Wildwood College Student Elected Statewide President

The Beta Rho Epsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at St. Louis Community College-Wildwood was recognized at the Missouri Regional Convention in March as a "5-Star" chapter, denoting the highest level of chapter development. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, and recognizes scholarship among two-year college students.

STLCC-Wildwood’s chapter was chartered in March 2009, and has grown rapidly to a 5-Star program by increasing membership and completing leadership and service projects.

In November, several members traveled to the Missouri Regional Honors Conference held in Potosi, MO, to participate in leadership training. During the fall, chapter leaders organized the “Truthiness Project” during which students were invited to explore truth in the media and learn about reliable resource materials. Chapter members also organized a cell phone collection drive to benefit American soldiers serving abroad. Their most recent project was in support of RecycleMania, a friendly national competition for colleges to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities.

“I am so proud of the Wildwood chapter,” said Pam McIntyre, president of the Wildwood campus, during the recent spring induction ceremony. She encouraged all of the chapter’s members to take advantage of the leadership opportunities available to them through Phi Theta Kappa. 

Debbie Zamora, Wildwood student and chapter president concurred. “I challenge all of you to improve your own lives and the lives of others around you. Phi Theta Kappa has taken me down roads that I thought I would never go. Don’t miss out on the exciting adventures that Phi Theta Kappa will bring to you.”

The 5-Star Development Plan guides chapters toward fulfilling the mission of Phi Theta Kappa by promoting student engagement, persistence, retention and scholarly fellowship. The plan is structured so that one level builds on the next. The first level includes activities to recognize and encourage academic achievement. Higher levels focus on leadership development and service learning.

In addition to receiving 5-Star recognition, two members also were recognized at the conference.

Debbie Zamora was elected president of the Missouri Region, which covers the entire state and includes 26 chapters. Zamora campaigned along with three other candidates, and was elected by majority vote of the delegates from each campus.

Carleen Murray earned the Distinguished Member Award for her academic achievements and involvement with the Beta Rho Epsilon chapter. As a regional winner, she now eligible to compete this month for an award at the International Convention in Seattle, WA.

To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of associate degree course work and generally earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment in the two-year college.  The honor society has more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters worldwide.