Richland’s Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter held a night of celebration and culture Nov. 22 to mark the 50th anniversary of PTK.. Guest speakers were featured. A dinner was enjoyed and a mariachi band kept the event festive.
The event also featured the chapter’s founder, Larry Polk, and honored members and chapter advisers.
Polk spoke about his past and stories involving students. Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon and Richland President Kathryn Eggleston attended the anniversary event as well.
The event highlighted past and current members while embracing the future. First was a instrumental jazz section by some of its members.
PTK Richland Chapter President Seth Gowen played the saxophone to kick off the evening of celebration in Fannin Performance Hall and VP of Public Relations and Richland Chronicle Editor-in-Chief Malak Elkady played piano. Bryan Short joined in on trumpet.
Several PTK officers spoke. They included VP of Scholarship Lan Vu and VP of Leadership Faith Rachel.
Gowen said, “Moments like these highlight the amazing culture of academic and personal growth created by our chapter.” He added, “These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our members and advisers. Our chapter is more than a group of students. We’re a community of scholars and that is something to be proud of.”
“It’s one thing to be gifted. It’s one thing to have talent, but it’s something else if you keep that information to yourself,” Polk said. “I often told my students what good is information if only you had it. We have a responsibility to share what it is that we have with someone else,” He said and added, “I look back at the contributions that the Alpha Alpha Xi chapter has made to Phi Theta Kappa and I am very proud to say that I’m glad I founded it in 1974.”
After Polk spoke, officers, members and those in the audience moved to Sabine Hall for dinner and were entertained by a mariachi band. A catered Vietnamese dinner was served showcasing the diverse culture of the evening.
