MARSHALLTOWN – Twenty new members were inducted into Marshalltown Community College’s Alpha Iota Rho Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of the two-year college on Nov. 6.

The Phi Theta Kappa organization recognizes academic achievement at the community college level. The MCC Chapter requires members to have completed at least 12 semester hours in a two-year degree program, be currently enrolled, attended the previous semester, and have a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Dr. Chris Russell, Dean of Students and Academic Affairs, welcomed guests and congratulated students for their accomplishments on behalf of the MCC administration. Dr. Russell noted that it was the 30th anniversary of Phi Theta Kappa at MCC. PJ Colbert delivered a message from the faculty and introduced the night’s guest speaker, Pele Waddilove, PTK Alumni and Co-Advisor. Waddilove was one of 10 MCC students to be inducted into PTK in 1984, the first ever class to be inducted at MCC.

She spoke on the importance of leadership-the hallmark of Phi Theta Kappa. She said that there isn’t one correct definition of leadership, and there are various different styles of leaders. However, the qualities of a great leader remain the same: positive attitude, ability to influence others, and passion. She also urged the inductees to set goals in life, and to never lose their sense of ‘wonderment’.

Chapter President, Janie Ferneau, conducted the ceremony with the assistance of chapter advisors Pele Waddilove and PJ Colbert, and PTK Vice President of Public Relations, Emma Schuler. Waddilove and Colbert met and congratulated each inductee on stage as they signed their name, received their PTK sash and lit their candle. Students who accepted membership were acknowledged at the fall induction ceremony on Nov. 6. Inductees, listed by hometown, are:

Conrad – Ashley M. Bond, Practical Nursing.

Gladbrook – Allysen J. White, Machine Tool Technology (Tool & Die).