Whether it’s chaperoning students at conferences, guiding the club’s officers in their quest to improve their leadership, or walking onto campus and seeing the fruits of the students’ labor, being a faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society of the two-year college) is by far one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my tenure here at Grossmont College.

When I joined Tony Ding as co-advisor of last fall, in addition to having a new advisor (me), we had a complete turnover of officers, and a new Honors Study topic (“Popular Culture: Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are”). These changes allowed us to construct a strong sense of cohesiveness and commitment as we worked to develop a clear vision for our group.

Among other accomplish-ments, since last semester, Phi Theta Kappa has: hosted two “Welcome Back” events for Grossmont faculty and staff; held a supplies drive for victims of the hurricane in Florida; raised nearly $1500 for breast cancer research; assisted at Grossmont College Foundation’s Walk of Fame Gala; attended various fellowship events such as lunch at Seaport Village, shopping trips at Border’s for children’s books, and attendance at Griffins’ football games; assisted at Rios Elementary School’s Literacy Night; and raised over $2000 for victims of the tsunami given through Rescue Task Force.

We have much more ahead of us, and as we continue to grow (last semester we had 85 students enroll as members bringing us to a grand total of 227 members), we hope to contribute even more to our college, our community and our world. Vanesa Banister, President of Phi Theta Kappa has said that our organization has given her the opportunities necessary to expand her leadership skills as well as grow in her academics. Phi Theta Kappa encourages, facilitates and rewards academic success. Shannen Kahler, Director of Leadership and Public Relations, has taken part in many of our events and has told me that “nothing makes me happier than being in the pursuit of service for others.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education whose primary purpose is to recognize scholarly achievement among two-year college students. Benefits for students include transcript notation, tassel and stole privileges at commencement ceremonies, access to scholarships which are specific to PTK members and letters of recommendation from faculty and college administrators. Grossmont’s chapter, which is the brain child of President Ted Martinez, Jr., has only been in existence for six years, but it has contributed to the regional board of officers and made a very strong run for the presidency of the international student board. We have come a long way in a very short time.

In addition to recognizing scholarly achievement, Phi Theta Kappa seeks to provide students opportunity for personal growth through involvement in a variety of programs centered on the four hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service. In working toward these hallmarks, Phi Theta Kappa provides an Honors Study topic as a platform for examination of a timely, interdisciplinary subject that is of relevance to all fields of study.

Editor's Note:
At press time, Grossmont College President Dr. Ted Martinez, Jr., was informed that the Beta Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has received the national organization's Pinnacle Silver Level scholarship award in recognition of the chapter's accomplishments. To earn the Pinnacle Silver Chapter designation, a chapter must increase its membership acceptance rate by 10 percent over the previous year. In recognition of this achievement, the chapter received $100 for the organization's discretionary uses. "I continue to be impressed by the leadership and energy of our Phi Theta Kappa students, as well as the dedication of their advisors, as we grow the Grossmont College Beta Theta Chi Chapter to provide even more opportunities to showcase student success," said Dr. Martinez.