What is Phi Theta Kappa?
(Information contained in this article is derived from www.ptk.org,
the Official web site of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.)
 

Phi Theta Kappa Mission Statement
"The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence."
  
Organization Overview
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society was established in 1918 by Missouri two-year college presidents and has since grown into the largest honor society in American higher education, with over 1.3 million members and 1200 chapters throughout the 50 United States, U.S. territories, Canada, Germany, and Japan. In 1929, Phi Theta Kappa became recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year colleges. In 2000, the organization gained recognition from the Association of College Honor Societies as the general scholarship honor society for institutions that grant associate degrees.  It is estimated that 200,000 students participate in Phi Theta Kappa programs each year.  Annually, more than 82,000 students are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. The average age of a new member is 29, with ages ranging from 18 to 80. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible for membership.

When it was founded, Phi Theta Kappa was patterned after the prestigious senior college honor society, Phi Beta Kappa. Accordingly, membership was conferred at graduation and members were offered few programs or services. The 1960s saw a tremendous expansion of the community college system and this led Phi Theta Kappa to expand its mission to more closely reflect the nurturing philosophy of these institutions. Students were inducted as freshmen  so they had more opportunity to avail themselves of the organization's ever-expanding array of services, innovative programs, and membership benefits, which are now unequaled among honor societies. The programs offered focus upon the Society's four hallmarks:

Scholarship activities often focus on the Society's International Honors Topic, which changes evbery two years.  Our chapter also works with children in various projects, serving as role models while demonstrating the value and importance of education.  Leadership activities provide opportunities for members to develop strong leadership skills while serving as leaders on campus and in the community.  Leadership opportunities are also available at the regional and international levels of the Society.  Service activities are diverse and provide members with a way to give something back to their school, their community, and beyond. We also participate in Phi Theta Kappa's International Service Project, whic also changes every two years.  Some of our other service projects have included a Red Cross Relief Fund Drive for 9/11, Adopt-a-Highway, First Mentors with Big Brothers and Big SIsters, Habitat for Humanities, Hurricane Katrina Relief, and Relay for Life.  Fellowship activities encourage friendships between society members at all levels within the organization as well as with fellow students who share similar interests. We also attend various fellowship events throughout the region.

The Pi Omega Chapter, at Danville Area Community College, was chartered in 1967.  The chapter had not been very active or visible.  In January of 2001, a group of 10 members and a new Chapter Advisor set out to change that.  Membership more than doubled that semester, quadrupled the following Fall, and continues to grow each year.  The chapter is now very active and, in only its first year of renewed vigor,, went from total inactivity to being a fully developed Five Star Chapter who's programs won several regional and international awards, including the Illinois Region's Most Improved Chapter 2002 Award and an International Distinguished Chapter 2002 Award.  Pi Omega has continued its award-winning programming since then, is is highly visible on campus, in the community, and within the region.  Opportunities now abound for members of this dedicated chapter,  however participation in activities is not required for membership.

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