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Greetings Michigan Region! Following are the awards that we as a region, chapters, and members have brought home from the International Convention/NerdNation! Some of these awards were announced in the April Newsletter, but here are the 2014 International Hallmark awards for the Michigan Region in their entirety. Continued Excellence Award For Regions: Michigan Region Dr. Kari Kahler, Regional Coordinator Distinguished Honors In Action Project: Alpha Tau Alpha Montcalm Community College Shirley B. Gordon Award Of Distinction: Dr. Daniel Phelan Jackson College Distinguished College Administrator Award: William Whitman Mid Michigan Community College Paragon Awards For New Advisors: Al Nowak Mu Tau Lansing Community College Nancy Shockley Alpha Omicron Psi Oakland Community College, Royal Oak/Southfield Campus Distinguished Advisor Award: Todd Alan Stowell Omicron Iota Schoolcraft College Continued Excellence Award For Advisors: Jennifer McCabe Beta Lambda Kappa Macomb Community College
~ SCHOLARSHIP ~ LEADERSHIP ~ SERVICE ~ FELLOWSHIP ~
~ WISDOM ~ ASPIRATION ~ PURITY ~
THE MICHIGANDER May 2014
Inside this issue: « Greetings Michigan Region!
Pg. 1 « Memories of International
Convention Pg. 3 « NerdNation 2014: What a
Trip! Pg. 5 « NerdNation Pg. 6 « Stand Your Ground Pg. 7 « Phi Theta Kappa: A Family
Affair Pg. 7 « Sarah’s Memories of
International Convention Pg. 9
« Announcements Pg. 10 « Upcoming Events Pg. 10 « Your Turn Pg. 10
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Alumni Awards Of Appreciation: Monica Burchi Nominated By Beta Lambda Kappa Jenny Nelson Nominated By Alpha Omicron Gamma Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Awards: Alpha Rho Pi Northwestern Michigan College Beta Lambda Kappa Macomb Community College Top 100 Chapters: Alpha Rho Nu Kalamazoo Valley Community College Alpha Tau Alpha Montcalm Community College Five Star Chapter Plan: Five Star Level: Alpha Omicron Gamma
Kirtland Community College
Alpha Omicron Omicron Mid Michigan Community College
Alpha Omicron Rho Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus
Alpha Rho Lambda Jackson College
Alpha Rho Nu Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Alpha Rho Pi Northwestern Michigan College
Alpha Tau Alpha Montcalm Community College
Alpha Upsilon Zeta Wayne County Community College District
Alpha Xi Delta Bay De Noc Community College
Beta Gamma Alpha Washtenaw Community College
Beta Lambda Kappa Macomb Community College
Beta Xi Xi Muskegon Community College
Lambda Mu St. Clair County Community College
Mu Tau Lansing Community College
Omicron Iota Schoolcraft College
Xi Delta Delta College
Four Star Level: Alpha Nu Eta Kellogg Community College
Alpha Omicron Kappa Oakland Community College, Highland Lakes Campus
Alpha Omicron Psi Oakland Community College, Royal Oak/Southfield Campus
Alpha Xi Mu Henry Ford Community College
Two Star Level: Alpha Delta Omega Glen Oaks Community College
Sigma Psi Southwestern Michigan College
One Star Level: Alpha Omicron Iota Mott Community College
Alpha Omicron Upsilon North Central Michigan College
Alpha Phi Phi West Shore Community College
Also this past week 33 Former Phi Theta Kappa Advisors were named Advisors Emeriti, including: Dr. Lillie McCain Former advisor of Alpha Omicron Iota Mott Community College Thomas Obee Former Michigan Regional Coordinator Former advisor of Lambda Mu St. Clair County Community College
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Being the type of learner that I am, I remember the experiences and who I was with more than I can recall the many valuable workshop lectures and keynote addresses that were presented at the International Convention/NerdNation. Following I have relayed my narrative of what stands out most in these memories of the International Convention/NerdNation 2014… We arrived in Orlando on Wednesday afternoon and registered for the International Convention later that night. The next morning we received our Continuing Excellence Region ribbons and while some of us attended the Leadership Academy, I and a couple of others volunteered to work the Region’s table at the marketplace. While at the marketplace, Phi Theta Kappa’s Courtney Lange, Associate Director of Regional and Chapter Development -‐ Division II, stopped by our table, and I explained to her the purpose behind the Region’s pins and challenge coins. The purpose behind the Regional Pins and Challenge Coins is to raise funds for the Michigan Nathaniel Erickson (MI-‐NE) Oberndorf Memorial Scholarship. As many of you may know, Nathaniel Erickson (Nater) was the 2011-‐12 Regional Vice President; Nater lost his battle with cancer in March of 2013. Then in May 2013, the 2012-‐13 Regional Vice President, Katrina Case-‐Soper, initiated the MI-‐NE Oberndorf scholarship in his honor. The highest scoring applicant of the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship from Michigan, who, like Nater, has faced difficulties in their journey to completion, will be awarded this scholarship to assist them in obtaining their associate degree or certificate. After explaining this to Courtney Lange, she said that she must introduce me to Justin Oberndorf, the son of Lou and Rosemary Oberndorf who established the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship, so that I can show him the coin and explain to him the meaning behind it also. While making our way through the marketplace we came across Katrina Case-‐Soper, and I introduced her to Courtney Lange also, and she asked Katrina to join us in meeting Justin Oberndorf. Courtney Lange introduced us to Justin Oberndorf and Katrina explained to him the MI-‐NE Oberndorf scholarship, and I told him about the challenge coin. Following this, Courtney Lange asked us to visit the video recording
booth and share our story with the camera, which with several retakes on my part, we did. I then attended an Educational forum, titled A Graduate Degree: Your Stepping Stone to Leadership, Service, and Success. In this workshop I learned about what it takes and how to go about choosing and applying for the graduate program and institution of my choice. Following the Educational Forum, I met up with the rest of the Regional team to attend the Flag Bearer and Regional Recognition Ceremony rehearsal. There was a bit of time before the rehearsal in which we had the pleasure to meet the new Regional Officer team of our sister Region of Alabama, and also catch up with some old friends whom we have not seen since Honors Institute, or whom we have only known from Facebook. Following the rehearsal we had to rush back to our rooms to get changed for the Regional Business Meeting, which followed shortly after. It was good to be reunited with members of the Michigan Region. The business meeting began with a call to order, then the sponsor of our meeting gave a brief presentation, then both Mia Ramos and Paige Still shared with us an update from Headquarters, then we had Markus Davis II, and Sarah Osen take five minutes to share their International Officer Candidate platforms, we then discussed regular business, and concluded with handing out new Regional t-‐shirts to all in attendance. Following the Regional Business Meeting was the First General Session/Opening Ceremonies, and keynote address by explorer, mountaineer, and author, Alison Levine. While the main part of the attendees were sitting in the main auditorium, the regional teams were in the backroom waiting to be called on stage for the Flag Bearer and Regional Recognition Ceremony. We had a surprise up our sleeves for Phi Theta Kappa that night. While all of the other Regional teams dressed in their nicest business attire and some even coordinated their outfits, we on the other had followed in the spirit of the weekend and came out wearing lab coats, pocket protectors, and nerd glasses. Needless to say, the name of Michigan Region made an impression on the 4000+ attendees that night.
Memories of International Convention
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(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) What I remember most from Alison Levine’s presentation are two lessons. « One, the journey to your goal is not always a straight
line and may be filled with situations that might seem like setbacks. She shared her experience of climbing Mt. Everest and how she was required to climb up to a certain elevation, and then have to return to a lower elevation, repeatedly, just to prepare her for the final ascent.
« The second lesson I remember, is that in her first attempt she failed to reach the top of mount Everest by a couple hundred feet when she was forced to turn back due to unsuitable conditions. She taught us that even if you fall short of reaching your goal, the attempt to reach your goal is worth the effort, just because you become stronger through the experience.
Following the First General Session/Opening Ceremonies was the college fair, and the marketplace was reopened. I had the honor to meet Isa Adney in person; she signed a book for me, and I got my picture taken with her! Now I have a signed copy of her book, Community College Success, and I also have my first copy of her book to give away. So, if any of you are interested, I will give it to the first person that expresses interest at the Regional Convention. As I walked through the college fair, I found one university from Michigan, Western Michigan University. The recruiter was very helpful and friendly, and is spoken highly of by former president of Alpha Rho Nu, Adam Lozier. I had the chance to talk with Paige Still during this time also, and I asked her about a problem that a CORE chapter I serve has been having. The problem was that every time their advisor would attempt to log into ptk.org, the password would not work, and the advisor would then have to reset the password. As a result, the chapter has not been able to report their Five Star Chapter Development status or the status of their officer team. Paige explained that the problem was probably that the advisor never had their user account set up properly, and that she would be happy to help the advisor get the problem resolved. So, if this has been
your experience also, please contact Paige Still at (800) 946-‐9995 ext. 2554 or [email protected] so that your chapter can keep track of their Five Star Chapter Development, and the status of your officer team. Thus ended day one of the International Convention. Day two began again with selling Regional Challenge Coins and Pins at the Marketplace with Alan, following which we made our way to the Second General Session. During the Second General Session, we were introduced to the International Officers Candidate Finalists, and received a keynote address by Dr. Rod Risley. I was disappointed, and a little crushed, that our own Markus Davis II and Sarah Osen were not among the finalists. They have been exceptional leaders in their chapters and colleges, and with their teammates, have made excellent accomplishments this year.
What I remember most about Dr. Rod Risley’s presentation was the line, “It is cool to be a nerd, because your country needs you to be.” Following the Second General Session I took some time to just wander about and fellowship with some familiar faces. Including a nice time catching up with the officers of Alpha Xi Mu on
the Boardwalk for a few minutes. Then came the Third General Session, which included another keynote speaker who discussed frontiers in the field of oceanography. After this was our free time, so for the evening I joined the officer team of Alpha Rho Nu and went to Downtown Disney until I could join up with my CORE chapter of Xi Delta later that evening. They surprised me when they offered to cover my bill for dinner, and I would like to thank them again for it. I fellowshipped late into the night with the officers of Xi Delta, and then called it a day. Day three began with a special presentation for Competitive Edge members only, titled The Passion Project: Inspiring Students to Succeed! The speaker was Kevin C. Snyder from Campuspeak.
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(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) Kevin C. Snyder was a very charismatic speaker, and shared with us some of his experiences and what lessons he has learned from them. The phrase that sticks with me the most is that “a setback is only a step back if you fail to learn from it, otherwise it is a step up” because you can learn from it. Following this presentation, I caught up with my CORE chapter of Alpha Tau Alpha and worked on my farmer’s tan by the pool until the next Educational Forum, where I attended the workshop Success Tips: Finding Scholarships & Your Best Fit Four Year College. The speaker was CollegeFish.org’s own Joshua Hancock. It was a good presentation based mainly on the how to use CollegeFish.org to locate transfer institutions and scholarships that best fit you by listing your preference criteria on CollegeFish.org accurately. Following the Educational Forum I returned to my room to prepare for the Hallmark Awards Gala. The Hallmark Awards Gala was excellent. As you can see on pages (insert page numbers), Michigan brought home many awards. After the Hallmark Awards Gala was the formal dinner, in the later part of the dinner was the napkin game. At first I avoided it, by wandering around and catching up with various chapters from the Region. Then
as the population of the room decreased, I became lassoed, if you will, while I was talking with the officers of Alpha Xi Mu again, as the following evidence indicates. Following the formal dinner was the dance; I stayed for the dance for few minutes, and then caught up with Alpha Tau Alpha again to do some swimming. We swam, sat
in the hot tub, I got dunked by a couple of deceptively sweet and innocent looking officers of Alpha Tau Alpha, and after a few hours we decided to call it a day. So ended the third day of the International Convention, and the day following was the return home. All in all the International Convention/NerdNation was an amazing experience; I learned a few new lessons, I met and reunited with some amazing people, and I returned inspired anew to pursue the four Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Michael Owens Public Relations/Historian Michigan Region
Looking back at that weekend all I can think about is wow. With this being my 7th International Convention it still excites me. It also teaches me lessons. One is that being an alumnus you see the convention in a new light. I loved seeing the faces on those that were at their first one and see the shock and awe. With being an alumnus I was able to help out with the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation booth and meet other alumni from all over the country and world. Hearing the speakers talk about reaching your goals no matter how high they are or how
deep they are. Saturday night with the election of the new International officers is humbling, seeing those that have Phi Theta Kappa foremost in their heart stepping up. All and all this trip will be one of the best parts of my life. Dan Martiny Public Relations/Historian Michigan Region Alumni Association
NerdNation 2014: What A Trip!
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While speakers at NerdNation were inspiriting, I found the most inspiring were the people that I see on a weekly basis. After going to Florida for the convention I learned so much about my advisor, Spanish teacher and fellow officers of my chapter. While these people were not on the big stage with all eyes on them, they made the trip well worth it. Listening to other’s stories, and just learning more about the people around me was motivating in itself. Before going to Florida, I only knew my Spanish teacher Lucy Andarcia was originally from Venezuela, and she was very enthusiastic. After the weekend I got to know her as a person, and less as just a teacher I had for class. I am so thankful for her to open up about her life. It was very moving for not only me, but my other officers to hear about her dream of coming to the United States. While we all take things for granted, it takes someone else to remind us how lucky we are. We are given the opportunity to go to college and better ourselves. Other people don’t have this so easily available. Along with learning about my Spanish teacher, I learned more about my other officers in a weekend than the past seven months. While most of the time I saw the other officers it was in business mode, this weekend gave me a chance to see the true them. I learned that the Florida air made Josh Prezter Vice President of College project, and Ray Jones Vice President of Fundraising, extremely hilarious. Maybe it wasn’t Florida, but that we all had the chance to hang out and relax! Along with seeing Josh come out of his shell, I saw another side of Charlie, my chapter’s
president, also a less business mode of him. As for Gavin, Vice President of Harrison campus, well he was the usual Gavin. Not only did I learn about my fellow officers, I also learned more about my advisor, Tammy Alvaro. Before going to Florida I knew Tammy was a very caring person, but it really shined through down south. Throughout the trip she made sure that everyone was having the time of their life, and getting everything NerdNation had to offer. What really stuck out the most was when we went to Disney. While she
didn’t have to get us a souvenir, she got us each a pin of a Disney character with nerd glasses on. While this may seem unimportant and just a pin, to me the pin will always remind me of the family I developed through Phi Theta Kappa. When I first started Phi Theta Kappa in November of 2013, I wasn’t sure what to
expect. I barely knew what NerdNation was, or really what I would learn from Phi Theta Kappa. After the past 7 months I have learned so much about the people around me, and about myself. I am thankful I was given the opportunity to work along with people I would of never thought I would even talk to. I am saddened that I am graduating this spring, but I will forever remember NerdNation 2014. Kayla Starkey Vice President of Honors in Action Alpha Omicron Omicron Mid-‐Michigan Community College
NerdNation 6
Destruction surrounds you, trying to devour, the fight is hard which you must endure. The battle seems endless without triumph. Keeping your feet fixed never moving backward. Head high standing your ground. Combating through all of the torment, mental and physical, this fight must be fought. The courage and strength it takes to do battle with this mammoth foe helps to build you into a powerful force that will aid you to do great works down the road.
Aggressors are everywhere and test your reserve, they are nothing but self-‐loathing individuals that can be transformed. Battling them not to destroy, maybe a light will go on. Your battle wounds, wear them proud knowing nothing can keep you down. Go forward with your head held high, striving for the sky. Trish Sanders Alpha Omicron Gamma Kirtland Community College
Many students head off to college excited to leave their parents at home. Never one to do the “normal” thing, I decided to attend Montcalm Community College (MCC) with my mom, Lori Reppert, in January 2005. If you can imagine it, I was actually in the same class with both my mom and my sister one semester. After my first semester as a student at MCC, I got the invitation to join Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA), MCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Like happens all too often, I passed on the opportunity; so did my mom when she got an invitation. The same thing happened the following semester. When the invitation arrived in September 2006, I decided that I would finally take the leap and join. However, I told my mom that I would only do it if she would too. At first she passed it off, but I kept pestering her about it until she finally agreed. To this day, we are both grateful that I wouldn’t give
up until we both joined, because we have grown immensely and created some amazing memories together with our fellow chapter members and Phi Theta Kappans. One of my favorite stories is how I became a chapter officer. When it was time for chapter elections at the end of the Spring 2007 semester, my mom decided to run for an office, but I did not. Admittedly, I was much too shy at the time to even speak up in chapter meetings, much less consider running for an office.
However, when my mom was elected Treasurer, I became more involved with ATA. When it came time to attend Leadership/Mock Chapter in September of 2007 at Northwestern Michigan College, Debbi Alexander (our advisor) asked me to join them because I had done so much work with the chapter. Over the course of the weekend,
Stand Your Ground
Phi Theta Kappa: A Family Affair
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I fell in love with Phi Theta Kappa. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with creating a chapter from scratch, planning an entire year’s worth of chapter projects, and writing four Hallmarks all in one extremely sleep-‐deprived weekend? In fact, I fell so in love with Phi Theta Kappa that weekend that I went to the convention as a member and came home the Vice President of Scholarship. While at the convention, Debbi saw my newfound excitement for Phi Theta Kappa and suggested that our Chapter President, Gerin Moblo, appoint me to the office. As the popular saying goes, “The rest is history.” Even though I’ve since graduated from both MCC and Aquinas College, I have to laugh because I’ve never really left MCC or ATA. In fact, I now work at MCC and still regularly attend chapter meetings because I love MCC, my chapter, and Phi Theta Kappa so much. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and I can’t put into words how grateful I am. In return for all that they have given me, I feel it
is my duty to give back as an alumna. Although she hasn’t been able to be as active as she’d like, my mom is also an alumna and still helps the chapter when she can. We both agree that new member inductions and regional conventions are a must for us. After all, what better places are there to share Phi Theta Kappa love than inductions and conventions? Although my journey with Phi Theta Kappa began as a true family affair, one thing has become increasingly clear to me throughout the years: Phi Theta Kappa is a family affair. In our pursuit of knowledge, we form friendships that evolve into families that last a lifetime. My only regret is that I didn’t join the family sooner.
Jennifer VanderSlik Alumna Alpha Tau Alpha Montcalm Community College
Success Is not always winning an award or receiving a title. Sometimes it takes not getting these things in order to realize how far you've come. How well are you able to succeed in accepting a different path if Plan A does not work out? During our most recent trip to the Annual Convention in Orlando, I succeeded in running for International Office. Our chapter succeeded in representing our region, and as a team we grew exponentially. The amount of support I received throughout the campaign process has left me astounded. Though I did not proceed to become a finalist, I realized there were
limitless opportunities waiting for me when I got home! My journey through Orlando has been very special. I was looking forward to meeting and interacting with other Phi Theta Kappa members and I succeeded in my goal of reaching out to them and making some kind of impact. Our officer team was able to enjoy the last couple of days together,reflecting over a whole year of hard work and experiences, all while creating even more priceless memories. Our bond that we have formed over this past year has now been cemented through this journey. My love for them and our society has grown. Throughout our stay, the message of the power of acceptance was pertinent.
Sarah ’s Memories of International Convention
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Not only was diversity a hot topic in The Phi Theta Kappa Academy and our Regional Breakout Session, but also it was carried through our society's members. My gratitude towards those who have come forward to offer their words of esteem and wisdom is great.
One of my most favorite memories of this trip was when a girl from another chapter invited me and my friends to listen and
sing with her group. There was a man playing the guitar in the middle of the semi-‐circle. I remember harmonizing with him and listening intently to the silences between the notes. I knew how to keep my part just soft enough to not take over his voice, but complement it. As more drew to the crowd, I remembered that this was what is most important to me: Finding this group to 'harmonize' with, and have our voices heard. My main message during the campaign was to be true to your heart. I think I succeeded in doing that. And after all, I wouldn't ask someone to do what I wasn't willing to do first. I know my message got heard, I know I did the best I could and in that there is no regret. Do not let anyone ever take your voice. Sometimes it's the ones who can't speak up who need you, not the ones who already can.
And sometimes the ones who already can won't notice until after the crowd has vanished. Johann Sebastian Bach is now considered one of the greatest composers of all time, and as one of the most performed and recorded artists, is the main factor that propelled music into where it is today. He created contrasting melodies and was the first to use "many voices" at one time. Everything did not happen right away for Bach, however. After his death in 1750, his work was so unrecognized that it is said butcher's used his manuscripts to wrap meat and children colored on them as scrap paper. It took 80 years for his work to become revisited and recognized as genius. There was a scramble to accumulate and account for all of his work that could be found, and as a result 60 huge volumes were filled with his music. Success is not always measured by immediate gratification or the obvious indications of medals and plaques. It is by the people you intrinsically affect with the work of your heart, and what you chose to accept in your mind. Sarah Osen President Omicron Iota Schoolcraft College
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« Phi Theta Kappa’s Golden Key News Briefs will now be sent to chapter and regional officers on a
weekly basis. Chapter officers, Please ensure that your advisor has you listed as a chapter officer on ptk.org to receive these weekly news briefs.
« All members can now update their user profile and preferred e-‐mail on ptk.org« If you are not yet on the Regional e-‐mail list, you should be. Just send an e-‐mail to
[email protected] requesting to join and we will add you. It is the best way for you to keep up to date with important updates in the Region.
2014 Regional Convention May 16-‐18, 2014
Northwestern Michigan College For more information please contact Alpha Rho Pi at [email protected]
2014 Leadership Conference September 5-‐7, 2014 Leelanau Outdoor Center More information to come
2014 May 19: Alpha Omicron Rho's charter date May 30: Honors Institute Regular Registration Deadline May 30: Oberndorf Scholarship Application Due June 2: Nu Omicron's charter date
June 5: Alpha Upsilon Zeta's charter date June 7: Omicron Iota's charter date June 8: Alpha Xi Mu's charter date June 16-‐21: 2014 Honors Institute
What has your experience been as a member of Phi Theta Kappa? What has your chapter been doing recently? Does your chapter have an event that they would like to announce? Do you have some words of wisdom, a short story, or piece of poetry to share? Any and all submissions related to Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship, and Phi Theta Kappa programming are most welcome. You can send your articles to [email protected] to see them in an upcoming newsletter.
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