Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC’s five-star, award-winning chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, participated in the Phi Theta Kappa Texas Honors Institute July 11-13 on the campus of Texas Lutheran University (TLU) in Seguin, Texas. During the conference, attendees stayed in dorms on the TLU campus, ate in the campus dining hall, and participated in activities in classrooms and outdoor activity areas.
Presentations and activities centered on the conference theme, “Rewrite the Stars: Your Story, Your Stage.” In the first general session, Dr. Sherry Boyd captivated the audience with the power of storytelling in musical theatre. Her impressive vocal skills enhanced a presentation comparing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Wiz. A panel presentation on “College Project” comprised the second general session. Staci Roeber delivered an insightful presentation, “Navigating Truth: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in Healthcare,” in the third general session. World-class athlete Tricia Downing delivered a powerful and inspiring fourth general session on “Redefining Able.” Dr. Marlon Gibson ended the conference on a high note with his fifth general session presentation, “A Time to Thrive: Because Running on Empty Isn’t the Move.”
After each General Session, members attended small-group seminar sessions to discuss the recent presentation and network with other members from around the state. Each evening, fellowship activities allowed members to make friends and get to know one another better. Kona snowcones and a screening of The Greatest Showman provided an opportunity for fellowship and mingling on Friday night. Fellowship activities Saturday night included water balloons and board games.
A college fair, with colleges from across the state, marketplace, and workshop opportunities, were also held during the conference. Students from Northeast Texas Community College’s Alpha Mu Chi chapter (Emma Mendoza, Xenia Esparza, and Tristan Dierflinger) partnered with students from Tyler Junior College to give a workshop entitled “Collaborating with your Campus: Developing a College Project that Makes an Impact.” As the District III Vice President, Jose Fuentes was on stage speaking at every session, making introductions, sharing announcements, and participating in other activities. Isaac Burris, a former regional officer from NTCC, has served as a regional officer with the Texas Regional Alumni Association for nearly a decade, serving as a familiar face and helping to run the technical aspects of the conference.
At the conclusion of the Institute, the Texas Star Scholarships were awarded. Out of 13 scholarships awarded to members from across the state, five scholarships went to NTCC students, setting a new record for the Alpha Mu Chi chapter. Winners were Stephanie Hernandez, Yahir Garcia, Emma Mendoza, Isabel Tresidder, and Jose Fuentes. An article about the five winners is forthcoming.
“Everyone who participated in the Texas Honors Institute had an exceptional time, hearing inspirational general sessions and getting to know other members of Phi Theta Kappa from across the state. NTCC’s students delighted in the fellowship and leadership opportunities provided. Although NTCC is one of the smaller community colleges in the state, the professionalism and hard work from our students, as well as the record-breaking number of scholarships won by chapter members, give us an impressive reputation for excellence.
Chapter road trips allow members to get to know each other better and include stops at Starbucks and Buc-ees. A quick after-conference view of the nearby Guadelupe River and dining at a German restaurant helped make the road trip even more of a cultural experience,” noted chapter lead advisor Dr. Melissa Fulgham.
Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year community and technical colleges, has been dedicated to promoting student achievement since 1918. Members are provided with opportunities to cultivate professional and leadership skills through programs like the Texas Honors Institute. The society also helps its members explore career paths, secure scholarships, and build professional networks.
For more information on NTCC’s chapter, check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alphamuchi email Dr. Melissa Fulgham at mfulgham@ntcc.edu
