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

Meeting Recap 02/03/2016

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – February 3, 2016

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

The first meeting of the spring semester began with an ice breaker. Two winners were presented with $20 and $25 gift certificates to the Katy Trail Ice House and Dave and Busters.

Students were informed about the upcoming Phi Theta Kappa Regional Conference to be held at Baylor University on February 25th - 27th. There are a few spots available to interested members. Attire for the majority of the weekend is casual, but dress for the banquet is business/cocktail.

Last year’s College Project, titled Green Team, was a big success. The chapter has received accolades from the college president and has been recognized for its outstanding environmental efforts. The project will continue this semester with another lake cleanup, to be held either March 3rd or March 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additionally, there will be a children’s craft project that will coincide with Earth Day. Identification cards will be developed for Green Team members, and UTD is instituting a scholarship for those who participate in the project. Students were encouraged to volunteer, and a signup sheet was provided.

Appreciation was expressed to members who volunteered for the club fair in January; many students were interested in joining the chapter as new members.

Alpha Alpha Xi will have a leap-year fundraiser, possibly a bake sale, on Monday, February 29th from 11:30 to 3:30. Volunteers are needed, and a signup sheet was provided. Watch for further updates coming soon.

Current service opportunities were provided. Reading Partners is in need of one-time tutors that assist elementary school children in West Dallas with reading proficiency. This program is on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Students may go to the website to volunteer https://www.voly.org/opportunities/view.html?id=AVKJPEAiyfL1-PcgjS9h. The second volunteer opportunity is in need of homes that will foster puppies. All food, supplies, and vet needs will be cared for. More information can be found at https://www.voly.org/opportunities/view.html?id=56087f9677dd249612435b40. These volunteer hours may be applied to Service Learning. Confirmation of your attendance at the volunteer event may be provided to Omar.

The Celia Riddle Millemon scholarship, offered only to Richland College students, was established by Mr. John Millemon, a prior Alpha Alpha Xi advisor. Two of these $500 scholarships are presented each semester and require applicants to be Phi Theta Kappa members in good standing. A general scholarship foundation form must be submitted along with an attached personal statement. Applicants may submit their information to Dr. Ewing or to the Financial Aid office.

A scholarship page on the Richland College website is currently in the works; it will contain information regarding scholarships that are exclusive to Richland.

Spring scholarships, for students who will be remaining at community college the following year, will be opening soon. There will be more information to come in following weeks. It’s advisable to be mindful that grammar is important when submitting personal statements or essays for scholarships.

Four students were recently awarded scholarships to cover Phi Theta Kappa membership. Chancellor Joe May installed this fund for students to whom the membership fee is prohibitive. It will provide reimbursement for dues once proof of payment is shown. Applicants must show financial need and submit a personal essay. Carter Bedford and Forrest Garret, chapter Media Specialist, have the necessary forms for those who would like to apply.

Students who are interested in becoming members of the Alpha Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa need to ensure their GPA is at least 3.5. Members must also be enrolled in 6 credit hours with 12 completed credit hours. Membership invitations with passcodes will be emailed in a few weeks. There is a window of time in which to join, so prospective members have only until May to accept. Membership is lifetime with a one-time $85 fee. If you believe you are eligible and do not receive an invitation by the end of February, please contact Dr. Jon Ewing.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:01 p.m