(Archive December 2011) Phi Theta Kappa is Growing in Numbers and Importance

By Benjamin Allen | Observer Contributor

Honor society Phi Theta Kappa is growing at MWCC. With new faculty advisors and student leadership, PTK is rebuilding their student base in an effort to become more active at MWCC. Over 700 invites were sent out this semester to join the society this semester.

According to society president Jennifer Forgues, PTK has lowered their requirements to be eligible to join. Currently a student who wishes to join must have 12 credits and an overall GPA of 3.2. There is also a onetime $50 membership fee for joining. The society is open to all majors and the club meets on Mondays at 12:30 PM in room 202.

According to Dr. Mike Greenwood, a PTK advisor and Professor at MWCC, some of the main goals of the organization are to recognize academic achievement, help build member resumes, provide scholarships, and complete service-learning projects for the school and community. In an email communication Dr. Greenwood said, “The MWCC PTK chapter membership has grown 25% over the last year and this is due in large part to the hard work and leadership of our chapter President, Jennifer Forgues, and the dedication of local members.”

According to the PTK national website, members of the international organizations will have access to 37 million dollars in transfer scholarships to over 700 four-year colleges and universities, 18 of which are located right in Massachusetts. Some of these include Suffolk University, Northeastern University, Harvard University, and Boston University.

The group is currently exploring ideas for some service-learning projects for the future, some projects include tutoring local middle school students, raising money for academic supplies, and working with the Gardner CDC.

The society recently had an election for club officers; the new President of the club is Jennifer Forgues, the Vice President is Ryan Sansossio, and Caroline Horvitz is the club’s treasurer. The club currently has three faculty advisors, Dr. Mike Greenwood, Fagan Forhan, and Professor Bob Mayer.