Michelle Calderon, a student at Northeast Texas Community College in Texas, has received the Gordon Graham Leadership and Ethics in Criminal Justice Scholarship of $1,250 from the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
This scholarship is awarded to only one Phi Theta Kappa member nationwide who is enrolled in an associate degree program in a criminal justice field at a regionally accredited college.
Michelle Calderon commented: “My passion has always been in criminal justice and being the recipient of the Gordan Graham Leadership and Ethics Scholarship is a great honor. Being in the finalist interview with Mr. Graham was very nerve-wracking, but all of the men were very kind and intrigued by my story and my achievements. It was comforting to have Mr. Brame, the Executive Director, in the panel as he was in the previous interview. At the end of the interview, I felt unsure of where I stood for the scholarship, but when Mr. Gordon said that "without a doubt" I was the recipient, I felt extremely relieved and excited. Without Northeast Texas Community College, I wouldn't have so many opportunities, for that I am forever thankful."
The Graham Scholarship was established by IPSLEI and Phi Theta Kappa in honor of Gordon Graham. Graham is a retired law enforcement commander, attorney, internationally known speaker, author, and lecturer in criminal justice and risk management.
IPSLEI brings the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career, rather than waiting until a person is promoted into a supervisory position. This program is based on the belief that one need not be a supervisor or manager to understand leadership principles and contribute to the leadership process.
Elizabeth Bailey, Criminal Justice faculty member, noted “I have been lucky enough to have Michelle in both a high school classroom and in a college classroom here at Northeast Texas Community College. She has never failed to surpass any and all academic expectations, as she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to learning and a strong work ethic. Beyond her academic achievements, Michelle is a respectful and collaborative member of our academic community. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her academic pursuits and make valuable contributions to her future endeavors! She is absolutely someone that has all the potential to positively impact her field of choice, and I enjoy watching her continue to soar and succeed.”
Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
