The Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa held its annual Texas Honors Institute as a virtual event July 17 – 19. A total of 428 members gathered for three days of learning and bonding, with guest speakers, seminar group discussions, and interactive virtual fellowship events. The event was planned and coordinated by the Texas Regional leadership team, which includes NTCC’s own Katelyn Kimbrough, who currently serves as the Texas Regional President for Phi Theta Kappa. Kimbrough opened the convention by welcoming all who could attend the virtual event.
Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, had 13 registered representatives at the conference, including Regional President Kimbrough. Attending were Chapter President, Carolina Alocer-Salas, chapter Vice-Presidents James Buckley, Jalyn English, Elizabeth Lively, and Hannah Barnes, and chapter members Jennifer Daniels and Maritza Quinones. Also from NTCC were the current International Vice-President for Division II Jacob Lambie and Alumnus Isaac Burris. Advisors Matthew Lampert, Andrea Reyes, and Melissa Fulgham also attended. Reyes and Fulgham served as co-facilitators for one of the seminar groups.
Guest speakers included individuals such as motivational speaker William Bess, who talked about the importance of emotional intelligence, and Holocaust survivor Inge Auerbacher, who shared her personal experiences and thoughts, which have appeared in numerous books, songs, and plays.
After listening to thought-provoking general session speakers, attendees divided into smaller seminar groups to discuss the ideas presented, allowing members from across the state to get to know one another better and share ideas. Additional fellowship opportunities allowed attendees to play games and bond.
James Buckley was recognized as a Five Star Member. He was also a very active participant throughout the virtual event and ended up at the top of the virtual leaderboard at the end of the Institute.
Andrea Reyes commented "Texas Honors Institute is a testament to the great things Phi Theta Kappa offers its members. Although virtual, students were still able to receive all of the benefits from the event, including amazing speakers, fellowship, and scholarship! I am thankful to have been able to serve as a seminar leader and encourage students to unfold and develop new ideas and thought processes. I was able to witness the bonds and confidence quickly building within the teams and hope to lead another seminar next year."
Dr. Matthew Lampert said “I was incredibly impressed by the quality of the wholly-online event they were able to host. The seminar break-outs were great and the general sessions were straight-to-business. What a great experience!”
Towards the end of the conference, the Dr. Mary Hood Texas STAR Scholarships were given out. Alpha Mu Chi members won four of the thirteen scholarships awarded.
