Alpha Nu Lambda, Clark State College’s chapter of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), will host the annual PTK Annual Ohio Region Awards Convention on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5. The event will be held at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center in downtown Springfield.
“We are especially excited to host this year – it’s the 35th anniversary of the Ohio region,” said Nina Wiley, dean of student engagement and support services at Clark State. “Currently there are 41 chapters in our region, including two chapters from West Virginia. “
The theme of the conference is “I AM.”
“I really wanted a theme that is affirming, really acknowledging our students and everything they stand for and have accomplished,” said Wiley. “But to also call to mind that there are struggles and challenges along the way – so one day they might feel ‘I am strong’ and the next might be ‘I am enough’ – this really speaks to meeting students where they are and advocating for them – always.”
A 6-foot banner will be displayed where students can write their ‘I AM” statements throughout the convention. An ‘I AM’ poem will be included in their registration packet and ‘I AM’ photo props will be available for students to write their statements and have their pictures taken.
“Friday night is a carnival themed fellowship,” said Wiley. “An opportunity for students, advisors and alumni to share a meal, connect with one another and have fun. We have carnival games planned, in addition to a caricature artist, henna tattooist, snow cone machine and much more. The meal is carnival themed, as well.”
Saturday will consist of meetings, regional updates, PTK Headquarter updates, nominations and voting for regional officers for 2022-2023, a panel of previous and past advisors, regional officers and coordinator. A transfer fair will also take place on Saturday with 12 four-year institutions attending, and Franklin University and Southern New Hampshire University as sponsors.
Attendees are encouraged to dress more formal for dinner and awards on Saturday evening.
This is the first convention in the Ohio Region that at the time of registration attendees may select pronouns for their nametags. Wiley said it is important to recognize and affirm one’s identity.
Wiley said 16 chapters will be represented and include 3 College Presidents, 27 alumni, past regional officers, past regional presidents, and current chapter officers, members and advisors, and Dr. Blake Ellis – Chief Engagement Officer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
“PTK regional events are crucial moments for members as they engage with PTK programs, learn new skills, celebrate chapter successes, and network with other student leaders,” said Ellis. “The Ohio Region Awards Convention is an exciting moment for the region. At the convention, students will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Ohio Region and recognize the achievements of members, advisors, and chapters. Throughout 2021, Ohio Region chapters worked diligently on College Project and Honors in Action Projects; at this convention, the Ohio Region will award the top performers and celebrate advisors and students who worked to make them happen. I am mindful of the Ohio Region’s robust history of engagement with PTK and thankful to be in attendance as we celebrate the past and look towards the future.”
The event will include two keynote speakers: Justin Oberndorf and Jeff Greene.
Oberndorf resides in Boulder, Colorado, and is an award-winning educator. He has over 20-years’ experience working with teens and young adults and has mastered the craft of weaving social and emotional learning into the classroom environment. He is one of the Boulder Valley School District's coordinators for the student leadership program. In addition, he has trained district employees in conflict management and shared decision making. With years of experience, Oberndorf serves as a life coach facilitating groups and coaching young adults to be successful in their lives. He and his wife, Kelli, run community building workshops that focus on authentic communication and connection.
Jeff Greene was a 2014 Ohio State National Champion and is the founder of Greene Speed Academy in Columbus. Greene is a former wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes and previously coached wide receivers at the world-renowned IMG Academy.
“The Alpha Nu Lambda chapter at Clark State is proud to host the 2022 Ohio Region Awards Convention,” said Wiley. “Phi Theta Kappa represents scholarship, fellowship, service, and leadership and we are excited to celebrate the many achievements of students throughout the Ohio Region. Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa is truly life-changing.”
With more than 2 million members and 1,200 U.S. chapters, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education. It recognizes the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.
There are more than 40 PTK chapters in Ohio. To be an eligible candidate for PTK, students must have completed at least 12 college-level credit hours and have a minimum 3.5 grade point average. Membership benefits include scholarships; free access to Five Star Competitive Edge, a personal and professional development plan for building marketable skills and an online portfolio; increased pay grade for entry-level federal jobs; tuition discounts; and more.