Members of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Coffeyville Community College celebrated their 18th annual Recognition Celebration Sunday, May 3, at the Spencer/Rounds Theatre.  Marshals for the processional of Society inductees and graduating sophomores were Eric Mueller and Tyler Stoldt, candidate finalists for international president of Phi Theta Kappa.  The national anthem was sung by Eta Gamma Vice President of Scholarship Dominique Liddell while Eta Gamma President Dezirae Hamrick served as mistress of ceremonies.  Marlon Thornburg, CCC Vice President for Innovation and Business Initiatives brought greetings from the CCC Board of Trustees, Administration, faculty and staff.  Jesus Medina, chapter vice president of public relations, shared a media presentation, “Reflections and Memories from 2014-2015.”  Co-Vice Presidents of Scholarship, Athena Phifer and Erasmo Tejeda, shared the chapter’s 2015-16 Honors in Action Topic, “How Does Assistive Technology Enhance the Quality of Life for Those Persons with Special Needs?”  The Keynote addresses were presented by Eric Mueller, International Guistwhite Scholar and Tyler Stoldt, International Coca Cola Foundation Silver Scholar.

The presentation of chapter and individual awards was made by Eta Gamma Advisor Linda McFate.  The following members were announced as members of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges:  Kelsea Brooks, Danika Burton, Trinnie Bush, Hailey Collins, Ian Fladie, SangPierre Gomez, Dezirae Hamrick, Aubrey Liby, Dominique Liddell, Sara Lumm, Jesus Medina, Heather Rogers, Jarod Taylor, Trae Venerable, and Linelle Wilson.

Among the chapter’s international awards were the Continued Excellence, Honors in Action and College Project Hallmark Awards.  The local chapter was named 6th Runner-Up to Most Distinguished Chapter internationally.  The chapter was also recognized for participation in the Five Star Chapter Development Program and the Case Study Challenge.  Jesus Medina and Trinnie Bush received officers recognition awards while Dezirae Hamrick received the chapter president’s plaque.  Danika Burton and Dezirae Hamrick were recognized as members of the All-Kansas Academic Team.

Chapter officers conducted the induction of new members.  The Eta Gamma Chapter is pleased to recognize fifty-one new members including:  Coffeyville – Kelli Bromley, Hope Daily, Evalys Azuara, Bailey Braschler, Ryan Childress, Eleora Coward, Amber Henry, Darein Johnson, Elijah Jones, Abby Meek, Charles N’Zally, Yvonne Tapia, Christina Vail, Tanner Vieyra; Topeka – Trenton McMaster, Reina Garcia; Shawnee – Drew Boatwright; Wichita – Gilmar Barrera; Louisburg – Macie Reitz; Salina – Courtney Ziegler; Niotaze – Taylor Crain; Overland Park – Connor Kagy; Columbus – Landin Soper; Edna – Natalie Nelson, Molly Stevenson; Galena – Colton Reed; and Independence, Amanda Freeman.  From Oklahoma:  Afton – Paige Herman; Bixby – Joshua Fisher; South Coffeyville – Taylor Oestmann, Alexis George, Alexander Long, Devyn Rexwinkle, and Morgan Tran; Bartlesville – Philicia Ballew; Dewey – Jonathon Kowalczyk; Nowata -  Athena Phifer Robin Longbons; Broken Arrow – Rachael Trapp; and Tahlequah – Haley Martin.  Members from Missouri include:   Ash Grove – Erin Weinreis; Republic – Shelbi Buettgenbach; Nevada – Lane Ketterman; and Grain Valley – Preston Weigel.  Additional members included:  Alvord, Texas – Kala Cash; Katy, Texas – Shelby Schriefer; Broomfield, Colorado – Lauren Snyder; and Miami, Florida – Erasmo Tejeda.  International student members include:  Ontario, Canada – Andrew Samuels; Suzuki, Japan – Riona Hayase; and Puerto Rico – Polette Medina.

Assisting in the presentation of Stoles, tassels, and diploma seals to graduating sophomores were Marlon Thornburg, Linda McFate, and chapter President-elect, Colton Comstock.  Fifty chapter members were among the more than 275 students eligible for CCC spring graduation.  Eta Gamma spring graduates include:  Derek Bayless, Amber Bird, Rhonda Burroughs, Danika Burton, Trinnie Bush, Hailey Collins, Jodiann Crooks, Kirsten Ewy, Ian Fladie, Lisa Foster, Dottie Frederick, Garrett Gates, TaeRee Glover, SangPierre Gomez, Dezirae Hamrick, Kelsey Hanigan, Jessica Harris, Raisa Hoggatt, Bernicia Holifield, Kaylee Horner, Melinda Johnson, Shontielle Johnson, Elijah Jones, Shandale Kinzer, Aubrey Liby, Dominque Liddell, Sara Lumm, Jacob Magee, Darin Johnson, Jasmine Manigault, Jesus Medina, Kourtney Miller, Danielle Niles, Vallerie Norgaisse, Alexander Ortiz, Courtney Ouderkirk, Barbara Palmer, Cassandra Perfors, Trinadie Puckett, Tavica Redding, Chasade Rogers, Heather Rogers, Susan Roush, Klarissa Ryan, Allen Seraphin, Nikki Siefkas, Lauren Snyder, Madelaine Stimac, Deara Thomas, Angel Torres Quintana, Dasha Traczyk, Holland Turner, Allyson Walker, Katlyn Weve, Erica Wilson, Linelle Wilson, Abbie Herkelman, Ashlie Rankin, and Lauren Snyder.

Concluding the event was the installation of new officers and a reception for all members and guests.  The next international event for the Chapter is the 48th annual Honors Institute at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, June 15-20.