The Official Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi Chapter T-shirts are here, available for $20 per shirt from Small to 4XL.
To order your Phi Theta Kappa Iota Member T-Shirt print and fill out the form below and submit it with payment to Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi’s Faculty Advisor Prof. Stokes-Dupass , Office N7. Across the hall from the Alumni Conference room in the Nomahegan hallway.Represent Iota Xi.
To become a member of Phi Theta Kappa is a priceless experience. I remember my first day of class feeling insecure and lost in a river of students. I knew that I wanted to make a difference and get involved in school activities, but I did not know where to begin. Thankfully, the letter of invitation to become part of Iota Xi marked the starting point for me to begin answering to these questions.
By attending meetings, volunteering for the biannual bake sales and book sales, and participating in the campus and community cleanup events, I began to see a purpose in my college experience. I finally felt that I belonged.
The ways in which Phi Theta Kappa has benefited my life are infinite, but that is not where it ends. Today, we have many scholarship opportunities available exclusively for members. In particular, I would like to mention the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program.
This program was designed for new Phi Theta Kappa members. Its purpose is to help defray educational expenses while enrolled in a two-year college in order to develop leadership potential through participation in the Society.
Leaders of Promise is the Society’s first scholarship program available to members to be used during the time they are enrolled in their community colleges. Up to 30 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded based on applications submitted by members.
To be eligible to apply, a student must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa in good standing and currently enrolled in an associate degree program, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on all college-level coursework.
If you who have completed no more than 36 semester hours (54 quarter hours) of coursework as of January 31, 2009, YOU ARE eligible to apply. However, students with previous degrees are NOT eligible.
February 12th is the start of the fundraising season for this semester. We are always looking for volunteers. This semester, we will have a bake sale, book sale, and an e-cycling drive, which is new.
The Valentine’s Bake sale is an excellent opportunity to help Phi Theta Kappa, work with other members, and meet students who stop at the table. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
The book sale, our main fundraiser, will be set up February 22 starting at 7:00 a.m. but will officially begin February 23 and will last for one week. We will begin a signup sheet on February 12th.
Finally, we have the e-cycling event coming up. We will be collecting old and/or unused cell phones and giving them to a company that has a “No Dump” policy, which is a concern for all recyclers. This will begin in the near future and if you would like the opportunity to help promote and market the event, please contact me at fundraising@PTKIotaXi.org. Thank you!
A major part of my duties is membership, which begins at the beginning of each semester. So, you can just imagine how hectic the start of this semester is already!
At the beginning of the semester, we send out letters to eligible potential members, that is, students with a 3.6 cumulative GPA, twelve UCC credits, and are enrolled full-time. This semester, we mailed out 340 letters to students who met Iota Xi’s membership requirements. Spring 2009 new member orientation sessions will be held on Thursday February 12th, and Saturday February 14th.
Forty-five potential inductees have responded so far! After orientation, prospective members have a one-on-one interview with Faculty Advisor, Professor Stokes-Dupass, and then new members are inducted during an elaborate Induction Ceremony.
This semester, the Induction will be on March 6th in the Cranford Campus Commons. We always have a good turn out and it always looks nice thanks to the help of my fellow officers. For this Induction, we have the pleasure of having an Iota Xi Alumni (former president to be exact), Philip Martin, joining us and making a short speech.
It is tradition after our Induction Ceremony to have an Honors Luncheon the following afternoon. This is a sort of welcome for new members and a time for new and old members to mingle. Also, we usually have a speaker or presentation on our Honors Topic, which is The Paradox of Affluence; Choices, Challenges, and Consequences. We have the honor of having Dr. Jeff Shalan, the coordinator of Union County College’s Honors Studies Program, speaking at Honors Luncheon this semester, which I am very excited to hear.
Officers of Iota Xi dedicate their time and culinary skills in order to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone. We also invite members from other chapters to join us. So, as you can see, I’ve been busy, and I will continue to be busy until after the Luncheon. However, I enjoy the planning, and the outcome always makes it worthwhile! See you at the Induction and the Luncheon.
vol. 1 Feb ‘09 Hello my fellow Phi Theta Kappans! Maria Conneran, Chapter President This is an exciting time for Iota Xi. Now that our hallmarks have been completed, we can focus on setting new goals for our chapter. Our calendar for spring is densely packed with events, and many opportunities for current and new member involvement. I encourage you to take the initiative in distinguishing yourself this semester. We greatly appreciate all of your help! Make sure you visit our members website at PTKIotaXi.org and get up to date on Iota Xi chapter events, happenings, and fundraisers. Interact with other members, sign up for Iota Xi text alerts, add your email address to the chapter mailing list, and subscribe to Chapter Chatter, Iota Xi’s newsletter. Iota Xi will also soon be sending members to the 2009 Regional and International Conventions. I’m really looking forward to the 2009 International this editor convenApril. Fareed tion in Texas Newsweek through this process right now and it is slightly maddening. When I did my FAFSA this weekend, it took me hours to wade through a quagmire of and W-2s tax A word from our chapter president supplemental returns. A number Zakaria will be delivering the keynote address. I expect that Professor Stokes, Megan, and I will come back with some good stories from the Lone Star State. Also, if you are planning to transfer soon, I’d like to offer a friendly reminder to get a jump-start on your transfer scholarship search. I’m going of colleges require not only the FAFSA, but materials as well, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Member Induction A major part of my duties is membership, which begins at the beginning of… What is PTK to me? Phi Theta Kappa is more than just an honor society. It is an opportunity… Feed the Mind “Knowledge Nurtures Hope” Living eight years in the United States… 4 PTKIotaXi.org The chapter blog is the place for you to interact with fellow PTKers… Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi’s Chapter Newsletter CHAPTER CHATTER Spring 2009 Membership Drive March 6th at 7:PM New member Induction At the Cranford Campus Commons. What is Phi Theta Kappa for me? Phi Theta Kappa is more than just an honor society. It is an opportunity to meet great and interesting people who very quickly become your friends. What has Phi Theta Kappa done for me? Phi Theta Kappa has helped me develop my leadership and public speaking skills, and I have learned more about team work and how to interact in a more productive way with others. Phi Theta Kappa changed my life! Before I joined Phi Theta Kappa, I didn’t know half of what I know now about different cultures, how to approach people with social problems, and most importantly how to appreciate what I have. I have also noticed that after joining the chapter my self esteem has improved a great deal. The benefits I get from Phi Theta Kappa are many! Besides learning so much from other Iota Xi members and from members of different chapters that come to our meetings and workshops, I also have the opportunity of receiving scholarships when I transfer to a four-year school. So far I have been to two admission interviews and one of the first questions I’ve been asked is “Are you a Phi Theta Kappa member?” So, if you are looking for new experiences and a chance to earn a scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa is for you! BY MEGAN ANDRADE, VP OF FELLOWSHIP A major part of my duties is membership, which begins at the beginning of each semester. So, you can just imagine how hectic the start of this semester is already! At the beginning of the semester, we send out letters to eligible potential members, that is, students with a 3.6 cumulative GPA, twelve UCC credits, and are enrolled fulltime. This semester, we mailed out 340 letters to students who met Iota Xi’s membership requirements. Spring 2009 new member orientation sessions will be held on Thursday February 12th, and Saturday February 14th. Forty-five potential inductees have responded so far! After orientation, prospective members have a one-on-one interview with Faculty Advisor, Professor Stokes-Dupass, and then new members are in- ducted during an elaborate Induction Ceremony. This semester, the Induction will be on March 6th in the Cranford Campus Commons. We always have a good turn out and it always looks nice thanks to the help of my fellow officers. For this Induction, we have the pleasure of having an Iota Xi Alu mni president (for me r to be and Consequences. We have the honor of having Dr. Jeff Shalan, the coordinator of Union County College’s Honors Studies Program, speaking at Honors Luncheon this semester, which I am very excited to hear. Officers of Iota Xi dedicate their time and culinary skills in order to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone. We also invite members from other chapters to join us. So, as you can see, I’ve Feb 12 & 14 Spring 2009 New Member Orientations exact), Philip Martin, joining us and making a short speech. It’s tradition after our Induction Ceremony to have an Honors Luncheon the following afternoon. This is a sort of welcome for new members and a time for new and old members to mingle. Also, we usually have a speaker or presentation on our Honors Topic, which is The Paradox of Affluence; Choices, Challenges, been busy, and I will continue to be busy until after the Luncheon. However, I enjoy the planning, and the outcome always makes it worthwhile! See you at the Induction and the Luncheon. Valentine’s Day Chris Mauro, VP of Fundraising February 12th is the start of the fundraising season for this semester. We are always looking for volunteers. This semester, we will have a bake sale, book sale, and an e-cycling drive, which is new. The Valentine’s Bake sale is an excellent opportunity to help Phi Theta Kappa, work with other members, and meet students who stop at the table. I look forward to seeing everyone there. The book sale, our main fundraiser, will be set up February 22nd starting at 7:00 a.m. but will officially begin February 23rd and will last for one week. We will begin a sign up sheet on February 12th. Finally, we have the e-cycling event coming up. We will be collecting old and/or unused cell phones and giving them to a company that has a “No Dump” policy, which is a concern for all recyclers. This will begin in the near future and if you would like the opportunity to help promote and market the event, please contact me at fundraising@PTKIotaXi.org. Thank you! Ivan Morocho, Leader Committee Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program! Over thirty $1000 scholarships DIANA GONZALEZ, VP OF HONORS Feed The Mind “Knowledge Nurtures Hope” Ana Maria Lopez, VP of Service Living eight years in the United States and learning the value of the opportunities that were offered to me, inspired me to begin a non-profit organization. I am proud to share with you that I registered “Feed-the-Mind” in Union County to help underprivileged children receive an education. But none of this could have been possible without the undying support of the members of Phi Theta Kappa. While stressed and overwhelmed by many obstacles that came my way, Phi Theta Kappa became my source of strength and most reliable support. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for adopting “Feed-the-Mind” as a service project for the chapter, and for helping me accomplish this project I am passionate about. With the aid of Joseph Eulo, Sheila Casey, and Diana Gonzalez I will be putting together a documentary to share with you. In it there will be footage of my trip to Colombia in which “Feed-the-Mind” sponsored a school for an entire year. You will see the impact of your kindness and generosity and the smiles you helped to place on the faces of thirty-two children in Colombia. Thank you for your help in providing hope to these children. To become a member of Phi Theta Kappa is a priceless experi‐ ence. I remember my first day of class feeling insecure and lost in a river of students. I knew that I wanted to make a difference and get involved in school activities, but I did not know where to be‐ gin. Thankfully, the letter of invi‐ tation to become part of Iota Xi marked the starting point for me to begin answering to these ques‐ tions. By attending meetings, volun‐ teering for the biannual bake sales and book sales, and partici‐ pating in the campus and commu‐ nity cleanup events, I began to see a purpose in my college ex‐ perience. I finally felt that I be‐ longed. The ways in which Phi Theta Kappa has benefited my life are infinite, but that is not where it ends. Today, we have many scholarship opportunities avail‐ able exclusively for members. In particular, I would like to mention the Leaders of Promise Scholar‐ ship Program. This program was designed for new Phi Theta Kappa members. Its purpose is to help defray edu‐ cational expenses while enrolled in a two‐year college in order to develop Society. Leaders of Promise is the Soci‐ ety’s first scholarship program available to members to be used during the time they are enrolled in their community colleges. Up to 30 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded based on applica‐ tions submitted by members. leadership potential through participation in the To be eligible to apply, a stu‐ dent must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa in good standing and currently enrolled in an associate degree program, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on all college‐level coursework. If you who have completed no more than 36 semester hours (54 quarter hours) of coursework as of January 31, 2009, YOU ARE eligible to apply. However, stu‐ dents with previous degrees are NOT eligible. All completed applications must be received (not post‐ marked) by May 1, 2009. Applica‐ tions are available at http://www.ptk.org/schol/ leadpromise/welcome.htm I ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO APPLY!! RELAY FOR LIFE : MAY 29TH STARTING AT 6 PM Phi Theta Kappa is participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The Relay for Life raises money to support cancer research, aware‐ ness, and prevention. Soon, more information about fundraising for the event will be available, including information about luminaries that can be purchased to honor the life of someone you know who has or is fighting cancer. The event will take place at Memorial Field in Cranford on May 29th starting at 6 PM The event will run until 8 AM the next morning. If you are interested in participating at the Relay or in help‐ ing with fundraising, please contact Rachel at rprib@stnicholasnj.net Iota Xi’s Chapter Members Blog is Here! Joseph Eulo, VP of Public Relations It’s here! The Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi Chapter Blog is here and it is ready for you to log on. Visit our new members website at http://www.PTKIotaXi.org and get up to date on Iota Xi chapter events, happenings, and fundraisers. Read the officer and member meeting minutes, Interact with other Iota Xi members, sign up for Iota Xi text alerts, and subscribe to the Online Version of Chapter Chatter, Iota Xi’s bi ‐monthly newsletter. The chapter blog is the place for you to interact with fellow Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi members. It was created as a place for chapter members to meet and join in fellowship with one another. Exclusively for Iota Xi chapter members! See what’s going on, sign up for chapter events and submit articles and comments about your college and Phi Theta Kappa experience. So what are you waiting for? Log on to http://www.PTKIotaXi.org and get started. The Official Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi Chapter T‐shirts are here, avail‐ able for $20 per shirt from Small to 4XL. To order your Phi Theta Kappa Iota Member T‐Shirt fill out the form below and submit it with payment to Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi ‘s Fac‐ ulty Advisor Prof. Stokes‐Dupass , Office N7. Across the hall from the Alumni Conference room in the Nomahegan hallway Name: _____________________ Email:__________________ Phone: ___________________ I am interested in the following Iota Xi T‐shirt Sizes: Small______ Medium ______ Large ______ XL______ 2XL______ 3XL______ 4XL_____ Total quantity: ______________ X $20 = Total Amount Submitted: ____________________ (Price per shirt) (Cash or Money Order total) Submit order form with Cash or Money Order (payable to Phi Theta Kappa Iota Xi UCC) to Prof. Stokes‐Dupass, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Office N7, (Across the hall from the Alumni Conference room in the Nomahegan hallway)