Tag: PTK

Six people stand in front of a blue Missouri Community College Association backdrop. From left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, PTK Rolla Advisor; David Harper, Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar; Mae May, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Latisha Graham, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Kylie Napier, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; and Kevin Dixon, PTK Union Advisor. Several individuals are holding PTK folders and wearing medals. Not pictured are Phillip North and Moriah Mankin, also recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Kansas City.

ECC Students Earn Coca-Cola, All-USA Academic Awards

April 21, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:

David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.

All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.

A group of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) inductees and advisors from East Central College's Chi Delta Chapter stand together holding white roses. They are positioned in front of a blue PTK banner, smiling as they celebrate the Fall 2024 New Member Induction Ceremony at ECC Union.

Sixty-Two Students Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

November 5, 2024 | Campus News

Sixty-two students were inducted this fall into the Chi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at East Central College in Union.

Four Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members from East Central College’s Chi Delta Chapter stand at the front during the Fall 2024 Induction Ceremony. One member, wearing a pink shirt and gold PTK medallion, speaks at a podium, while the others stand beside a table draped with a blue PTK cloth, adorned with white roses and gold tassels.

The chapter held its Fall New Member Induction Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18, featuring guest speaker Daniel Cider, a member of the Ozarks Technical College PTK Alpha Psi Tau chapter and PTK Heartland Region Vice President of Service. East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer also addressed the inductees, their families, and supporters, while ECC PTK Advisor Kevin Dixon led the ceremonies.

Special recognitions were given during the ceremony: Wendy Pecka was honored for her 10 years of service as a PTK advisor, and Melanie Dixon was recognized for her retirement after 15 years as an ECC PTK advisor.

The 2024-25 PTK officers include Elijah Long, president; Taylor Rowald, executive vice president; Ethan Sandstrom, vice president of recording and finance; and Kylie Napier, vice president of public relations.

To be invited to join PTK, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be enrolled as a full-time student for one semester. After induction, members are required to uphold an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the honor society. Membership is open to all majors across the college, including those pursuing degrees or certificates.

Students who are eligible but have not yet joined can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK and to contact chapter advisors, visit www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations/.

Chi Delta Chapter Inductees:

Kayla Adams, Genevieve Alexander, Skylar Allen, Zander Arnold, Natalie Bell, Catherine Birmes, Kathryn Boehner, Isaac Buhr, Rachael Burton, Logan Campbell, Cierra Clonts, Barbara Corbalis, Hannah Cordell, Elizabeth Coyne, Mackenzie Czeschin, Neil Declue, Drew Fischer, Josiah Frame, Koen Gemeri, Toby Goodwin, Latisha Graham, Matthew Harp, Haley Hawk, Abigail Hawkins, Layni Heidbreder, Isabella Hill, Reyna Hoeft, Taylor James, William James, Juan Justiniano, Jacob Kluba, Julie Knight, Rayana Light, Avery Little, Ryleigh Long, Bailee Luttrell, Jayde McDonald, Christina McKean, Violet Melchior, Calogero Melia, Clayton Miller, Lacy Monzyk, Samantha Nickerson, Kaden Patke, Dalton Pealer, Adia Percival, Kara Potter, Jadyn Quattlebaum, Jenifer Rhodes, Macee Ritter, Jordan Rodrigue, Leah Schunemeyer, Hali Smith, Michelle Smith, Gabriel Soest, Addyson Steele, June Steinman, Adam Stevens, Hannah Stoker, Maggie Stubenrauch, Chloe Studdard, Sarah Summers, Mia Wallen, Brooke West, Hailey White, and Truman Wyatt.

The East Central College Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with award

Union Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Earns Top 100 Honors

May 28, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society boasted amazing accomplishments this year, including being named a Top 100 Chapter.

The chapter earned Top 100 honors during the annual PTK Catalyst (International) Convention held in April in Orlando, Fla. Phi Theta Kappa has about 1,300 chapters across the globe, placing the Chi Delta chapter in elite company.

Although this is not the first time the ECC Union chapter has earned this distinction, it is the first since PTK changed program formatting several years ago, said Chapter Advisor Kevin Dixon.

“This is a goal that ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer asked us to work toward in a meeting with the advisors a few years ago, and we were honored and proud to achieve that status once again,” Dixon said.

The Top 100 status is earned through a combination of the scores from the students’ work on the Hallmark Awards for their College Project and Honors in Action programs.

Melanie Dixon, also a chapter advisor, attended the PTK Catalyst Convention with students Kylie Napier, Elijah Long, Ethan Sandstrom, and Nicholas Rucker.

Additionally, the Chi Delta chapter received a Hallmark Award for College Project, a recognition given to only the top 30 chapters in PTK each year. It is the first International Hallmark Award under the current format. The college project was developed by the chapter officers and spearheaded by Maxwell Reeves, chapter vice president.

ECC PTK member Nicholas Rucker received an individual award, the Distinguished Chapter Member, an accolade that just 30-40 members in all of PTK earn. Rucker was nominated by chapter officers in recognition of his participation in chapter programming last year.

The Chi Delta student officers for the 2023-24 academic year were Mary Daily (President), Maxwell Reeves (Executive Vice President), Sarah O’Bannon (Vice President for Public Relations/Fall 2023 graduate), and Enoch Schloeman (Vice President for Chapter Programs/Spring 2024 graduate).

In addition to Kevin and Melanie Dixon, Dr. Wendy Pecka also served as an advisor for PTK at ECC.

About PTK

Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA and be a full-time student for one semester to be invited into PTK. Members must then maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 once they are inducted into the honor society. Membership is open to all majors throughout the college, including anyone working toward a degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations.

ECC Advisor Selected for Missouri Community College Award

November 16, 2023 | Campus News

Melanie Dixon, ECC Early College and Admissions Specialist, is recognized by her colleagues for her supportive nature and positive spirit.

That’s just one reason why she received the Classified Staff Achievement Award from the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) during its annual conference. Dixon, who has dedicated 17 years to ECC, goes above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities by serving as an advisor for the ECC Union chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Dixon is one of two employees selected among her peers from the 12 community colleges in Missouri to receive the award. It was presented during a banquet held on Nov. 9 in Kansas City.

Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.

In addition to Dixon, ECC Trustees Ina “Cookie Hays” received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and WEG Transformers, nominated by ECC, received an MCCA Distinguished Business and Industry Award. Other ECC employees were finalists for 2003 MCCA awards:

Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences — Administrative Professional Leadership Award.
Susan Giesing, Elementary Education adjunct — Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award nominee.
Lisa Hanneken, Accounting and Business Instructor and Programs Director, and Tanner French, Accounting and Business Instructor — Innovation Award.

Dixon’s Award

As one of three advisors on the award-winning PTK team, Dixon works diligently to ensure the chapter’s success and longevity.

“Melanie has been a highly active PTK advisor for many years, and students speak highly of her, regarding her as kind, caring, and supportive,” her nomination reads. “She is a reliable and knowledgeable colleague who always offers help when she can.”

The continued time and energy Melanie dedicates both in her role in the Department of Early College & Admissions and as a PTK advisor exemplify the criteria of the Classified Staff Achievement Award.

“Melanie’s service to the College has a positive impact on the student experience at East Central College, whether they are new or prospective students or enrolled students joining Phi Theta Kappa. It is an honor to recognize Melanie for her work and dedication.”

Students Recognized for Leadership, Academic Excellence and More

May 9, 2023 | Art Campus News Media Music

East Central College faculty, staff and administrators recognized many students for their outstanding accomplishments in the past academic year, both inside and outside the classroom.

The ECC Campus Life and Leadership’s annual Student Achievement Night on May 4 was an opportunity to recognize students for leadership, academic excellence, club engagement, success in the classroom and as student employees.

Academic Excellence Award

The Vice President’s Academic Excellence Award was presented to Caroline Miller. This prestigious award recognizes one student each year who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence during their time at ECC.

The recipient must maintain a minimum of a 3.4 GPA, and they must be nominated by a department chair. All nominations were submitted to the College vice presidents for consideration.

Outstanding Student Leader

Maggie Sikes was chosen as the 2023 Outstanding Student Leader. She was nominated by Lisa Hanneken, Business/Accounting faculty member and the club advisor for the Christian Club.

The award recognizes one student for exceptional leadership skills and abilities. Sikes also was chosen as the recipient of the Collaborative Excellence Award, nominated again by Hanneken. This award highlights a student leader who may not always want to be at the forefront as a leader, but whose collaborative spirit proves essential to the success of the club and the maintenance of an encouraging environment.

Club Officer Awards

The awards for club officers are given to student leaders for their contributions as stewards of student engagement on campus. Students are nominated by club advisors.

The following students were recognized for their service as club officers:

Brooklyn Hyatt, Student Government Association President
Theo Krummel, Student Government Association Vice President
Megan Pritchard, Student Government Association Public Relations Officer
Taylor Sikes, Student Government Association Recording Secretary
Augast Haddad, Outstanding Student Government Association Member
Parker Williamson, Art Club President
Abby Stanfield, Art Club Vice President
Lacy Buchanan, Art Club Secretary
David Braun, Art Club Treasurer
Carolyn Horst, Art Club Social Media Representative
Maggie Sikes, Christian Club President
Carly Hamlyn, Phi Theta Kappa President, Chi Delta Chapter
Victoria Plocinski, Phi Theta Kappa Executive Vice President, Chi Delta Chapter
Kaitlynn Myers, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President for Public Relations, Chi Delta Chapter
Annika Brunner, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President for Recording & Finance, Chi Delta Chapter
Riley Klekamp, Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Chapter Member, Chi Delta Chapter
Annika Brunner, Rotaract Club Vice President
Hunter Sperry, Rotaract Club Secretary & Treasurer

Academic Distinction

Awards of academic distinction are given by faculty members for students exhibiting excellence in academic.

Though these students will likely have a high mark in the gradebook, a student chosen for this award should also demonstrate an understanding of the course material, be an active participant in class, and contribute to the larger culture of succeeding and high-level thinking in the classroom.
The following students were given awards for academic distinction:

Nathaniel Wissman, Nursing
Joelle Phillips, Welding
Jacob Feth, Welding
William Herbst, Business
Katarina North, Accounting
Terry Ahrenhoersterbaeumer, Accounting & Business
Michael Buhr, Business
Sean Merriman, Accounting
Shane Kearbey, Business
Stephen Casey, Music
Joshua Liebhart, Music
Madalyn Montgomery, Music
Owen Borcherding, Business
Ian Meyer, Business
Olivia Vandegriffe, Business
David Kelch, Accounting
Grace Hoerstkamp, Business
Adam Creasy, Media Studies
Riley Klekamp, Humanities
Caroline Miller, Humanities
Emma Thomas, Humanities
Max Johnson, Humanities
Adam Vancil, Humanities
Zack Hill, English Composition
Katarina North, The Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting
Brianna Gildehaus, Outstanding Performance in Business Award

Spirited Falcon Award

The ECC Spirited Falcon awards are given to students in recognition of perseverance, a consistent willingness to learn and improve, and measured improvement.

This award is designed to honor students who, despite any obstacles they may face during their semester, demonstrated a continued commitment to their education and success as a student.
The following students were given Spirited Falcon awards:

MacKenzie Rolf, Nursing
Rose Adams, Reading Composition
Sean Merriman, Accounting
Kevin Corley, Humanities
Crystal Smith, Humanities
Julia Sampson, Business

Student Employees

Student employee recognized as Outstanding Student Worker

The student employees at ECC go above and beyond in their efforts to balance coursework and their student work opportunities.
The following students were recognized as Outstanding Student Workers:

Hugh Steinman, The Learning Center
Kyley Henry, The Learning Center
Chase Schroeder, The Learning Center
Ian Meyer, The Learning Center
Julio Gonzalez, The Learning Center
Miguel Gonzalez, The Learning Center

NAE Honor Society

Adult Education and Literacy students who were recently inducted into the were honored at Student Achievement Night.
The following students were inducted into NAEHS:

Arellana Zepeda
Ashley Watson Carrell
Athena Burke
Christina McKean
Gorette Nyirasebura
Griselda Gonzales
Heather Mertell
Jagdish Prasad
Lauren Hoey
Mikela Lackey
Mirwais Amiri
Mukesh Lnu
Naresh Jatav
Rajpoot Lnu
Rita Mauer
Shelly McMullin

Adult Education and Literacy students inducted into NAE Honor Society

New Rolla PTK Members Inducted, Win Regional Awards

April 1, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla inducted seven new members into the organization so far this year.

Cole Halfaker, ECC student services specialist, was the keynote speaker during the ceremony held March 5.

The students inducted into the honor society were Briannah Tiarks, Charli Olszewski, Donna Neulinger, Jessica Richardson, Ezra Dunn, Alaina Sy and Shanna Hawkins. The ECC Rolla PTK advisor is Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

Other students could still be eligible to join but haven’t yet. Students invited to be in the PTK can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

Region Awards

Rolla’s Beta Omicron Phi chapter, project and advisor won awards at the 2023 Heartland Region Hallmark Awards also held in March.

Winters-Rozema received third-place honors for the Distinguished Advisor Award category. The Chapter was named a Four-Star Chapter, and it was recognized with an Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action program. Beta Omicron Phi also placed fourth in the region in the College Project.

PTK Members Inducted into Chapter, Honor Society Wins Awards

March 23, 2023 | Campus News

There have been 38 members inducted this spring into the Chi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Union.

The chapter recently held its annual Spring New Member Induction Ceremony, with guest speaker Donna Hall, ECC alumna and 2021-2022 chapter vice president.

There are more students who have been invited to join but haven’t yet, according to Kevin Dixon, PTK advisor of the Chi Delta Chapter. Those students can still do so through the end of the year.

Membership is open to all majors throughout the college, including anyone working toward a degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations/.

Region Awards

The Chi Delta Chapter, its members and an advisor won awards at the 2023 Heartland Region Hallmark Awards held in March.

The Chapter was named a Five Star Chapter, and it was recognized with an Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action program.

PTK member Riley William Klekamp won second place in the Distinguished Chapter Member award.

Annika Bruner and Victoria Plocinski received honorable mentions for Distinguished Chapter Officer awards.

In addition, PTK Advisor Dr. Wendy Pecka received second place in the Linda McFate Award for Continued Excellence in Advising category.

New Members

Listed below are the Chi Delta Chapter members followed by their hometown:

Garrett Akers, Bourbon; Isaac Altis, St. James; Alyssa Baird, Rolla; Aimee Bartle, Sullivan; Ashlee Becker, Washington; Dawn Birdsall, St. Clair; Konner Branson, Gerald; Aaron Brinkmann, Washington; Emma Buehrlen, Washington; Sarah Carter, Union; Mary Daily, Sullivan; Desiree Delisi, Labadie; Caleb Dieckhaus, Washington; Kaitlyn Donovan, Union;

Tyler Finke, Jonesburg; David Harper, Washington; Chloe Hawkins, Washington; Susie Heggemann, Marthasville; Anna Hoffman, Labadie; Kate Hoffman, Labadie; Zachary Hoffman, Labadie; Carolyn Horst, Union; Regan Killbreath, Labadie; Van Kitchens, Bourbon; Abigail Kleekamp, Washington; Amber Kossmann, Union; Sarah O’Bannon, Washington;

Trey Orman, Keller, Texas; Joelle Phillips, Rolla; Chloe Rhoden, Linn; Glennon Sander, Washington; William Schloeman, Warrenton; Owen Spreckelmeyer, Washington; Emily Weilert, Union; Addison Williford, Union; Jagger Wood, Washington; and Olivia Zeitzmann, Washington.

Nine Students Inducted into ECC Rolla Honor Society

November 4, 2022 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

Pictured are seven of the nine inductees into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. From left, are Madison Brown, Serena Macey, Hayden Loeb, Mary Romine, Elise Jeffers, Alicia Ramirez and Kelsea Smith. Not pictured are Gabriel E. Killian and Elysia D. Frayer.

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla inducted nine new members into the honor society during its annual Fall ceremony.

Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the ECC Campus Life & Leadership coordinator, was the keynote speaker during the in-person ceremony held Oct. 9 when the following students were inducted:
Madison G. Brown, Elysia D. Frayer, Elise M. Jeffers, Gabriel E. Killian, Hayden E. Loeb, Serena C. Macey, Alicia A. Ramirez, Kelsea E. Smith and Mary B. Romine.

Jeffers was installed as chapter president, and Ramirez was named chapter vice president.

At the ceremony, ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer presented ECC Rolla PTK sponsor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema with a 15-year PTK advisor pin.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

The Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla installed Alicia Ramirez, left, as vice president of the honor society, and Elise Jeffers, center, as chapter president. Pictured on the right is Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the ECC Campus Life & Leadership coordinator. To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

East Central College East Central College in Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, left, was presented a Phi Theta Kappa 15-year advisor pin by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Rozema, an assistant professor of biology, was recognized during the installation ceremony of new PTK members held in October.

Nine Students Inducted in Rolla PTK Chapter

May 26, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were nine students from East Central College in Rolla who were inducted into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society last month.

During an in-person ceremony held Sunday, April 10, the following students were inducted:

Samantha Sophia Britton;
Alyssa Michelle Rinehart;
Lindsey M. Nichols;
Madison P. Jolly;
Shanna Colleen Loughridge;
Benjamin Michael Miller;
Abigail Paige Lutz;
Colby Daniel Elliott;
Ally Renee Wagner.

The keynote speaker for the induction ceremony was Kevin Dixon, ECC associate professor of biology and advisor of the Chi Delta chapter in Union.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

Johnson Receives Collaborative Excellence Award

May 19, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College Nursing program graduate James Johnson was the recipient of the Collaborative Excellence Award.

The award highlights a student leader who may not always want to be at the forefront as a leader, but whose collaborative spirit proves essential to the success of the club and the maintenance of an encouraging environment.

Johnson was presented the award May 11 during the Campus Life and Leadership annual Student Achievement Night awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of students.

Students are nominated for awards by faculty to recognize academic excellence, perseverance, and contributions to a culture of student success both in and out of the classroom.

Johnson, Marthasville, is a member of the Chi Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in Union. He was nominated for the Collaborative Excellence Award by PTK advisors Kevin Dixon, Melanie Dixon and Dr. Wendy Pecka.

“James has consistently participated in PTK activities since joining the chapter during the Fall 2019 semester,” PTK advisors said. “This has continued throughout the time he has been a full-time nursing student at the Union campus.”

He worked with the officer team and fellow PTK members on both Honors in Action and College Project programs, as well as chapter and college activities.

Johnson was chosen by PTK officers and advisors as the honor society’s “Distinguished Chapter Member” for our Hallmark Awards entries, and he won that award at both the regional (state) and the international levels.

Johnson graduated May 14 with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.