ASCC Press Release Monday, March 31, 2008

ASCC Phi Theta Kappa Inducts New Members for spring 2008

By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer

The Alpha Epsilon Mu Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) held its induction ceremony this past Friday evening to induct its new members for the spring 2008 semester. Family and friends of the new and current PTK members joined ASCC administrators and faculty for an intimate ceremony in the Collegeπs new lecture hall to induct 8 of the ≥best and brightest≤ into the prestigious Honor Society.

Guest speaker Dr. Lina Galeaπi-Scanlan, director of the Collegeπs Teacher Education Program, focused on the eveningπs theme of ≥Power Beyond Measure≤. Mrs. Galeaπi-Scanlan shared a number of anecdotes from her own experiences in college, and reminded the PTK students that success results from the right balance between discipline and passion. Next, the eight inductees took the oath to uphold the values of the PTK, and performed the ceremonial lighting of candles representing the mythical Greek ≥flame of knowledge≤. With the induction ritual complete, ASCC President Dr. Seth Galeaπi, Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Irene Helsham, and Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Leπi joined the families and friends of the inductees to congratulate them on their inclusion into the prestigious PTK.

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. The society provides more than $35 million worth of scholarships annually to students nationwide. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Deanπs List, and is also enrolled in the PTK Transfer Database, which links senior institutions across the nation offering scholarships to PTK members.

Every semester, PTK advisors Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, Randall Baker, Elvis Zodiacal, Mark Mageo and Jim Sutherland review the ASCC Deanπs List 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.

PRESENT MEMBERS: Ana-Alicia Alvarado, Ana-Stacia Alvarado, Gwendolyn Emmsley, Grace Faataitai, Tautasi Falanai, Mile Farani, Francis Galuvao, Jerome Grey, Daniel Helsham, Aaron Lin (Vice President), Tautalamaiaso Auau, Eleitino Loi-on, EmmaDora Maez, Laura Maez, Donna Rae Mallari (Secretary/Treasurer), Tupou Sia, Krystal Soa (President), Valentine Talamoni, Carleen Tamapolu, Rhonda Tuia, Faamamali Ualesa.

SPRING 2008 INDUCTEES: Edgar Apulu, Danielle Chrichton, Faaloua Faaloua, Leiema Hunt, Ramona Lalaga, Eugenia Lutali, Tamara Toilolo, Tracey Sene.

For more information about the nationwide activities of Phi Theta Kappa, visit their website at: www.ptk.org.