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Phi Theta Kappa CEO Fredrica Tyes emboldens chapter inductees to service over self

By Marketing and Communications Staff 

The newest members of the Upsilon Delta Chapter of PTK stand behind (front row) faculty advisor Douglas Branch, keynote speaker Fredrica Tyes and co-advisor Dr. Melanie Jones at the fall 2023 induction ceremony.
The newest members of the Upsilon Delta Chapter of PTK stand behind (front row) faculty advisor Douglas Branch, keynote speaker Fredrica Tyes and co-advisor Dr. Melanie Jones at the fall 2023 induction ceremony.

Twenty-nine Southwest scholars took the Phi Theta Kappa oath to uphold the virtues of truth and service as the latest inductees into Southwest’s Upsilon Delta Chapter. 

The students were joined by their family and friends in a traditional candlelight ceremony Dec. 3 in the Farris Auditorium which featured keynote speaker and International PTK Chief Operations Officer Fredrica Tyes. Tyes traveled from Jackson, MS, where the international headquarters of PTK is located. 

“I extend my warmest congratulations to all of you on this remarkable milestone in your education journey,” Tyes said. “Your academic achievements are not just a testament of your intelligence and diligence but reflect your unique personal growth and knowledge. You have pushed the boundaries of what you thought possible and risen to the challenges set before you.” 

Tyes encouraged the students to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world and to uplift others while remaining true to themselves. “True success lies not just in personal achievements but in how you contribute to the betterment of society. Stay true to your values, your dreams and your authentic self even when presented with adversities. Be unapologetic about your passions, beliefs and your choices.” 

Chapter president Jason Friend and vice-president Chouaibou Aly presented the candidates for induction and administered the PTK oath, together with PTK faculty co-advisors Dr. Melanie L. Jones and Douglas Branch. Friend, who will graduate in spring with an associate degree in business administration, encouraged his fellow members to participate in the functions of the chapter to keep the organization a strong and positive force on campus.

Upsilon Delta Chapter President Jason Friend initiates the candlelight ceremony during the chapter’s induction ceremony.
Upsilon Delta Chapter President Jason Friend initiates
the candlelight ceremony during the chapter’s induction
ceremony.

Friend said he joined PTK because of its reputation and how it would look good on his resume but early on discovered the merits of the organization. “I didn’t realize how much of a scholar community PTK is,” Jones said. “PTK is a great society – it’s given me a community of belonging and opportunities to network, make connections, apply for scholarships and meet college recruiters. Dr. Jones and Mr. Branch have been great mentors – they are encouraging and really care about the success of the students. They made sure I stayed strong and got my work done.”

Members can continue to be a part of PTK for life as part of the national organization and by joining chapters at college campuses across the nation. 
Students at Southwest are invited to join the chapter if they have accumulated 12 college-level credit hours toward a degree with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

Congratulations to all the inductees! 

Fall 2023 Inductees
Brittney Alcantara 
Ahmed Alnuzely
Chouaibou Aly 
Dyamond Askew 
Jennifer Avina 
Aria Barrett 
Condoleezza Black 
Kamesha Brooks
Amber Brown 
Serenity Budenich 
Ashley Carter 
Nya Collins 
TaLea Crowder 
Cierra Finley 
Krystal Hill 
Makenzie Holmes 
Anna Jeong 
Azariah Johnson 
Daphyne Jones-Williams
Kassandra Karrington-Fink
Brandy Kenney
Tasha Norvell 
Heather McLean
Nouhalia Moutiq
Lauryn Quinn 
Connor Schile 
Davida Smith
Grant Stevenson