FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2002
CONTACT: Roland Ruiz, Director, St. Philip's College Community and Public Relations
210.531.4851

ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE PHI THETA KAPPA CHAPTER WELCOMES 61 NEW MEMBERS AT INDUCTION CEREMONY

The Psi Kappa Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society at St. Philip's College welcomed 61 new members during an induction ceremony held recently during Honors Week on the school's main campus. Janie Thomas, RN, MSN, of the Academy of Health Sciences/American Cancer Society delivered the keynote address to the new inductees. Members of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA), including pianist Kristin Roach and clarinetist William Ansel, provided musical entertainment under the direction of YOSA Music Director and Principal Conductor David Mairs. Also in attendance was YOSA Executive Director Julie Mielke.

Inductees into Phi Theta Kappa are: Ponni Chelvan Adaikaplappan, Chris M. Barfoot, Sandra C. Becerra, Roy T. Bedell, Toshiko Boullion, Jeffery C. Boynton, Brandinette L. Brown, Luis A. Caraballo, Adela J. Carrizales, Mariano D. Chavez, Sr., Silsbee F. Collins, Brandi N. Dennis, Jr., Melinda J. Diaz, Charles W. Dunahoo, Joshua T. Duncil, Matthew J. Gallardo, Celina O. Garcia, Vincent E. Gore, David Gutierrez. Lena M. Haase, Veronica Hernandez, Shayla D. Houston, David D. Hymer, Sandra L. Ingram, Nancy Johnson, Patricia L. Juarez-Midthun, Dennis R. Krueger, Jennilee A. Manigault, Della Martinez, Meeok C. Martinez and Ysidoro Martinez.

Also: William C. Mchale, Melody A. Mendiola, John A. Murillo, Rene A. Perales, Maricela Perez, Olga A. Perez, Jacob P. Pittman, James T. Prewoznik, Irene A. Quesnot, Walton C. Richie, Victoria Rivera, Priscilla Roberts, Sandra Romo, Vicki Ruelas, Lisa R. Samaniego, Scott A. Sanford, Meghan L. Scagliola, Patricia K. Scrimshire, Dawn D. Shaw, Alicia V. Shomo, Eduardo M. Tejeda, Roberto B. Tubiera, Gilbert A. Vargas, Gene R. Verastegui, Harry E. Vowell, Sr., Richard B. Wessels, Rosanna M. Williams, Hope J. Willis, and Amy L. Winburn.

Established in 1918 by Missouri two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.3 million members and 1100 chapters located in 50 united states, U.S. territories, Canada, Germany, and Japan. In 1929, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges, and in 2000 the Association of College Honor Societies recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the general scholarship honor society serving associate degree granting institutions. Annually, more than 82,000 students are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. To be eligible for membership generally a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours of associate degree course work and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment in the two-year college, generally a 3.25 GPA. The average age of a new member is 29, ranging from 18 to 80. Part-time and full-time students are eligible for membership. Students pay a one-time membership fee of $48. Chapters and regional organizations may also assess dues.

St. Philip's College, one of the Alamo Community Colleges, is the nation's only college designated both a Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution, and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.