Alpha Nu Lambda, Clark State Community College’s chapter of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), will hold a fall induction ceremony at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 18 at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone Street in Springfield.
Naureen Qasim, associate professor in health and human services, has served as an advisor of PTK at Clark State since 2008. She said more than 30 students have accepted the invitation to join PTK—the world’s largest honor society for two-year college students.
Eligible students were notified by the national PTK organization. Although the ceremony will be held in November, Clark State students have until December 18 to enroll. Qasim encourages all eligible students to join the honor society, and she strives to make them aware of the benefits of being a member.
Members of PTK have the opportunity to work on college and honors projects. Qasim said she encourages the students to participate because it hones their people skills and builds relationships. “They learn how to serve their college and their community,” she said. “They learn how to work as a team.”
Clark State associate professor Carin Burr served as a PTK advisor from 2005 to 2010. She will speak on leadership at the induction ceremony. “I would offer new members the advice that leadership is not bestowed upon you, it is found when you step up to the plate,” she said. “If you don't step up, leadership opportunities pass you by. Get up, and affect the quality of the day.”
To be 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.
Qasim said she wouldn’t be involved in something she doesn’t believe in, and she believes in empowering students to become leaders. “It’s beautiful to watch them grow,” she said. “It’s like a chrysalis. They come out like a butterfly.”