NMC Int’l Honor Society inducts 11 new members

Beta Lambda Psi, the local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at Northern Marianas College, welcomed 11 new members to its ranks. Four new members were inducted during its spring ceremony on April 5, 2014, while eight new members joined during the fall induction ceremony on Oct. 25, 2014, in the Latte Function Room of Kanoa Resort.

Beta Lamda Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa inductees for spring are, top row, from left: Ervin Cruz, Verna Deleon Guerrero, Zahra Frazier, and Jaelyn Maldangesang. Bottom row, from left: Jimin Cheon, Francis Fidelino, Patsylynn Mendiola, and Hyemin Lee. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Hedwig Hofschneider, NMC’s College Access Challenge Grant Outreach Counselor, delivered the keynote speech for the spring ceremony. He spoke to the inductees about college completion and advised them to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to everyone to go to, and graduate from, college. The CNMI is now a member of the Complete College America Alliance of States, a national nonprofit organization that works with states to significantly increase the number of Americans with quality career certificates or college degrees. 

The keynote speaker for the fall induction, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, spoke to the new inductees about the four watershed moments in the CNMI history that had far-reaching effects: choosing to become Americans by approving the Covenant, the formation of a constitutional government, the decision to liberalize local immigration law, and the decision to allow casino development.

The main focus of his message was the importance of leadership. Sablan encouraged the inductees to take the lead as future leaders since they would be very involved in working through whatever problems and possibilities come from this new development. The inductees were told to set the example and encourage others. He concluded by expressing his confidence in their ability to be future leaders because of the strong academic record they have already achieved.

In order to qualify for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, students must distinguish themselves by maintaining a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, in addition to serving and contributing to the Commonwealth through various community service and leadership activities.

The newest full members include Jimin Cheon, Francis Fidelino, Patsylynn Mendiola, Hyemin Lee, Verna Deleon Guerrero, Escoanne Hocog, Maisie Lynn Mesngon, Alexander Nario, Junhyun Park, Tracy Pelep, and Wei Wei. Also welcomed into the chapter as new provisional members for spring 2014 are Ervin Cruz, Zahra Frazier, and Jaelyn Maldangesang; and for fall 2014, Angelray Guerrero.   

Officers for the academic year 2014-2015 are president Nicole Sablan, vice president Francis Fidelino, and treasurer Hyemin Lee. New officers were officially installed: recording secretary Roy Alegre, membership secretary Junhyun Park, and public relations officer Alexander Nario. The formal induction ceremony was followed by a buffet dinner.

An international organization, Phi Theta Kappa has recognized academic excellence, leadership, and service in two-year colleges since 1918. It is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.5 million members and 1,200 chapters located in the 50 United States, U.S. territories, Canada, and Germany. 

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is two-fold: (1) to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students; and (2) to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

For additional information about the NMC chapter, its memberships, or activities, contact chapter president Nicole Sablan, or adviser Leo Pangelinan. (NMC)