Richland Chronicle October 25th, 2016

Richland

CHRONICLE Vol. XLIII Issue 9 October 25, 2016

Halloween arrives at RLC Pg.6

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2 NEWS

October 25, 2016

After the storm has gone: Rebuilding Rowlett SARAH MCGEE Staff Writer

Rebuilding the city of Rowlett following the Dec. 26, 2015 tornadoes has been an ongoing challenge. The people who are slowly returning to their homes are the fortunate ones.

Some houses were barely touched while others were destroyed. For many, the emotional scars remain.

The tornadoes hit 8,000 houses in Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Henderson, Rains and Hopkins counties. In Rowlett, neighbors helped each other clean their homes and search for treasures in the debris. Some are still fighting with insurance companies nearly a year later. Others decided not to return. Still others are working through the process of rebuilding their homes on new foundations.

“In Rowlett, we had roughly 1,000 houses and 35 businesses hit. All received light to major structural damage,” said Mayor Todd Gottel. “Over 500 houses received what we call severe damage with major structural damage or were completely destroyed beyond repair.”

Rain slowed the recovery. Looters and vandals contributed to the problems. The first month after the tornadoes, some people returned to their homes almost immediately, while those living in apartments waited. The

unstable structures had to be evaluated before residents could return to get their property, including their pets and clothes.

Problems were evident in all of the affected communities. Rowlett had major recovery challenges. The water tower was hit and badly damaged. People in the adjacent neighborhood could not return. Debris and wind made the water tower dangerous to be near.

“It was actually a mobile home that got lifted up and it hit the water tower with people in it. Those people survived,” Gottel said. The water tower damage was so severe the city had to drain it immediately. The structure was later reinforced with steel cables.

“People were really upset and saying, ‘I just had a tornado and you are on me about covering up my pool,’” Gottel added. “The homeowner is liable because it is private property, so it is from a safety point of view. A pool is a major insurance hazard.”

Although months have passed, recovery continues to drag. One house might still have a mattress in the yard, while others may have rodent problems and still others have mold issues. “Now people are coming back and saying, ‘Why aren’t you out?,” Gottel said. People are calling on the city to take action.

People from across Texas came to help after hearing about the tornado. Residents got food from restaurants and received donated items

Staff photo Gary Bowers

In Rowlett, the wind was so strong it flipped cars during the tornado last year.

from churches and disaster recovery organizations.

As neighbors reached out to help each other, some met for the first time after living in the neighborhood up to 20 years. They kept an eye out to protect property from looters and vandals. New construction also meant challenges with builders and construction workers.

“Any time you have construction going on, especially a lot of construction, there are a lot of contractors that are out there that are trying to take advantage of individuals as well as people in neighborhoods,” Gottel said.

Now it is just a matter of time until the re-

maining residents return to the neighborhood.

The anniversary is just around the corner.

People are coming together.

One thing that will change the landscape of Rowlett is the demolition of the water tower.

“With the land, we are going to build a park,” Gottel said. “One thing I want to do is a tornado sculpture that will spin with lights on it to show where the tornado was.”

It has been heartening to see the neighborhood coming together again. Rowlett promises to be stronger than ever as the community overcomes a tragic event that no one who experienced it will ever forget.

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October 25, 2016

Candidates spar on third, final debate Andrew Castillo Staff Writer

The third and final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took place last Wednesday on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus.

The moderator, Chris Wallace, was the first Fox News anchor to ever host a presidential debate. He watched the candidates arrive at their podiums without shaking hands. Then the questions started.

One of the major issues facing the country today is the future of the Supreme Court.

Hillary Clinton began by saying that “the Supreme Court should stand on the side of the American people.” She also said it was important to not reverse Roe v. Wade. Trump started the debate by saying that the Supreme Court should uphold the Second Amendment, as he believes that Clinton and her campaign want to diminish the citizens’ right to bear arms.

Clinton countered by saying “I support the Second Amendment.” Trump then mentioned that Chicago has some of the toughest gun laws in the U.S. and has had a large number of murders due to gun violence. He also advocated for strong borders.

Trump said that “Drugs are pouring in through the border.” He noted that “We’re

getting the drugs, they’re getting the cash.” He ended with “We need strong borders.”

Clinton replied that she voted for border security as a senator. She said “That’s why I’m introducing comprehensive immigration reform within the first 100 days with a path to citizenship.”

Throughout the entire campaign, Trump

that when the “middle class thrives, America thrives.” She proposes that she wants to grow the economy, grow small businesses, make college debt-free, make sure that women receive equal pay and also raise the minimum wage.

Trump went on the offensive by adding that Clinton’s economic plan would “raise taxes and even double your taxes.” He wants to re-

Staff photo Maria Etetere

Students gather in Sabine Hall to watch the final debate between Trump and Clinton.

has said that “We either have a border or we don’t,” adding that under President Barack Obama “millions of people have been moved out of this country. They’ve been deported.

She doesn’t want to say that…”

On the issue of the economy, Clinton said

negotiate bad trade deals. He also added that Clinton called the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the “gold standard” of trade agreements. Yet Clinton says she now opposes the TPP. Trump said that Clinton has been in office

for 30 years and has had nothing to show for it.

While acknowledging her experience, he said it was bad experience. Deflecting recent charges of abusive behavior to women, he added that the stories had been “largely debunked,” and of the women who have come forward over the past week, he said “I think they want either fame or her campaign did it.”

Clinton implied that Trump’s accusations were unattractive and not the right temperament to be lead the country. Trump only spoke briefly about women and said we should be discussing important issues such as ISIS, the economy and foreign policy instead of the events that have occurred in the past.

Trump fired back by mentioning Clinton’s seemingly never-ending email scandal, and that 33,000 of her emails were erased after being subpoenaed by Congress. He then proposed that under his administration, America will become an “Economic machine.”

The major headline from the third and final debate, however, emerged when Trump was asked if he would “absolutely accept the result of the election.” Trump replied “I will tell you at the time. I will keep you in suspense, OK?” At the end, Clinton and Trump made their case about why they are the best choice to serve as the commander in chief.

The final countdown to Election Day has begun. We are less than two weeks away to the end of the election.

JOHN BERRY Staff Writer

The Richland Annual Security Report, a comprehensive listing of crime statistics and preventative measures taken by the Richland College Police Department (RCPD) showed an increase in drug-related offenses. Chief Robert Baker, director of college police, cites the department’s activity and response as the factor to keeping the number of offenses down.

“What we’re doing is being very, very vigilant when we’re out there,” Baker said. “They’re out there patrolling night and day, 24/7, 365.”

Despite drug-related offenses rising to 22 in 2016 from 13 in 2014, Baker is confident that the RCPD is making great strides and that this is simply a natural curve.

“When I submit [the reports] to the Department of Education, if something is out of the ordinary they’ll come back and say ‘please explain,’” said Baker. “They didn’t do that this year. Twenty-two [incidents] is pretty good for a campus of 20,000 students.” The report also shows that there were zero hate crimes of any kind reported for the on campus 2013-2014 period.

The report also covers crimes located on public property surrounding the campus. Despite the relatively higher crime area to the south of the main campus, Richland exists in a bubble of safety, thanks to the RCPD. The

number of public property crimes in the surrounding area has not grown during the last three years, according to the report.

“They’re behind us more than 100 percent,” Baker said about Richland’s administration.

He referred to a number of successful campus programs designed to reduce unlawful activity on campus, including new student education seminars, Domestic Violence Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness months and hosting DEA drug take-backs designed to offer students a safe way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

According to Baker, the rise and fall of criminal activity is to be expected. The report matches a similar spike in activity in 2005 when 16 drug-related offenses resulted in arrests, then dropped to zero arrests 2007.

“A majority of those drug arrests were people passing through the campus and not actual students,” Baker said. “I mean, if students are in the parking lot smoking pot they’re going to get caught, but we don’t have a big problem with that.”

“We’ve been working with the community and with counselors and we do quite well with that,” Ron Clark, vice president of business services said. “Different types of programs that [the City of] Dallas is very pleased with.

The Department is very active. They don’t just drive around in squad cars. We’re very proud of our police department. We’re just not ‘a job,’ we’re a community.”

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RLC Annual Security Report

4 MOVIES

October 25, 2016

‘This is Halloween’ With the 13 must watch for this time of year!

It’s Halloween once again and instead of doing my usual list of horror flicks like “Halloween” and “Alien,” I decided to mix it up with horror and comedy genres that don’t often go hand in hand, but are great when done right, as are these lucky 13.

1 “Addams Family Values” (1993) – Christina Ricci’s Wednesday steals many scenes in this satire with a nice dose of sarcasm and chagrins galore. B2 “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension” (1984) — Robocop star Peter Weller portrays the title character, a neurosurgeon and leader of a rock band, who is also an expert in just about anything you can mention. Dr. Emilio Lizaardo (John Lithgow) steals a bunch of scenes by saying, “I’m going home with my overthruster.” What is really funny are the characters’ names, including a plethora of Johns including John Gomez (Dan Hedaya) and John Bigboote (Christopher Lloyd). B 3 “An American Werewolf in London” (1981) — David Naughton and Griffin Dunne are friends hiking overseas when one falls victim to a werewolf. Bizarre antics ensue. From John Landis, who directed “the Blues Brothers,” one of the few musicals I actually enjoyed. A4 “Day of the Dead” (1985) — Talk about cool, this is one of the few flicks in which you actually have empathy for the undead. I’m talking about Howard Sherman’s Bub, the zombie, and a character you actually kind of respect and admire by the end of the film. B5 “Deep Rising” (1998) — Stephen Sommers directs this fun tale about mercenaries hijacking a cruise ship infested with sea monsters galore. Stars Treat Williams, Wes Studi and Famke Janssen look like they’re having a good time. C+

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6 “Fright Night” (1985/2011) — The 1985 original starred “Dog Day Afternoon’s” Chris Sarandon, while the newer 3-D version contained burnt embers that looked like they would singe you if they touched your skin! It’s a peculiar story in which a good-looking neighbor turns out to be a vampire. The 1985 version gets a B+ while the 2011 one gets a B-.

“Lifeforce” (1985) — An interesting flick from Tobe Hooper, director of the awesome “Poltergeist” in 1982.

The film is based on Colin Wilson’s novel “Space Vampires,” with amazing visual effects, including Space Girl (Mathilda May) wailing around London.

C+

7 “Ghostbusters” (1984) — Talk about a fun ride, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson are a bunch of bumbling scientists who find a way to capture supernatural spirits of the undead in New York City. I saw it again a couple of years ago during the 30th anniversary and it still holds up. A 8 “Night of the Creeps” (1986) — Pure cheese and just dumb fun. A spaceship from another world turns men into zombies. Tom Atkins has a fun role as a cop who answers the phone with “Thrill me.” C+ 9 “Shaun of the Dead” (2004) — A great hidden gem; Director Edgar Wright and actor Simon Pegg made what I consider a modern classic. When an outbreak occurs in a small British village, the undead start popping up from the ground. A10 “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” (2010) — This ultimate case of mistaken identity involves a couple of backward hillbillies (Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine) mistaken for serial killers at a campground. The campgoers keep killing themselves by making silly mistakes. B+ 11 “Starship Troopers” (1997) — When I was in college at North Texas this was the ultimate event movie for me and my friends. Director Paul Verhoeven, who helmed this nifty and inventive tale, brings the same magic touch he brought to 1987’s Dallas-filmed “Robocop” as well as “Total Recall” to this story about giant bugs invading our planet. It plays like a war propaganda piece a la old World War II recruitment vehicles. A12 “Zombieland” (2009) — This is an entertaining and engaging zombie tale about a loner, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), who teams up with Woody Harrelson’s Twinkie-loving Tallahasee.

It also stars Abigail Breslin (“Signs,” “Little Miss Sunshine”) and Emma Stone (“The Help, “ “Easy A”). Bill Murray has an Rounding out the top 20: extended cameo that is hilarious. B+ “The Howling” (1981) B13 “Young Frankenstein” (1974) — Mel Brooks was at the top of his game when this debuted many years ago. Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle as Frankenstein’s monster still make me laugh when they sing and dance to “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” B

“Crimson Peak” (2015) — Another win for one of my favorite directors, Guillermo del Toro. It is an old-fashioned ghost story set in a dilapidated house where Tom Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston, Loki from “The Avengers”) meets his bride, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska, “Alice in Wonderland”).

B+

“Starship Troopers” (1997) – Paul Verhoeven’s big-budget opus involves giant arachnids that invade our solar system. It’s like an old-fashioned recruiting movie for the selective service.

The supporting cast all shine, especially Michael Ironside and Clancy Brown.

A-

“Beetlejuice” (1988) B“Frankenweenie” (2012) B+ “Body Parts” (1991) B“Near Dark” (1987) B+ “Return of the Living Dead” (1986) C+ “Tremors” (1990) B+

“Dylan Dog: Dead of Night” (2010) — Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns”) portrays the title character who can detect the undead, seeing the demonic creature that they really are. Dylan’s P.I. skills are an asset to his work. This one is witty, inventive and amusing.

B-

“Re-Animator” (1985) and “From Beyond” (1986) — Both of these intriguing tales based on H. P. Lovecraft stories feature Jeffrey Combs in distinct roles. In “ReAnimator” he is Herbert West, an off-kilter scientist who discovers how to bring people back to life.

—Ricky Miller C+

Audience sees shades of ‘Gray’ JOYCE JACKSON Copy Editor

The Fannin Hall stage erupted into a wild frenzy of song and dance, along with a little devilish behavior Oct. 17. It was all part of Richland’s first fall production, “Gray,” an original musical created by drama chair Andy Long.

Enthusiasm was evident as the eight students in the cast began the performance with “Words,” a catchy tune that introduced Dorian Gray, the character for whom the musical was written. Along with eight other songs, dance numbers included variations of hip-hop and modern. “Gray” is based on Oscar Wilde’s book “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1891) and a movie by the same title in 1945.

Jabin Lewis had the challenging role of Dorian, a handsome young man obsessed with youth and beauty. Lewis looked quite suave in a gray tux and orange shirt, as opposed to the rest of the cast who were all decked out in a variety of colorful outfits perfect for dance, thanks to costume designer Raven LanuzaBrown, also a drama student.

The plot concerned an eerie portrait of the title character painted by Bianca, a young artist played by Kyla Burns. At first, it resembled Dorian (Lewis) as the young, good-looking man he is, but trouble began with his obsession with youth and beauty as he exclaims, “I’m jealous of the painting. If only the painting could change and I could stay young forever … I would give anything for that to happen.

I would give my soul.”

In addition to “Words,” the music for “Gray” was written by musician and composer Chris Watlington, who lives in Center and is a college friend of Long’s. The songs included: “Love,” “Class,” “Art,” “Love (reprise),” “Sex” “Temptation,” “Time,” and “Gray,” and sung by members of the cast and ensemble: Lewis, Burns, Jordan Bradford, Mackenzie Johnson, Carlos Hernandez, Amanda Rodriguez, Kim Dominguez and Cori Clark.

The tension increases as Dorian seeks out his best friend Henry, played by Hernandez, to tell him he has fallen madly in love with Mia Vane, an actress who sings at the Basket Theater. He describes her as “effervescent.”

But he questions whether it’s love or lust.

Hernandez seemed to fit the commanding role of Dorian better than Lewis as the tall, dark-haired outspoken young man with a stern voice. Dominguez plays Henry’s stepmother, Brittany, who favors older men. She’s the ideal trophy wife.

Dorian first raves about Mia’s excellent performance as a singer, which makes him fall in love with her. When he and Henry visit the theater though, Dorian hates her performance, thinks she is ill and calls her a “*#@% robot.” He shouts, “You are nothing to me.”

One of the most touching scenes is when Mia begs Dorian for forgiveness for such a poor performance, but to no avail. She commits suicide.

The musical takes an abrupt turn for the worst when Dorian becames jealous of the portrait.

“If only I could stay young and the painting

ENTERTAINMENT 5

The cast of the musical, “Gray” rehearses at Fannin Hall.

grow old,” he whines. “I would give anything, everything for that, my father’s money, my soul. I would give my soul for that to happen.”

In disgust, he drapes a coat over the painting and can’t stand the sight of it.

One of the songs the audience will probably never forget is ” Sex,” where Clark leads the ensemble in song and some really sexy dance moves as the actors crawl around the stage floor mimicking sexual positions in unison singing “Everybody wants it … “Everybody needs it …”

Dorian, by that time in deep depravity, states, “I #@% anything that walks.” At this point the portrait has completely transformed into a horrifying, old decrepit devil face with hideous red eyes and mouth. It was big as life on a huge screen at the back of the stage, perfectly visible to everyone. Its loud sinister voice made the audience shudder when it told Dorian: “You can’t renounce on this deal.

You can’t kill yourself. You are me!” I suspect

Staff photo Ibraheem ALtaha

maybe a few theater-goers might have been inspired to go back to church by the sight of it.

As the musical draws to a close, years have passed and Henry, who is now an old man, meets with Dorian, who still looks 21, but is actually 51. It ends with all actors moving to the beat of the last song, “Gray.”

Especially clever is the use of an animated picture of each member of the cast on the screen as young 20-somethings and then aging them to their 80s.

Long said at the heart of “Gray” is the great moral lesson of what we do and described it as a “morality play.” While Dorian first set out to experience all the senses and vices in the world, as any one of us might do, the painting is his soul. As with Wilde’s novel, which explores art, time, class, sex, temptation, love and the power of words, this unique, creative musical gives the audience a chance to explore their own lives and thoughts and see how we all fit into our fast-paced society.

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October 25, 2016

6 CAMPUS

October 25, 2016

Halloween contest preview

Richland

CHRONICLE

RACHEL MCINTOSH

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Those wishing to participate should first register with OSL. On the day of the contest, report to the registration table to sign in with Staff Writer your name, student ID and the character you Do you like cosplay? Have a knack for cre- are portraying. You will be given a number beating costumes, or just want to join in on the fore heading to the stage.

Once on stage, judges comprised of faculty, fun? As Halloween draws closer, what better way to showcase your creations than to par- staff and the president of the Costume Club ticipate in the Richland Halloween Costume will judge your costume. You will be asked simple questions Contest? as to who you are Students are inportraying and the vited to show off process of making their costumes and the costume. join the Hallow“Judging will be een festivities from based on creativity, noon to 1 p.m. skill and Halloween Monday on the cafspirit,” Sonnanstine eteria stage. Those said. Trick-or-treat not fond of dressbuckets are weling up are invited come. to come down and Snacks will be cheer their friends provided at the conon as they bring test, Sonnanstine their favorite charsaid. There will be acters to life. “a list of specific “Throughout the offices that will give year, we do a lot out treats.” So, as of different activilong as there are ties. Some of them not tricks involved, are specifically rewards for good education-based. I spirits will not go think this is just a file photo unnoticed. fun one,” said Kelly One of last year’s contestants.

To register, visit the OSL office in El Paso Sonnanstine, coordinator of new student oriHall, Room E040. entation at the Office of Student Life (OSL).

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Entertainment Editor Copy Editor Design Editor

Ricky Miller Joyce Jackson

Isai Diaz

ON THE COVER

Staff Illustration by Rachel McIntosh

COVER AND FONTS

Certain cover fonts are provided by the following www.nymfont.com – www.bvfonts.com

Quick tips for Halloween costumes and characters With the Halloween contest and other festivities coming up, you may be at a loss of what to do. Buying a costume would be too expensive on short notice. Making a costume might not be your thing, but you still want to dress up. Here are some tips for a simple, quick, cheap and easy cosplay.

Why not go as Jake from State Farm?

His recent debut in a commercial for the insurance giant has made him into an internet sensation. For this costume, all you need is a red-collared shirt, preferably with buttons near the collar, as well as khaki pants that would at least go below the knee. A simple headset or earpiece would be just the touch to finish up the costume nicely. Finally, attach a nametag with the name “Jake,” and you are now what the angry wife in the commercial despises!

How about “Minecraft” main protagonist Steve? He’s a world of wonder and TNT. Why not try your might at being him and have an adventure on campus? A simple blue shirt will serve you well.

The fun part is the headpiece. For this, you only need a printer and a box. Tape up the box so it closes completely. Then, cut a hole at the bottom for your head to go through as well as eyeholes so you can see.

From there, you should print out the internet paper craft of Steve’s head, cutting out the necessary pieces and gluing it onto the box.

Finally, you have finished your costume and you are ready to attack that pesky Creeper!

— Rachel Mcintosh Correction: In the Oct.11, 2016 issue of the Chronicle, the Take 5 review of “The Magnificent Seven” Misidentified actors Liam Hemsworth, Ethan Hawke, Haley bennett and Vincent D’Onofrio as starring in the film.the names of actors Chris Pratt and Peter Skarsgard should also have been included.

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Ibraheem Al Taha Tru Armstrong Gary Bowers Maria Etetere Jorge Gomez Sarah Hammond Chassedy Johnson Ahlam M. Al Mahrooq Ashley Martin

Sarah McGee Rachel McIntosh Vanessa Myron Thu Nguyen Jorge Perez Aly Rodrigues Fernando Rodriguez Katherine Spurger Quan Tran

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards

David Goodloe

Jack Fletcher

Tim Jones

Meg Fullwood

Larry Ratliff

REMAINING ISSUE DATES November 22

November 1 November 8

December 6

November 15

December 13

AWARDS ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2016 CMA Two-Year Radio Station of the Year 2015 ACP Best of Show Award 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place – TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker finalist, 2007, 2008 Over 270 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

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Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2016

CAMPUS 7

October 25, 2016

Putting a Kappa on success Staff Writer

The International Academic Honors Society Phi Theta Kappa is an organization that recognizes the academic achievements of community college students, promotes leadership skills and presents opportunities for transfer scholarships to four-year universities.

Dr. Zarina Blankenbaker, Richland’s executive vice president for academic affairs and student success, said, “Promoting the opportunities Phi Theta Kappa provides students is aligned with Richland College’s commitment to building a sustainable local and world community through equitable resources.”

With an emphasis on developing leadership and services, Phi Theta Kappa creates an advantageous environment for students that encourages their success. Blankenbaker refers to Keome Rowe, a Richland College alumnus and Phi Theta Kappa member, as an example.

“Mr. Rowe has been selected to serve as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, currently assigned to China,” said Blankenbaker, who went on to say there are many stories among Phi Theta Kappa members at Richland.

The honors society, now close to 100 years old, has had an affiliation with Richland for nearly 45 years. It’s an important affiliation

Thursday

Today 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Richland Wind Symphony and chamber ensembles Fannin Performance Hall, PH102 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Richland Symphonic Instrumental Concert: “Inspired Origins” Wind symphony, string orchestra, chamber ensembles Fannin Performance Hall, PH102

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Student Town Hall Meeting 2016 Election Streamed live at RichlandStudentMedia.com El Paso Hall, Room E015 12:30 to 3 p.m.

“A Royal Affair” (R) A 2012 historical drama Denmark (English subtitles) Sabine Hall, Room SH117

Wednesday

Friday Noon to 1 p.m.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

University visit: Texas Tech

Richland Big Band Jazz Ensemble Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall

Sabine Hall, Room SH118

Oct. 31 Noon to 1 p.m.

Halloween costume contest with prizes

Cafeteria stage, El Paso Hall

Image courtesy Phi Theta Kappa

RichlandStudentMedia.com

THU NGUYEN

for two-year colleges.

“Most of the community colleges, including all of the community colleges in Dallas County, have a Phi Theta Kappa chapter,” said Jon Ewing, faculty adviser.

Unlike the Richland Honors Academy and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Theta Kappa members come from many different cultures.

“Phi Theta Kappa is particularly designed for two-year college students to develop their intellectual and leadership potential,” Ewing said.

“It’s a fun group and I think it’s really beneficial to students.”

To join Phi Theta Kappa, students must be currently enrolled in a community college with a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least 12 hours of college-level credits completed. High school students can apply if they’re taking college - level courses. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to maintain membership status. Invitations are usually sent out three weeks into the spring and fall semesters. New memberships are not accepted during the winter and summer breaks.

Students who think they qualify but have not received invitations should contact Ewing at jdewing@dcccd.edu.

Meetings, at conferences and service projects are not required in order to join Phi Theta Kappa. Many prominent Dallas-area universities offer scholarships for Phi Theta Kappans.

Qualifications vary. Scholarships are also available for PTK members through private companies. Visit www.ptk.org for details.

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