NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Date: April 26, 2005

Contact: Terri Giltner, (859) 256-3186, terri.giltner@kctcs.edu
Jackie Bondurant, (859) 256-3219, jackie.bondurant@kctcs.edu
KCTCS students, faculty honored at international convention

VERSAILLES, Ky. (April 26, 2005) - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KTCS) took an active role in the 2005 International Convention of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges.

The KCTCS delegation to the April 14-16 "Catch a Shining Star" convention included 37 student members, advisors, and alumni. The event was held April 14-16 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, Grammy winner Patti LaBelle, Olympic gold medalist Michael Weiss, and Gaddi H. Vasquez, director of the Peace Corps, were among the keynote speakers. Lesli Oaks, a student from the Lees College Campus of Hazard Community and Technical College, was among the nominees running for international officer. Oaks is the first KCTCS student to become a candidate for international office in Phi Theta Kappa.

A list of KCTCS students and chapters honored follows.

Lorena Perkins, Omicron Zeta, Somerset Community College, received the George O. Bierkoe Distinguished Member Award for a student's embodiment of the Hallmarks of the Society, emphasizing participation in Society Programs. The award is named for the late President of Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Alex Hyrcza, Beta Alpha Rho chapter, Maysville Community and Technical College, received a Paragon Award in recognition of distinguished service by chapter advisors who are serving in their second to fourth year.

Linda Blair, Hazard Community and Technical College, received the Robert Giles Advisor Award for distinguished service by advisors who have served at least five years.

Continued Excellence Awards for Advisors for distinguished service were awarded to: The Shirley B. Gordon Award recognizing college administrators was presented to: Alpha Omega Gamma, Ashland Community and Technical College, was honored as being one of the Top 100 Chapters.

The 5-Star programs award, which reflects the scholarly ideals of Phi Theta Kappa, was presented to: The Distinguished Regional Officer Awards, based on nominations submitted by Regional Coordinators, was awarded to Lorena Perkins, Kentucky Regional President, Omicron Zeta chapter, Somerset.
KCTCS is changing the lives of Kentuckians by providing affordable and accessible postsecondary education at 16 community and technical colleges on 65 campuses throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.