Skagit Valley College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter was established in 1989, but many students still aren’t aware of the club’s purpose. Despite the fact that about 150 students are members, only 15 to 20 people attend meetings and stay actively involved.
The 2011 officers plan to change that.
“We’re lighting a fire under Phi Theta Kappa,” said David Glenn, vice president of communications. “We’ve got a new focus and direction.”
Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the official honor society for community colleges. In order to become a member, a student must maintain a superior grade point average. The society has chapters across the nation and throughout the world and offers $37 million in transfer scholarships to four-year universities each year to its members.
Though SVC’s chapter has always participated in fundraisers and conferences, President Gabrielle Parsons said she really wants to see the club better serve its mission of scholarship and leadership.
“We just had a turnaround of officers so it’s time for a new awakening,” she said. “We want to work to benefit the future of the club and the community.”
In addition to getting more of the 150 members involved, Parsons and Glenn hope to raise enough money to create educational scholarships for club members, nonmembers and maybe even high school students. Beginning this month and continuing throughout the school year, the members plan to hold a voucher car wash, biscuits and gravy sale, traveling flamingo flock fundraisers and a raffle.
Parsons said they also plan to volunteer with numerous organizations throughout the island including the senior center, Boys & Girls Club and Whidbey General Hospital. The group’s first volunteer event was Sept. 24 when they helped out with the annual Tour de Whidbey.
Member Christine Pinnell said being involved with Phi Theta Kappa has forced her to meet her potential.
“I spent my nights alone studying with tears running down my face until a friend coerced me into joining,” Pinnell said. “I like the sense of community I have here.”
The members said the club has taught them a lot about leadership and that they look forward to attending regional and national conferences each year that sharpen their skills.
“We have a core group of people here who are not about what they can get of the club, but about what they can achieve for the community,” Glenn said. “Phi Theta Kappa for me is kind of like my job. We’re pretty hardcore.”
To get information about joining the club, donating to or attending a fundraiser event or having Phi Theta Kappa members volunteer at your organization, visit their Facebook page (Phi Theta Kappa of Skagit Valley College – Whidbey) or email the club advisor, Jeff Stady at jeff.stady@skagit.edu.
“We want to leave a legacy for future years,” member Lauren Cribb said.
