In recognition of tonight's Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony, I am pleased to take this opportunity to reflect on my personal experiences with the International Honor Society of the Two-Year College.
My first contact with Phi Theta Kappa was as a candidate for membership in the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. I didn't know much about the organization, except for the information that was provided in the orientation, but my father encouraged me to pay the membership dues and join. He suggested that membership in the honor society might provide some good opportunities. In hindsight, his advice could not have been more accurate.
Always one to take an active role, I was elected president of the local chapter. My office gave me the opportunity to work with other bright students in a variety of different fields. Together, we learned about the Hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa: Scholarship, Fellowship, Leadership and Service. We learned by practicing them -- in organizing campus events, running meetings, attending regional workshops and engaging in discussions on a wide range of topics. My involvement in Phi Theta Kappa also gave me the opportunity to work with faculty members and college administrators outside the classroom. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I now suppose that interaction was an important influence in my career path.
After graduating from FMCC, I went on to earn higher degrees from Union College and the University of Pensylvania. Since Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society of two-year colleges, I didn't have much contact with the organization in the years immediately following my graduation from FMCC, but my membership in Phi Theta Kappa was still working for me. I listed my membership prominently on my transfer applications and my graduate school applications. In fact, I still list Phi Theta Kappa on my resume to this day. Union, like many other colleges and universities, provided sizable transfer scholarships to attract bright community college students. I benefitted financially from those scholarships. I also benefitted from the confidence and organizational skills that I practiced in Phi Theta Kappa. Most of all, I benefitted from the friendships that I made in Phi Theta Kappa, some of which are still strong to this day.
Although I could not have planned it in advance, my life course eventually brought me back to FMCC as a faculty member. Before too long, I volunteered my services as a co-advisor to the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter. Eventually, I became the senior faculty advisor and helped students in the chapter to develop on-campus activities, to participate in regional events and to work on Phi Theta Kappa's Five-Star awards program. As our chapter grew, we began to participate in regional events throughout New York State. I met faculty advisors and students from other campuses, some of whom are still my colleagues and friends. It was another great experience for me and I hope for the students, too.
As my career path again began to evolve, I moved to various administrative positions. No longer was I in the position of a faculty advisor, but my offices often gave me the opportunity to support the organization that had been so meaningful to me as a student and a young faculty member. I would offer remarks at Phi Theta Kappa ceremonies, help to cut through administrative red-tape and do my best to support the enthusiastic efforts of some of the best and brightest students on campus. In 2008, I was honored that members of the local chapter nominated me for the Administrator of Distinction Award. Knowing that Phi Theta Kappa is a huge organization with chapters throughout the country and all over the world, I honestly did not expect to receive an award, but I was honored that students on my campus thought that I was worthy. Lo and behold, in the spring of 2009, I attended the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention in Grapevine, Texas, to receive the award before one of the most enthusiastic groups of conventioneers that I have ever seen. The magnitude and the organization of the convention reminded me once again that Phi Theta Kappa is truly a remarkable organization.
So tonight, as the Alpha Pi Tau chapter of Phi Theta Kappa inducts its newest members, I again will wear the Phi Theta Kappa Key on my lapel. I am proud to have been a student member, a faculty advisor and now a huge fan and supporter of this outstanding group of students. Please join me in congratulating the newest members on our campus. I hope through their active involvement in Phi Theta Kappa, that they, too, will find opportunities throughout their lifetimes.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Please feel free to e-mail me your thoughts at presidentsblog@clinton.edu.
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