Alpha Nu Lambda, Clark State Community College’s chapter of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), has been awarded 5-Star status and will be inducting eligible new members April 1. “Being a 5-star chapter is the highest you can go, it is an honor to be able to achieve it,” said Dr. Naureen Qasim, associate professor of human anatomy and physiology. “It shows that the students are very involved in the chapter, at the college and in the community.”
Qasim has served as the advisor of PTK at Clark State since 2008. “As an advisor, I guide them for special events and meetings, but I tell them it is the students’ organization,” Qasim said. “I want them to take pride and ownership and become leaders.”
To become an eligible candidate for PTK, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours at the college and have a minimum 3.5 grade point average. Students pay a one-time fee of $80 for a lifetime membership. Membership benefits include scholarships; free enrollment in CollegeFish.org, a transfer and college completion planning tool; free access to Five Star Competitive Edge, a personal and professional development plan for building marketable skills and an online portfolio; increased pay grade for entry-level federal jobs; tuition discounts; and more. “Transferring to particular four-year colleges as an active PTK member could get members 50 percent off tuition,” said Nina Wiley, dean of enrollment services. “It’s a great opportunity.”
Wiley said there are more than 400 Clark State students currently eligible for induction into PTK. The induction ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone Street. There is no charge and students are encouraged to invite family and friends. “This is a huge celebration for these students,” said Wiley. “We want to acknowledge their accomplishments.”
PTK inductees need to RSVP by Wednesday, March 18 to Debbie Ingling at (937) 328-6084 or email inglingd@clarkstate.edu. For more information on PTK, students may contact Dr. Naureen Qasim at (937) 328-7825 or email qasimn@clarkstate.edu.
“Phi Theta Kappa is like one big family,” said Qasim. “The students and advisors all watch out for each other and support each other and encourage each other to help the students become better human beings and better individuals at the college and in the community.”