NerdNation2016 Photo Album

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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

GoFundMe for Honors in Action is LIVE!

 

For more information on the Kids Kingdom project, click the following link:  http://www.rowlett.com/kidskingdom

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

College Project and Honors in Action Events This Week

Hello Kappans!

A few quick reminders about the busy week we have ahead:

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College Project

This Saturday, November 14th from 9:00AM until 3:00PM in Parking Lot E is the first SERVICE PROJECT for Phi Theta Kappa College Project for a Green Campus!  It will be the first part of our lake clean-up portion of the project.  This is also the same day as the Recycle Round-Up, so if you have any recyclables please bring them as well.  We will be there no matter the weather. Service Learning Hours can be had for volunteering at the event.

Please CLICK HERE to sign-up for the event.

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Workshops for College Project are already available! Please, sign-up for the workshops (at The Learning Center) ASAP because there are only 15 slots each session.  When going to The Learning Center (Medina Hall 216), please look for the workshop titled "Green Campus." 

The first two dates are:

November 11th, 2015 from 2:00pm to 2:50pm
and
November 17th, 2015 from 12:30pm to 1:20pm

Attending the workshops will count toward Service Learning Hours!

If you are interested in hosting a future workshop, please respond to this email!

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Honors in Action

We have two upcoming Honors in Action events taking place next week.

Honors in Action Fundraiser Committee's first meeting will take place onThursday, November 12th from 4:00pm-5:00pm in Del Rio 174.  Those interested in Honors in Action should take part in this vital step as the January deadline draws closer.

Honors in Action Research Study Group will meet promptly on Friday, November 13th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the RLC Library first and possibly move to another room, so please be there at 3:00pm. If you can't make it at that time, please let us know in advance so we can coordinate the final location.  The focus of our topic is Theme 9: Borders and Boundaries with a focus on connecting the bridge between children with and children without disabilities.

For more information on Honors in Action, please click here.

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As always, you can find us on Facebook here! Please LIKE the page and go to EVENTS and SUBSCRIBE to events to get the latest updates!

See you all soon!

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

Orientation Meeting; Honors In Action, College Project, and Scholarship Updates.

ORIENTATION

We will have our final ORIENTATION MEETING on Wednesday, November 4th from 3:15pm-4:00pm in Del Rio 174.  Established members need not attend, this meeting is for those who are new to Phi Theta Kappa or haven't had the chance to attend other orientations.
 

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Honors in Action

We have two upcoming Honors in Action events taking place next week.

Honors in Action Fundraiser Committee's first meeting will take place onThursday, November 12th from 4:00pm-5:00pm in Del Rio 174.  Those interested in Honors in Action should take part in this vital step as the January deadline draws closer.

Honors in Action Research Study Group will meet promptly on Friday, November 13th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the RLC Library first and possibly move to another room, so please be there at 3:00pm. If you can't make it at that time, please let us know in advance so we can coordinate the final location.  The focus of our topic is Theme 9: Borders and Boundaries with a focus on connecting the bridge between children with and children without disabilities.

For more information on Honors in Action, please click here.

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College Project

 

Phi Theta Kappa College Project for a Green Campus is now LIVE!  Please, sign-up for the workshops ASAP because there are only 15 slots each session.  When going to The Learning Center (Medina Hall 216), please look for the workshop titled "Green Campus."

The first two dates are:
 

November 11th, 2015 from 2:00pm to 2:50pm
and
November 17th, 2015 from 12:30pm to 1:20pm
 

Attending the workshops will count toward Service Learning Hours!

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Scholarships

 
The Fall Common Scholarship Application closes on December 1st.  That means that it is time to get those applications rolling if they have not already been started!

Click here for more information.

Meeting Re-Cap 2015/09/16

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter - September 16, 2015

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

Today’s meeting began with officer and advisor introductions.  Leadership officer is Omar Demachkie, Jessica Arriaga is the chapter Fellowship officer, and Scholarship officer is Kennedy Agusi.  Alpha Alpha Xi Media Specialist is Forrest Garrett, and chapter Secretary is Melissa Savoy.  Advisor Dr. Jon Ewing was present and gave proxy introductions for advisors Professor Melanie Pruit and Professor Ofori Asante.
Fellowship officer, Jessica, opened with an ice breaker.

Dr. Kathleen Stephens, Honors Academy Coordinator, spoke to the chapter about the Honors Academy and urged students to join.  The Phi Theta Kappa GPA requirement also satisfies the Honors Academy requirement.  Students can apply online and submit a 300-500 word personal statement.  Dr. Stephens provided a list of Honors classes currently available.  Classes are smaller and encourage interaction with professors and peers.  Honors designations available are the Honors Certificate and the Honors Scholar.  The academy works with the honors programs of four-year universities and has reciprocal agreements with a few in the area.  Eight $500 scholarships were awarded this fall, and another eight will be awarded in spring.  The Honors Academy is offering a workshop with The Learning Center on Wednesday, September 23rd at 3:00 and Thursday, September 24th at 3:30.  Workshops are open to everyone, and students may register at M 216. http://richlandcollege.edu/honors-academy/

John Daniels, Community Engagement Programs Coordinator, informed members of the Service Learning program.  The program allows students to become immersed in Richland College and interact with the local community.  Most opportunities are connected with non-profit organizations.  There are many agencies to choose from, both on and off campus.  Students may register by going to the Service Learning page of the Richland College website.  The program helps students develop skills and show potential universities they are engaged in community and service.  Volunteers can qualify for various awards based on their number of service hours. http://richlandcollege.edu/lead/service-learning/

Scholarship officer, Kennedy, informed members of scholarships that opened today.  One of which is the Celia Riddle Millemon scholarship, specific to Richland College Phi Theta Kappa members.  A link on the Alpha Alpha Xi website provides more information.  Ludivina Garcia, the first recipient of this scholarship, thanked the chapter and advisors for the opportunity and for considering her for the award.  Kennedy then navigated students to the Phi Theta Kappa website, went to “Scholarships”, clicked on “Apply” and showed a list of scholarships available. Upcoming workshops will be held to help students complete their fall scholarship application.  The common application, once filled out, will be submitted and will suffice for all of the scholarships available and applicable.  Most of the scholarships are merit based, but a few are need based.  International students may apply.  Forrest advised members to visit the chapter website or Facebook page for GEICO scholarship information.

The first study group for the Honors in Action project is this Saturday, September 19th at 2:00 in 
Sabine.

The election for Service Officer was held to fill the open position.  The floor was opened to candidates who were given two minutes to introduce themselves to the chapter.  Votes were compiled and collected by Dr. Jon Ewing.

Omar, chapter Leadership officer, talked about the upcoming Texas Leadership Conference to be held October 9th-11th and informed members about available spots for the trip.  Email ptkaax@gmail.com if interested

The meeting was adjourned at 4:16 p.m.