Eta Gamma members attend Iowa Regional Convention

Four members of the Eta Gamma Chapter represented Coffeyville Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter and the Kansas Region at the 9th Annual Iowa Regional Phi Theta Kappa Convention. The event was held February 21-22 at the Des Moines Area Community College, Boone Campus, Boone, Iowa.

The convention roll call of chapters focused on the international service project, Operation Green. All chapters were invited to display in an innovative way, trash and recycling as a Phi Theta Kappa Team. Amy Vetter, representative from the American Red Cross, made a presentation on “The Power of One Unit” while Michael Adams, Board Member on the Corporate Giving/Educational Partnership Committee made a presentation from the Greater Iowa Credit Union. Mahmedein Mahmedein, the international vice president for Division III from Florissant Valley Community College in St. Louis presented DVD highlights of the 2007 International Convention. A mixer, “Mission Possible: Save the World” introduced participants to the concept of the power of one. The Eta Gamma members then had the opportunity to hear the Iowa Presidential Campaign speeches and the Iowa State of the Region Address presented by Nancy Woods, Iowa Regional Coordinator.

Thursday evening’s activities consisted of an Iowa Community College Presidential Forum. Participants included Dr. Rob Denson, President; Des Moines Area Community College; Dr. Patricia Keir, Chancellor, Eastern Iowa Community College; Dr. Robert E. Dunker, President, Western Iowa Tech Community College; and M. J. Dolan, Executive Director, Iowa Association of Community College Trustees.

Following the gala dinner sponsored by Iowa State University, there was a presentation from Iowa State University Admissions representative Diane Bengtson. The Iowa Awards Ceremony included the Five Star Chapter Development Awards, Hall of Fame Awards, Hallmark Essay Awards, and Pinnacle Awards. A highlight of the awards ceremony was the presentation of Honorary Iowa Horizon Advisor Awards to Eta Gamma delegates Linda McFate and Pam Howe. Each Iowa Region Officer then presented their farewell address and there was a session on “Empowering Oneself – Self-Defense Presentation and Practice. Thursday’s activities concluded with voting for Iowa Regional Officers and a “roast” of the Iowa Regional Coordinator.

Friday’s agenda featured Mark Slocum, Director of the Heart Connection: Children’s Cancer Program, the installation of the 2008-2009 Iowa Regional Officers, and convention group photographs. The afternoon’s breakout sessions featured: “Finding Your Power at Honors Institute,” “Educate the World, One Book at a Time!,” “Social Networking: What Students Need to Know about Maintaining Their Privacy and Maximizing Their Personal Power,” and “I’m on Your ‘Case’,” the power of entries in the USA Case Study Challenge.

The 2008-09 Iowa Region Officer Team will visit Coffeyville Community College and the Eta Gamma Chapter on May 2-4 when they will participate in the Foundation Scholarship Auction and the Stoling and Recognition Celebration. The Eta Gamma Chapter plans to return to Boone, Iowa, on June 8 to volunteer at the Boone County Y-Camp with the Heart Connection. A special relationship between the Iowa Region and the Eta Gamma Chapter was fostered when Eta Gamma member Steven Hassenplug served as Division III International Vice President serving the Iowa Region. Representing the Eta Gamma Chapter and Coffeyville Community College were: Chance Harmon, David Dodard, Pam Howe, and Linda McFate.