For the third consecutive year, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Alpha Beta Eta Chapter grew in membership and received free graduation stoles from the international honor society for two-year colleges through its REACH Rewards program.

“We received 20 stoles for achieving 50.6 percent acceptance rate of all eligible students in chapter membership,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel. “The high acceptance rate three consecutive years is a direct result of the support of the LBWCC Foundation in providing half the cost of membership fees for those invited to join.”

REACH, which stands for recognizing excellence in acceptance and completion with honors, was created by PTK to encourage membership and reward chapters achieving or exceeding 15 percent for their membership acceptance rate.

“We are extremely pleased that our chapter advisor successfully relayed the benefits of PTK membership and so many of the eligible students chose to join,” said Riedel.

LBWCC Foundation President Wayne Bennett said the funds awarded to help with the cost of membership falls within the organization’s mission of providing financial support to the College and its students.

“Foundation directors are very proud to support the college’s initiative to increase Phi Theta Kappa membership by providing funding to assist members with their dues,” said Bennett. “We believe strongly in the mission of Phi Theta Kappa and the benefits provided to those who join this prestigious academic honor society.”

The Alpha Beta Eta Chapter, which includes students from campuses in Andalusia and Opp, achieved 50.6 percent acceptance rate of all eligible students. Based on a calendar year, the awards are calculated using number of new members, acceptance rate for the chapter, and the graduation rate for the institution.

The chapter’s success compares with 24.6 percent regional acceptance rate, 15.1 percent in the division, and 14.4 percent internationally.

Eligibility for membership in PTK include enrollment in an accredited institution offering associate degree programs, completion of at least 12 credit hours of coursework, grade point average of 3.5, receipt of invitation, and adherence to the moral standards of the society.

Membership benefits include scholarship opportunities, job skills development, honors recognition, and PTK community involvement.

Advisors for the Alpha Beta Eta Chapter are Heather Owen, Katie O’Neal, and Shannan Spurlin.