Twelve officers and adviser of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Coffeyville Community College participated in the Chapter’s annual fall semester officer retreat August 22-23. The event was held at the CCC Alumni Center and included a field trip to Sedan. The retreat began at the alumni center with ice breakers and a PowerPoint presentation, “Phi Theta Kappa 101” by Kansas Region Vice President of Correspondence, Tyler Stoldt, from Neosho County Community College. College officials Linda Moley and Ryan McCune welcomed the members and wished the chapter a successful year.
Friday afternoon found the officers traveling to Sedan where they visited the Emmitt Kelly Museum and heard a presentation by Sedan music teacher and museum docent Rosie Sweaney. The historic Sedan Opera House building houses the Emmitt Kelly Museum in the lower floor. The museum houses memorabilia of the world famous clown, Wearie Willy for whom Emmitt Kelly was famous. Emmitt was born in Sedan on December 9, 1898. Among other displays is the 1,500 piece decanter collect, one of the most complete antique prints shops in the state, and Indian artifacts unearthed near Sedan since 1983.
The field trip continued with pictures made at the Red Buffalo Ranch sign and dinner at Safari Mark’s Restaurant where officers enjoyed seeing the hotel’s historic lobby. The evening concluded with a tour of the Gregg Theatre led by volunteer Austin Floyd. Seeing the projection booth with the new $70,000 digital projection equipment was a tour highlight. The Gregg offers movies on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for $5.00. The students enjoyed the movie before returning to Coffeyville.
Saturday found the officers in all day work session where they explored the many initiatives of Phi Theta Kappa. Topics explored included: Hallmark Awards, All USA Academic Team, College Project, Honors in Action Project and benefits of running for Kansas Region and international office. The Chapter’s service projects, Operation Christmas Child, community food and clothing drives as well as the service/therapy dog for the special needs children at Tulsa’s Little Light House, were also discussed.
Serving as Eta Gamma Chapter officers for the 2014-15 academic year are: President, Dezirae Hamrick, Coffeyville; Co-Vice President of Scholarship, Dominique Liddell, Kansas City, Kansas; Co-Vice President of Scholarship, Danika Burton, Coffeyville; Co-Vice President of Service, Sara Lumm, Parsons; Co-Vice President of Service, Ian Fladie, Stillwater; Co-Vice President of Fellowship, Linelle Wilson, Kansas City, Kansas; Co-Vice President of Fellowship, Aubrey Liby, Seneca, Kansas; Vice President of Public Relations, Jesus Medina, Coffeyville; Vice President of Communications, Jarod Taylor, Wann, Oklahoma; Secretary, Trinnie Bush, Havana; Relay For Life Chairman, Barbara Palmer, Coffeyville; Treasurer, Trae Venerable, Olathe; International Students Representative, Sang Pierre Gomez, Gambia. Linda McFate serves as chapter advisor.