Phi Theta Kappa
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| Motto | International Honor Society of the Two Year College |
|---|---|
| Colors | Blue and Gold |
| Symbol | Golden Key, Athena, Oak Leaves, Laurel Leaves |
| Flower | White Rose |
| Founded | November 19, 1918 at Stephens College |
| Fraternity type | Honorary |
| Scope | International |
| Headquarters | 1625 Eastover Drive Jackson, Mississippi, USA |
| Chapters | 1200+ |
| Members | Over Two Million |
| Homepage | Phi Theta Kappa website |
Phi Theta Kappa, also ΦΘΚ or sometimes PTK (see usage note), is the international honor society of two-year and non-traditional four-year colleges, particularly community colleges, junior colleges and accelerated or on-line degree programs offered by four-year colleges. It is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi and has over 2 million members in more than 1,200 chapters in nations including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan.
Phi Theta Kappa's purpose is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To fulfull this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides an outlet for leadership development, fellowship among student members, community service, and continuing academic excellence.
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[edit] Name origin and usage
Phi Theta Kappa has a name similar to, and is heavily based on, the much more well-known Phi Beta Kappa, which is an international honor society for universities and traditional four-year colleges. Phi Beta Kappa presidents have spoken at Phi Theta Kappa conventions, and the two societies have formed joint programs to encourage community and junior college graduates to advance to four-year institutions.
Although the acronym "PTK" is sometimes used informally, it is heavily discouraged and is not permitted for official business. The only notable exception is the use of "PTK" in URLs, such as the official international website, ptk.org, and similar regional and chapter websites. This is due largely to perceived disrespect for the institution by the shortening of the name, and also an attempt to prevent confusion with the Greek letters Rho Tau Kappa, or ρτκ, which look very much like the Latin letters for P, T, and K that do not truly correspond to the proper Greek letters Φ (Ph), Θ (Th) and Κ (K). Members who use "PTK" in speech at official events are typically corrected, and no written or printed materials using "PTK" can be released to the public.
Members of Phi Theta Kappa are known as Phi Theta Kappans, which is generally shortened to Kappans, although the latter is also considered to be unacceptable in official use.
[edit] History
Originally established in 1910 at a Missouri two-year women's college under the name of Kappa Phi Omicron, the society grew quickly. In 1918, it became known as Phi Theta Kappa and was organized nationally. In 1924, an amendment was passed to include all two-year colleges, not just ones for women. In 1929, Phi Theta Kappa was officially recognized by the American Association of Junior Colleges.
[edit] Symbols
The distinctive gold key membership pin was adopted in 1930 and is officially described as follows:
The Key is a golden slab, keyed at the top and bottom. Across the center of the slab is a black enamel band upon which three Greek letters appear, which are the initials of three mystic Greek words meaning phronimon (Phi), thumos (Theta), katharotes (Kappa) and meaning "wisdom," "aspiration," and "purity." Behind the band is a wreath, on one side composed of oak leaves, and on the other, of laurel. The wreath of oak leaves denotes stability and strength of character, and the curling leaves of laurel signify achievement and success. Above the band is a representation of the head of Athena, Goddess of Learning; in the base appear the mystic Greek letters meaning light, the light of learning and knowledge.
[edit] Membership
According to the Phi Theta Kappa International headquarters, it is estimated that 200,000 students participate in Phi Theta Kappa programs every year, with more than 82,000 students inducted annually. In 2006, Phi Theta Kappa inducted its 2 millionth member.
To qualify for initial Phi Theta Kappa membership, a student must maintain a GPA of (usually) 3.5 or higher and pay a one-time international membership fee, plus any chapter or regional dues thay may apply. Thereafter, a Phi Theta Kappa member must maintain a high academic standing (usually a 3.25 GPA) to remain a member in good standing in the society.
Members of Phi Theta Kappa have opportunities to receive some of more than $36 million in scholarships designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members. Members in many states are also eligible to participate in the All-USA Academic Team program, co-sponsored by USA Today, and by extension their own statewide academic teams. Other perks include automatic nominations to the National Dean's List and job postings exclusively for members.
[edit] Events
Phi Theta Kappans participate in several gatherings each year, with the International Convention generally held in early to mid-April. There have been a total of 88 international conventions for Phi Theta Kappa. International conventions take place in different areas of the United States each year, with the most recent taking place in Seattle, Washington. At this convention is when Phi Theta Kappans gather to recognize achievements by members in 3 hallmark areas of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Fellowship used to also be awarded for, but that was removed because organization leaders felt that it was needed as an important factor to make many events in the other categories happen, this change was implemented first at the 2006 International Convention. Also at this event the organization elects its 5 new International Officers (student members from different regions across the United States).
10 Most Recent Conventions:
2006 Seattle Sheraton/Weston Washington Convention & Trade Center Seattle, Washington Host: Greater Northwest Region
2005 Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Dallas, Texas Host: Texas Region
2004 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, Minnesota Host: Minn-Wi-Kota Region
2003 Hilton Anaheim and the Anaheim Arena Anaheim, California Host: Nevada/California Region
2002 Opryland Hotel Nashville, Tennessee Host: Tennessee Region
2001 Adams Mark Hotel Denver, Colorado Host: Colorado Region
2000 Dolphin Hotel Orlando, Florida Host: Florida Region
1999 Anaheim Hilton Anaheim, California Host: Nevada/California Region
1998 Opryland Hotel Nashville, Tennessee Host: Tennessee Region
1997 Wyndham Anatole Hotel Dallas, Texas Host: Texas Region
[edit] Famous members
- Carol M. Browner, former Environmental Protection Agency administrator – Miami-Dade College
- Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer and explorer – St. Petersburg College
- Rudy Gatlin, member of The Gatlin Brothers – Odessa College
- Fred Haise, Apollo 13 astronaut – Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Clarence Harmon, former mayor of St. Louis – St. Louis Community College
- Rich Karlgaard, Forbes Magazine publisher – Bismarck State College
- H. Ben Kinchlow, former The 700 Club co-host – Southwest Texas Junior College
- Dr. Jeane Kirkpatrick, former United Nations ambassador – Stephens College
- Jim Lehrer, journalist and PBS news anchor – Victoria College
- Francine Irving Neff, former Treasurer of the United States – Cottey College
- Mersing Nguyen, American actress – Tarrant County College
- H. Ross Perot, businessman and former presidential candidate – Texarkana College
- Dr. William Roper, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director – Florida College
- Gerald Steichen, opera and symphony conductor – Northern Oklahoma College
- Sela Ward, actress – Meridian Community College
- Michael Weiss, Olympic ice skater and American national champion – Prince Georges Community College
- Trisha Yearwood, country musician – Young Harris College
