Recap 11/18/2015

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Induction Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – November 18, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 3:20 p.m.

After an opening icebreaker, an update of the chapter’s College Project, Green Campus, was provided.  Two Green Campus workshops have been presented in The Learning Center, and last Saturday’s campus lake cleanup was very successful.  Volunteers collected 250 lbs. of trash from the lake area alone!  Future activities and events will be scheduled, so be on the lookout for additional updates regarding this project.  Please speak with Omar Demachkie if you are interested in being on The Green Team going forward.

The next fundraising committee meeting for Honors in Action will be Saturday, November 21^st from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Honors in Action will be assisting with the construction of Kings Kingdom Playground, a wheelchair accessible playground for disabled children.  Those doing research on the project need to send information to jessie.arrriaga@gmail.com.  Volunteers are still need to help with construction of the playground.  Sign up information will be sent via email.

Alpha Alpha Xi’s next fundraiser will be on Tuesday, December 15^th, from 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. in Wichita Hall.  Cake and pie will be sold to raise additional funds for the chapter.  Volunteers are needed, so please speak with Jessica if you would like to help.

Semester-end is approaching.  Join your fellow Phi Theta Kappa members in some fun and relaxation prior to finals.  A potluck will be held in place of the last regularly-scheduled meeting on December 2^nd from 3:15 to approximately 5:00 p.m. in D-174.  Members were asked to bring a food dish of their choosing.  Please feel free to bring store-bought items.

Sunday, November 22^nd is the Induction Ceremony.  It will be held in Fannin Hall from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Inductees need to arrive by 1:00, but family and friends should arrive for the ceremony at 3:00 p.m.  Business attire is recommended and jeans are not allowed.  Cultural dress, however, is perfectly acceptable.  Ladies were advised not to wear their highest heels as inductees will be climbing stairs, ramps, and risers.  Induction attendance is not required, and members may be inducted at a future ceremony if unable to attend.  Some students inquired about volunteering for the ceremony; members who would like to help may arrive that day to hand out programs and candles.  A fellowship dinner will follow from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Members voted on the restaurant and decided upon Chili’s at Spring Valley.  All students, family, and friends are welcome to the dinner, but meals are at their own expense.  Tables will be reserved beforehand, and a sign-up sheet will be distributed via email.  When signing up, please include the total number that will attend.  There will be carpools for students without transportation. 

Phi Theta Kappa’s Fall Scholarship application is currently open.  Applications should be submitted through www.ptk.org no later than December 1^st at 5:00 p.m.  Multiple scholarship applications are submitted with one main application.

Although the official All-USA Scholarship deadline is December 2^nd, Richland’s internal application deadline is Wednesday, November 25^th at 5:00 p.m.  Applications not completed by this date will not be considered.  The advisor committee will review the applications and put forth recommendations to Richland College President, Dr. Kay Eggleston.  The applications of the two students nominated will be sent to the next level of scholarship judging. 

December 1^st is the deadline for the Ceilia Milliemon Scholarship and the Phi Theta Kappa membership scholarship essay.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m

Induction Meeting Reminder

Quick reminder that we have a meeting TOMORROW, Wednesday, November 18th in Del Rio 174 from 3:15PM to 4:00PM that will be primarily about Sunday's INDUCTION CEREMONY. If you cannot make it to the meeting, the details will be posted before induction.    Please keep your eyes glued to your email accounts, chapter Facebook page, and chapter website for important information regarding induction.

Orientation Meeting Recap 11/04/2015

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Orientation Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – November 4, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 3:19 p.m.

The meeting was opened with an ice breaker which posed a question that members could answer.  A $25 gift card was given away to the person with the correct answer.  It really does pay to come to chapter meetings!

The chapter Fellowship Officer, Jessica Arriaga, introduced herself and other officers.  Omar Demachkie is the Leadership Officer, Kennedy Agusi is Scholarship Officer, and the Service Officer for the chapter is Jay Saadaddin.  Forrest Garrett is Media Specialist, and Chapter Secretary is Melissa Savoy.  Dr. Jon Ewing was introduced as one of the chapter advisors.

Omar introduced new members to what Phi Theta Kappa is about and covered membership requirements and benefits.  Students can hone their leadership skills and learn how to work within a team.  Members have access to various different types of scholarships and are provided with important tools such as how to write a resume and much more.

The Leadership officer has the responsibility of spearheading the College Project.  Omar discussed that the annual project has an environmental focus this year.  Alpha Alpha Xi will have a Richland College lake cleanup on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Professional equipment used for the cleanup will be provided by facilities.  Volunteers are needed, so please contact Omar if interested.  The project will also be presenting environmental/recycling workshops in The Learning Center this semester and next.  Students are encouraged to sign-up to take the workshop.  Service Learning hours may be obtained from attending the workshop. 

Duties of the Scholarship officer include communicating the status of scholarships to members and leading the chapter Honors in Action project.  Kennedy mentioned that there are scholarships currently open that will be closing in less than a month.  Members may go to the website for further details.

Jay discussed that duties of the Service officer include providing members with opportunities to volunteer and work in a service capacity.  One such opportunity is the Kids Kingdom Playground committee.  Volunteers will be building a wheelchair assessable playground for children with disabilities.  Students may go to www.signupgenius.com to participate.  This project will be taking place in November and December, and they have various types of volunteer opportunities held on different days. 

Omar encouraged members to register for the Service Learning program and mentioned that it is a nice addition to add to a college resume.  Students may register for Service Learning in The Learning Center. 

The Fellowship officer plans chapter events like fundraisers and fellowship nights.  Jessica informed new members that the chapter usually has a fellowship night approximately once a month with movies, pizza, and ice cream.  The next Alpha Alpha Xi fundraiser will be selling cakes and pies, and the date will soon be announced.  Watch for an email for further details.  

Jessica covered the different tiers of the Phi Theta Kappa organization.  The international level at the top is followed by the Texas Region, District II, and finally our local Alpha Alpha Xi chapter of Richland College.

Members who have joined Phi Theta Kappa are encouraged to attend the Fall Induction Ceremony held in Fannin Hall Auditorium on Sunday, November, 22.  This is a special ceremony that celebrates and recognizes your achievements.  Family members and friends may attend.  There will be two guest speakers, and students will have their pictures taken by a photographer.  The ceremony is from 3:00 – 4:00, but inductees need to be there no later than 1:00 p.m.  Afterward, there will be a fellowship dinner at a local restaurant from 4:30 – 7:30.  The attire is business, so please dress accordingly; no jeans or tennis shoes.  Jackets and coats should be left in the car as students will not walk the stage wearing them.  Ladies are advised not to wear high-heels because members will be walking across a stage and climbing risers.

Membership to join Phi Theta Kappa is a $95 one-time fee.  There are funds available for those who have an economic need for paying club dues.  Dr. Jon Ewing explained to new members that there are scholarships available to students who cannot afford the dues.  A scholarship form was provided to those interested. 

If you have not yet accepted membership, go to the Phi Theta Kappa website, click on “Accept Membership”, and enter the same email address from which you received your invitation.  The organization is officially called Phi Theta Kappa and is not referred to as “PTK”.  Chapter leaders are elected at the end of the semester and hold their positions for one year.  Prior to elections being held, interested members are given a chance to talk about why they would like a leadership position and what they believe they can do for the chapter.

Chapter Media Specialist, Forrest, advised members of the many different ways to stay in touch with the organization and receive news of upcoming events.  Members were urged to sign-up for the newsletter and “Like” the chapter Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ptkaax.  The chapter website address was shared www.ptkaax.blogspot.com along with the chapter email address ptkaax@gmail.com. 

Dr. Ewing mentioned to those in attendance that if they have not yet received an invitation to join and think they are eligible, to please verify that the requirements have been met.  Members should have completed 12 credit hours, be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, and have at least a 3.5 GPA.  If you are eligible and interested in joining, please contact Dr. Ewing. 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:04 p.m

ΑΑΞ Halloween Popcorn Fundraiser Sign-Up Sheet

Meeting Re-Cap 2015/09/10

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter - September 10, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m.

Officers, staff, and advisors introduced themselves.  Omar Demachkie is Leadership officer, Jessica Arriaga is officer for the Fellowship hallmark, Kennedy Agusi is the Scholarship officer, Forrest Garrett is Media Specialist, and Melissa Savoy is Secretary.  Advisors are Dr. Jon Ewing, Professor Melanie Pruit, and Dr. Ofori Asante.  Dr. Ewing added that our chapter may be adding a fourth advisor soon.

Forrest directed members to the new Facebook page as well as the new website.  Members can go to Facebook and search “ptkaax” for the new page.  Once here, he had members “Like” the page, click “Sign Up” to receive the mailing list, and go to “Events” to subscribe.  Members were shown the new website at www.ptkaax.blogspot.com.

Phi Theta Kappa Awareness Week is next week.  Watch your emails for information and updates and share this with your friends!

There was a show of hands for members who joined Phi Theta Kappa through another chapter.  Dr. Ewing explained that members from other colleges may transfer their membership, but membership should be held at the college from which a student plans to graduate.  Members from other chapters may participate in Alpha Alpha Xi meetings and events without transferring their membership.

The Alpha Alpha Xi chapter has a new scholarship available to Richland Phi Theta Kappa students.  The Celia Riddle Millemon Exemplary Student Scholarship is a $500 scholarship that is merit and need based.  Mr. John Millemon, a previous chapter advisor, was instrumental in establishing this scholarship.  Congratulations to Ludivina Garcia, the first recipient awarded!  The goal is to award at least one scholarship each semester.  Members interested in applying should submit an essay stating their accomplishments and needs.

Omar, officer for the Leadership hallmark, introduced students to the chapter’s College Project for the semester.  The subject of the project will be related to environmental issues and will benefit Richland College, the community, and will enhance student experience while on campus.  The project will involve campus and neighborhood clean-ups, and will teach students and community members how to live a green lifestyle.  A compelling video regarding the need for environmental change was shown to members.  The chapter is looking for members who are interested in working on the project, and details regarding meetings and workshops will follow.  The College Project is submitted each year by chapter and considered for awards. (Click here for College Project Information )

Omar and Jessica provided members with volunteering opportunities, the first of which was Halloween Nights and the Dallas Zoo.  Another service event mentioned was the Heart of Gold 5K Fun Run.  Members can volunteer by going to the website www.voly.org and setting up an account.  Next click “I want to help”.  The website keeps a record of your volunteering events.  Visit www.voly.org  for various opportunities that may fit your interests.  Volunteer work done through Alpha Alpha Xi can also count toward Service Learning volunteer hours with approval. (Click here for information on service projects)

Scholarship officer, Kennedy, advised students that there are several millions of dollars in scholarships and showed members a list of several scholarships that will soon be available.  Those interested may go to ptk.org and click on “Scholarships” to get a complete list of those that are available to continuing and transfer students.  Kennedy urged members to go to College Fish (www.collegefish.org) and explained that Phi Theta Kappa members have free access to this website.  Students may set up an account by filling out some personal information and upon submission the site immediately provides results that are specific to each individual. (Click here for Scholarship information)

The Honors in Action project was mentioned, and members are needed to work on the project.  The topic will be chosen soon, so look for an email for further details and opportunities to volunteer.  If interested, please contact Kennedy. (Click here for Honors In Action Resources).

Jessica, chapter Fellowship officer, has scheduled a bake sale that will take place on Monday September 14th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Anyone who can volunteer their baking skills and/or time to sell items is needed.   All food items to be sold must be individually wrapped.  There will be tables at two locations, one in El Paso and the other in Wichita.  A sign-up sheet was provided.  If interested, please contact Jessica.  

Ready for a relaxing time with your fellow friends and students?  A game/movie night is coming up in October.  The date will be announced soon; watch for details!

The Service hallmark officer position is open and available.  Jessica explained that an officer position is a lot of responsibility, and the chapter needs someone with commitment.  The Service officer coordinates service opportunities for the chapter and works with other officers on Phi Theta Kappa yearly projects.  Officers must be able to attend meetings and may often attend conferences.  The officer must be in the position for the year (fall through spring).  RCHS students are unfortunately excluded from officer positions due to their schedules and time constraints.  Interested applicants may contact any board member or advisor.  Applicants will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group and say what they can do for the position in next week’s meeting on Wednesday, September 16th.  Members will vote during the meeting.  Please consider this great opportunity.

A petition for the honors student lounge was passed around for signatures, and chapter t-shirts were sold for $5 each.

Dr. Ewing informed students of a new university program happening this fall.  Classes from top university programs will be offered.  Please check the email that was sent regarding the Honors Certificate Courses for further details.  International students may enroll for these courses.

Jessica talked about upcoming conferences like the Texas Leadership Conference to be held at Texas A&M October 9th – 11th, Texas Regionals to be held at Baylor, and Nerd Nation which will take place in D.C.  Transportation, hotel accommodations, and conference registration are covered for a certain number of students.  The meeting was concluded with a video of the last Nerd Nation held in San Antonio.  

The meeting was adjourned at 5:08 p.m.

--

Melissa Savoy

ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary

Bake Sale Sign-Up Sheet

Come by and check out AAΞ bake sale!

We will be in El Paso Hall and Wichita Hall!

Members can bring food items that are individually wrapped to donate to the fundraiser and/or help sell the items to help raise money for our Phi Theta Kappa Chapter!

For more information, please contact the chapter at ptkaax@gmail.com

Thanks!