Phi Theta Kappa inducts over 160 members
PTK members go above and beyond, according to dean Kevin O’Connor (Courtesy of PTK.org)
Phi Theta Kappa Honor society held their induction ceremony for the Saddleback College students last Friday.
This semester, over 160 students were inducted into the honor society from the Saddleback College chapter alone.
“Over the years, Saddleback has produced over 600 active PTK members,” said PTK president Michael Clute.
To be eligible for consideration to be inducted into PTK society, a student must be enrolled in 12 units of coursework that go toward an associates degree and keep a 3.5 grade point average.
Phi Theta Kappa was founded on November 19, 1918, at Stephens College in Missouri. Members of PTK annually celebrate this day as Founder’s Day.
The emblem of PTK has many symbolic aspects. The emblem consists of a golden slab, keyed at the top and the bottom with a black band in the middle. The gold is to represent the golden opportunities awaiting members. The black band is to represent the three affirmations of PTK: wisdom,aspiration, and purity.
At the top of the symbol is the head of the Greek goddess Athena who is widely known as the goddess of wisdom and war.
Every semester, the current PTK board members choose new students to be a part of their prestigious society.
“Once you are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, it stays on your transcript, and is with you for life,” said Gina Shaffer, chapter co-advisor and instructor.
The keynote speaker was Kevin O’Connor, dean of Liberal Arts & Learning Resources. His main topic for the induction was about being an above-average person.
According to O’Conner, the Saddleback chapter has had a wide range of going above and beyond in student education and student life lessons.
Nearing the end of the ceremony, Clute and his administration began the induction. The lights were dimmed as the students were called forth to receive a blue candle along with a white rose.
According to Phi Theta Kappa, the candle represents the torch of knowledge and the white rose is meant to symbolize the beauty in life.
Once all of the inductees attending were given their candle and rose, they lined up in a semi-circle around the audience. After repeating the PTK pledge, the candles were lit by passing the flame to each other.
In closing the ceremony, Clute thanked all who attended the ceremony and wished the newly inducted members good luck.