Clarion University-Venango Campus Hosts Phi Theta Kappa Conference

            Clarion University-Venango Campus' Alpha Kappa Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently hosted the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference for Phi Theta Kappa members and their advisors. 

            Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold: to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

Front row, left to right, Joseph Eulo, New Jersey State President; Robin Zerres, Chapter Secretary; Cheryl McLaughlin, Chapter Vice President; Lori Secor, Chapter VP of Public Relations; Matthew Lawson, Delaware/Maryland State President; and Pattie VanAtter, Middle States Alumni Relations Council; second row, left to right:  Jody Ion, Chapter President; Karly Chester, President of Regional Service; David Seale, Middle States President; Esther Estes, Chapter Secretary; and Dan Houghtaling, Middle States Regional Coordinator; and back row, left to right:  Patti Shontz, Convention Co-Chair and 2008-2009 Chapter President; Edgar Romero, 2009-2010 International President; and Beth Jackson, Chapter Advisor and Convention Co-Chair

            Eight Phi Theta Kappa chapters from Pennsylvania and New Jersey attended the event.  Also attending were Middle States Alumni Advisory Council Representative, Middle States President of Service, New Jersey State President and Middle States Coordinator.   The event was co chaired by Alpha Kappa Delta Chapter Advisor, Beth Jackson and 2008-2009 Chapter President, Patti Shontz.

            The kick-off for the two-day event included music provided by local band favorite, Southern Knights. Conference presenters included by Edgar Romero, Phi Theta Kappa International President; Clarion University-Venango Campus faculty Dr. Ellen Foster, English professor; Lola Deets Smith, Biology Instructor; and Virginia Seybold, Nursing Instructor; Pattie VanAtter, Middle States Alumni Advisory Council; and Angela Shontz-Harriett, Ron Radaker and Wm. Doug Watson of the Health Science Education Center (HSEC) at Clarion University.  

            At the conference, Alpha Kappa Delta reported on its "Totes for Tots" community project, which was introduced in the Oil City community in December 2008. One hundred canvas totes and other material were purchased with donations from community businesses, organizations, and individuals. The totes were filled by local Boy Scout Troop 111, decorated by residents of the Golden Living Center and Presbyterian Home, and delivered to two Oil City Head Start classes on Read Across America Day on  March 2, 2009.  The event was so successful that the chapter has added the Franklin Head Start program and Franklin nursing homes and scout troops to its initiative for the current year.

            Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education.   The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed.  Students can begin any of Clarion University's 90+ bachelor's degrees at the Venango Campus, earn an associate degree, a bachelor's or master's degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses.  The campus is home to Clarion University's School of Nursing and Allied Health, the Department of Applied Technology, and the Venango Department of Arts and Sciences.  Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.