Officers of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held their fall semester 2015 officer retreat Friday, August 28.  Officers met at the Walker Alumni Center to promote chapter team building, develop member initiatives and leadership, create awareness of officer benefits and to established chapter goals.  Work session #1 found officers participating in two ice breakers, “This is My Friend” and “Who Am I?”  Members also participated in a social motives exercise as well as an exercise to determine core values.  Serving as guest speaker to the officers was Lue Barndollar who shared aspects of the restoration of the Brown Mansion.  Mrs. Barndollar is a member of the Coffeyville Historical Society.

Work session #2 found officers reviewing information on the Chapter Officer Reporting Form and fall semester chapter calendar.  Chapter advisor Linda McFate presented a PowerPoint, “Phi Theta Kappa 101” along with sample candidate questions regarding the history and programs of Phi Theta Kappa.  Active member requirements and the Five Star Member Enhancement Program were also discussed.

Officer initiatives and benefits were the focus of session #3.  Officers were made aware of five sources of scholarships through Phi Theta Kappa including the All-Kansas Academic Team and the many Kansas Transfer Scholarships.  Through Society programs such as collegefish.org, Five Star Competitive Edge, and the Hallmark Awards Program, student members have many opportunities for personal development.

Concluding with session #4, the officers discussed Chapter fundraising, The Honors in Action and College Projects, the Case Study Challenge and the Five Star Chapter Development Plan.  Officers then enjoyed a fellowship supper.

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.

The Coffeyville Community College Eta Gamma Chapter is the second oldest chapter in Kansas.  Serving as 2015 fall semester officers are:  President, Colter Comstock, Caney, KS; co-vice presidents of scholarship, Athena Phifer, Nowata, OK.; and Erasmo Tejeda, Florida; co-vice presidents of service, Evalys Azuara and Tanner Vieyra, Coffeyville; co-vice presidents of fellowship, Polette Medina, Coffeyville and Connor Kagy, Overland Park, KS; vice president of communication, Rayanndra Garoutte, Coffeyville; secretary Eleora Coward, Coffeyville; treasurer, Kyle Darnell, Chetopa, KS; vice president of membership, Reina Garcia, Topeka, KS; co-vice presidents of public relations, Cristin Shepard, Caney, KS, and Jonathon Kowalczyk, Bartlesville, OK; Relay For Life Representative, Devyn Rexwinkle, South Coffeyville, OK; and vice president of alumni relations, Jesus Medina, Coffeyville.  Linda McFate serves as chapter advisor and Tammy Fuentz, Labette Community College, serves as Kansas Region Coordinator.  The next meeting of the Eta Gamma Officer Team will be September 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Phi Theta Kappa Office, CCC Campus.