Alumni History
Alumni associations of Phi Theta Kappa first appeared on the campuses of four-year universities. The premise on which these chapters were established was to ease the transition of the transfer student and to provide well-deserved recognition for community, technical and junior college scholars. The four original charter chapters were officially installed in 1976 on the campuses of the University of Texas at Austin (Alpha of Texas), the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg (Alpha of Mississippi), Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas (Beta of Texas), and Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield (Alpha of Missouri).
A later outgrowth of the alumni program came in 1977 with the installation of the first community-oriented alumni association on the campus of Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, Illinois. The premise on which this chapter was founded was to provide a vehicle by which alumni could continue fellowship with other alumni members while also supporting the activities of the local two-year college chapter.
A new program, the Phi Theta Kappa National Alumni Association, was founded in 1978 and revised in 1987, to provide alumni members various means by which to continue affiliation with the people and programs of the Society. Through participation with the National Alumni Association and senior institution-oriented or community-oriented associations, alumni have an opportunity to serve and support the people, programs and priorities of Phi Theta Kappa.
In the summer of 1991, a critical look was taken at Phi Theta Kappa's Alumni Program. At this time, to properly reflect the international scope of the Society, the name was changed from the National Alumni Association to the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association. After careful study and evaluation, the valuable contribution to Phi Theta Kappa made by alumni members was reaffirmed. Through alumni support the integrity of the Society's current programs and services will be protected and new programs and services can be developed and offered in the future.
By 1995, alumni began to see the benefits of larger alumni associations affiliated with a Phi Theta Kappa region or multiple campuses to serve a larger geographic area. The specific purpose of these organizations varies but is based on the premise of supporting the mission of Phi Theta Kappa in their specific service area. The early pioneers of these "true community" alumni associations are the Dade County (Florida) Alumni Association, the Nevada/California Alumni Association, the Virginia Regional Alumni Association and the Indiana Alumni Association.
As Phi Theta Kappa enters its 8th decade of existence, the greatest impact alumni have on the Society remains at the grassroots level -- on the campuses of senior institutions encouraging the Phi Theta Kappa transfer student to continue their pursuit of scholastic excellence; in the local communities supporting the Society Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership Service and Fellowship; and, within the region to ensure a new generation of Phi Theta Kappans enjoy an exception membership experience.
Purpose of Phi Theta Kappa
The Purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.
Purpose of Alumni
The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa Alumni is to support the people, programs and priorities of the Phi Theta Kappa Society. Alumni have valuable contributions to make to Phi Theta Kappa. Through alumni support, the integrity of the Society's programs and service will be protected and new programs and services can be developed and offered in the future.
Focus of Community and Regional Alumni Associations
The focus of the regional & community alumni association is to strengthen area two-year college chapter (active) members and their advisors through support and resources necessary to improve and increase opportunities for participation in Society programs. Working collectively, alumni association members serve to enhance the Phi Theta Kappa membership experience within a broader spectrum than a college campus.
Membership and activity may target a single community college district, metropolitan area, state or Phi Theta Kappa region. By providing support to the active chapters, advisors, region and/or coordinator, the alumni association ensures greater opportunities for scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. In turn, the alumni member continues to experience the fellowship of working with others who have shared in the Phi Theta Kappa experience. Together they ensure a bright future for a new generation of scholars and leaders.
Membership
The International Constitution of Phi Theta Kappa defines who is eligible for membership in your local or regional alumni association. It reads:
An alumni member shall be a former member of the Society who terminated active membership in good standing and who was enrolled for at least one year in a two-year college. -Article IV. Section 1C.
Alumni Association Membership
The membership of the alumni association is primarily drawn from those Phi Theta Kappa alumni who have some tie to the region or community. Thus, they have a vested interest in the success of the association in reaching its goals. Members may be drawn from all Phi Theta Kappans inducted into an active chapter within the region and/or from all Phi Theta Kappa alumni currently residing within the boundaries of the region.
Honorary Members
An honorary membership in Phi Theta Kappa is reserved for those who have rendered distinguished service to the Society at the local, regional or international level. While honorary members of the active chapter or your alumni association may certainly be invited to participate in your activities, remember they are not Phi Theta Kappa members or alumni. Therefore, you cannot charge them membership fees. They cannot vote or hold office in your association. And, honorary members cannot represent your association at regional or international events.
Related Information:
- Organizing an Alumni Association
- Required Forms (in Rich Text Format)
- Member Search Request Form
- Charter Petition Form
- Information Form
- Chartering Information Form
- Advisor Form
- Membership Reporting Form
- Chartering Checklist (in Rich Text Format)
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No part of this document may be reprinted or used
without the permission of Phi Theta Kappa.
Updated 9/26/09
