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ASCC Phi Theta Kappa holds fall induction

The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society held its fall 2011 induction ceremony on Friday, October 12, welcoming 16 new members who took the oath of allegiance into the prestigious nationwide organization.

Family and friends of new and existing PTK members and representatives of the ASCC administration all gathered to help celebrate this prestigious event, which was themed “Progressing with Innovation”.

Honored guests included ASCC President, Dr. Seth Galea’i, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kathleen Kolhoff, Kanana Fou EFKAS Reverend A’asa, and Keynote Speaker Sinaoalii Easter Bruce, Director of the Information Technology Department of the American Samoa Government.

Mrs. Bruce made a slight variation on the evening’s theme to offer a speech focusing on “Progression with Innovative Leadership”. “Without true leadership, there is no vision; there is no direction and there is no progression,” she reflected. “I have to admire Phi Theta Kappa's humble beginnings in the early 1900's where six charter members at a college in Columbia, Missouri, all women, started this great journey.  Without their leadership, the society would not have enjoyed its successes as well as its explosive growth and the achievements it has been able to proclaim.  Innovative leadership has earned PTK an international presence and endless scholarship opportunities, and continues to showcase the hallmarks set by its founders:  scholarship, service, fellowship and leadership.” Mrs. Bruce went on to share her concept of “VIP Leadership”, which she explained means leading with vision, integrity and passion

At each induction ceremony, the new inductees take the oath to uphold the values of the PTK, and perform the ceremonial lighting of candles representing the mythical Greek “flame of knowledge”. Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship among associate degree students.  The Greek words Phi Theta Kappa mean wisdom (Phi), aspiration (Theta) and purity (Kappa).  The society bases its programs on its four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. Fall 2012 inductees included Randall Fitisone, Tae il Kim, Vanila Ta’ai, Fuatino Falelua, Tuulalo Farani, Iupelisiliva Edwards Pei, Scott Manning, Maria Laurianne Magalasin, Savannah Fonoti, Senetenarie Malele, Krystalzana Kupa, Wittenberg Mariner, Delilah Asiata, Fiaai Robert Moliga, and Raylynn Lalaga.

Every semester, PTK advisors To’aiva Fiame-Tago, Evile Feleti, Athena Mauga, Evelyn Fruean, and Jim Sutherland (emeritus) review student transcripts, reference letters, application forms and essays, and other relevant data to determine which students qualify for the membership in the Society. Candidates must have taken at least 12 credits, passed their English 150, English 151 and Math 90 classes, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.  Qualifying students receive an invitation to join PTK, and most of those invited readily accept the offer. This semester, the ASCC PTK also welcomed two new advisors into the fold, faculty members Kuki Tuiasosopo of the Fine Arts Department and Math instructor Anthony Felise. Current PTK officers include Marietta Lafaele (President), Bambridge Lin (Vice President), Peleiupu Pea (Secretary), and Adelila Toussaint (Treasurer).

The PTK provides more than $35 million worth of scholarships annually to students nationwide. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Dean’s List, and is also enrolled in the PTK Transfer Database, which links senior institutions across the nation offering scholarships to PTK members.  For more information about the nationwide activities of Phi Theta Kappa, visit their website at: “www.ptk.org".

Source: ASCC media release