Students gather in Nashville
by KC Jones, feature editor

    TCC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members attended the international convention in Nashville, Tenn,, recently. Thousands of students, advisors and alumni attended the event at The Opryland Hotel.

   Over 530 chapters competed for a variety of awards, and TCC brought home a few. From NW Campus, Eric Galloway received a George O. Bierkoe Distinguished Member award and was recognized as a Distinguished Regional Officer.

   This was the first time in PTK history that one member has received both awards. Galloway also accepted one of three full scholarships given at the convention from the University of Texas at Dallas.

   “My major will be computer science, and UTD is third in the country behind MIT,” he said.

   Galloway’s awards were based on his exceptional chapter and regional involvement as well as many letters of recommendation. Galloway said he has gone to every PTK convention since joining in 2000, but liked this international convention the best.

   “Mostly, I liked it because of the location. Conventions are not normally at a resort. It was very convenient having the hotel and convention together,” he said.

   Lucinda Migot, NW vice president of scholarship, also received a scholarship: $1,500 from Texas Woman’s University.

   Elise Price, SE chapter advisor, was one of 30 advisors receiving the Robert Giles Distinguished Advisor award. PTK has several levels of awards for advisors depending on years involved. The awards must be given in progression.

   Price received the first level, Paragon Award, for advisors involved two to four years at a previous international convention.

   This year was the first time she was nominated for the Giles award.

   “I am beside myself ... ecstatic,” she said.

   Price’s impression of the meetings compared to Galloway’s.

   “This was the best PTK convention I have ever been to,” she said.

   The convention provided hours of training seminars as well as motivational, inspirational speakers.

   The new honors topic, Dimensions and Directions of Health: Choices in the Maze, was also announced.

   The new international service program relates to that topic, Conquering Cancer: An Awareness and Prevention Program with the American Cancer Society.

   Dr. Patch Adams, guest speaker, was invited to introduce the new honors topic. Adams’ speech received a standing ovation.

   “There is something dreadfully wrong with a civilization that pays its sports figures millions of dollars, but doesn’t take care of its teachers.

   “You are lying if you don’t turn off the TV when the game comes on,” he said.

   Adams’ book signing line stretched out of the convention room and down the hall. Adams was obviously irritated when he found out there were no plans for interaction with the students.

   “I am not about signing books. I am about intellectual and stimulating conversation,” he said.

   He challenged all to get involved by working to make a difference.
Adams established the Gesundheit Institute to help with health care issues. Visit www.friendsforthefuture.org to find out more about the institute.

   Most students deemed the event educational and motivating and the Opryland hotel enjoyable.