Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention is a three-day conference filled with events that energize, educate and recognize members, advisors and alumni. Convention attendees benefit from access to globally-recognized speakers, workshops and the exchange of ideas among thousands of members from a diverse mix of community colleges. Chapters elect future Society leaders and receive recognition for their outstanding accomplishments. Attending the Annual Convention is an experience sure to equip attendees with tools and knowledge for future success.

Now is the time to begin making your plans to attend Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, April 8-10, 2010.  Here’s a sampling of what’s in store for attendees of the 92nd Annual Convention.

1. Honors in Action Academy – learn how Honors in Action promotes opportunities for chapters and members to conduct research and employ leadership skills to make a difference through service
2. Multiple rounds of Educational Forums – on topics ranging from chapter programming to civic engagement and personal development
3. Walt Disney World® Resort – the Convention schedule includes a break on the evening of Friday, April 9 to explore the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks at a special discounted rate while not missing a moment of Convention activity.
4. Election of  Society leaders – vote for 2010-2011 International Officers and advisor representatives
5. New programs unveiled – find out all about the 2010-2011 Honors Study Topic.
6. Thought-provoking speakers – featured in all General Sessions, with interactive discussion forums following
7. Opportunities for fellowship – meet and make friends with thousands of students and faculty from all over the world
8. Award presentations – outstanding regions, chapters and individuals are recognized for excellence in the Hallmark categories of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship
9. Transfer College Fair – meet with admissions counselors offering scholarships for members
10. Marketplace – your headquarters for Recognitions and chapter sales, special exhibits and International Officer Candidate booths

Re Pets

Join the chapters of the Middle States Region at this years Regional Convention and Mini-Honors to be held February 11-14, 2010.  This year’s convention will be hosted by the Beta Alpha Phi Chapter of Hudson County Community College and will take place at the Ocean Place Hotel in Long Branch, New Jersey. Download the Registration Form (form updated 10/12/09) for additional information. You can visit the Ocean Place Hotel web site by clicking here.

Convention Keynote Speakers Announced!

Keynote speakers for the 23rd Middle States Region Annual Convention have been announced. Jon Dorenbos, long snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dave Tiberi, former IBF boxer and Wes Moore, a promising young American Leader and alumni from the Middle States Region.

The Middle States Region is excited to have these keynote speakers in our convention program.

Friday Night Keynote Speaker: Jon Dorenbos-”The Magic Man”

Jon Dorenbos spends about a dozen plays during an NFL game with his butt in the air and his body bent, staring backward at the world. The player known around the NFL as “The Magic Man” thinks it’s fitting – and a little funny – he makes his livelihood in this strange way, as the long snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles. Most everything in Dorenbos’ career – from going undrafted in 2003, undergoing five surgeries, being released three times during a six-year career and getting shoved on his back after snaps – he can take in stride.

Saturday Morning Keynote Speakers

Wes Moore a dynamic and promising young American Leader and Phi Theta Kappa Middle States Region Alum!

A former White House Fellow, 2006-2007, Wes served as a Special Assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. A paratrooper and Captain in the United States Army Reserves, he served a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with the elite 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Wes has spoken before dozens of audiences, to include 6,000 people at the first official 9/11 day of service and remembrance, and he spoke at Invesco Field, just hours before President Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for the Presidency. He is a board member of numerous non-profits, to include the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. He currently serves as an investment professional in New York.

Dave Tiberi, Former IBF Boxer

At the final bell, James Toney, the International Boxing Federation middleweight champion, slumped over from the waist, his mouth wide open in pain, his arms hanging free. The champion was exhausted.
The match against an unheralded challenger, Dave Tiberi, was supposed to have been a breeze. It was not. The 27-year-old Tiberi, an inspirational speaker and Sunday school teacher from New Castle, Del., was tireless and determined. He pressured Toney from the opening bell, rushing off his stool at the start of each round to do combat. It was a grinding bout that left the 23-year-old Toney exhausted on a stool in midring at the bout’s conclusion and having a cramped right calf massaged while Tiberi danced about the ring with his arms upraised, as though he had won. All he won was a moral victory. The One That Counts.

Middle States Region on the Map …Click and Explore!

Middle States Regional President of Service, Karly Chester has compiled the first ever interactive map of the Middle States Region. The map shows all of the chapters of the Middle States Region, location of the Regional Team and other points of interest.

One of the most helpful tools of this Middle States Region at-a- glance map is when you click on a chapter, a pop up box appears and lists important information about the chapter such as college address, chapter advisor contact information and chapter leadership. Email links are provided when available. Information listed on the Headquarters site was used for this map. If a change needs to be made, please email Karly Chester or Pattie Van Atter.

Click here to explore the Middle States Region!

By Megan Andrade, Vice President of Fellowhip

I thought the mentoring was very informational. I learned a lot about our generation, the millennials, which really gave me a sense of who I am and who a majority of my mentees will be. The 30/30’s helped me to see not only what I know, but let me in on another person and here there thoughts and opinions throughout the presentation. I feel it was a great leadership experience for all of us and will definitely guide us into becoming successful mentors.

I also think it went very well. I think we made a connection with them that they won’t forget and they might feel more willing to participate and interact as a Phi Theta Kappan. However, it did get a little hectic once we were trying to start the ceremony so maybe next semester we should take turns, like 2 or 3 people at a time look for the mentees, and when they are finished, then 2 or 3 more people go. Something like that because when everyone’s looking for there mentees, no one is doing anything else and people are coming in and it just gets too hectic!.

Induction went really great. I love the mentor cards and the mentoring idea. I think it fosters great leadership ability and awesome fellowship.  Especially for me since I hate talking to people I don’t know but I did it and I am going to follow up and send an email out to the mentees I met.

Scholarships

“Common Roots” The 2009-2010 Middle States Regional Honors In Action Program

MILLENIALS

Getting Connected

My Iota Xi Family

It was good to see so many beautiful and familiar faces yesterday, you don’t know how much I have missed them! You all make me feel good every time I see your smiles, and that means a lot to me! I owe a great deal of my success to you all and couldn’t of done it without your support. Thank you for believing in me and for being great friends!

I know that this is the year, more than ever, Iota Xi will reach out and join in fellowship with other chapters and make a difference in our communities. We will do wonderful things, explore interesting topics, and share great moments and memories together that will last a lifetime.

We have great leadership and a fantastic advisor. I am honored to part of such an exceptional team. Each one of you brings a unique and valuable perspective to the table. I encourage you to Explore, Understand, and Share it with us all. I believe in every single one of you and there is no doubt in my mind that you will all make great servant leaders. I envy you and wish you the best on the journey your about to take!

As Zig Zigglar on said, motivational speaker that has touched my life, “ If you think you can, or you think you can’t, your right 100% of the time” So Think I can, I will, and I must and believe in yourself and you WILL unleash your potential and not only make a difference in your own lives but in the lives of others! Have a great semester, and I will see you on campus!