Howard Community College

I ncrea s ing Acce s s HCC honors programs are not the only way students take advantage of honors opportunities. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest and most respected honor society in two-year institutions of higher education, including HCC, whose chapter is called Alpha Alpha Sigma. The honor society is open to any student who meets the academic eligibility criteria, regardless of other honors program affiliations. "I joined because I wanted to become more involved on campus and open my social circle. I had found it hard to get connected on campus, especially as a part- time student, but through Phi Theta Kappa, I met people with a similar passion for academics," says Emily Lardy, who was later elected to a leadership position in the chapter. "Meeting and leading with my incredible officer team and serving our membership was one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life," says Lardy, who has since graduated and is pursuing a bachelor's degree at UMBC in Spanish, Japanese, and international politics, with plans to pursue a master's degree. "With various scholarships, including those for being a Phi Theta Kappa member, I have all my tuition covered. I am forever grateful to Phi Theta Kappa and my advisors for providing me with these opportunities." Each year, HCC's Alpha Alpha Sigma students complete two major projects: Honors in Action, a service project that asks students to contribute research to support community programs and services that aim to improve life in Howard County, and a College Project, which focuses on investigating and implementing positive changes on the HCC campus. "For many students, Alpha Alpha Sigma serves as a crucial connection to campus life," said Frances Turner, associate professor of biology, who also serves as the college's Phi Theta Kappa advisor. "Many carry a full course load, do research, and work full or part time, and would not necessarily have the chance to join an honors program if not for Phi Theta Kappa. It gives students access to others who are like them; who love to learn and who have great motivation and ambition." F ull circle approach Van Hoose expects that the number of students who choose to become involved in HCC's honors programs will continue to grow. And as it does, it benefits not only the individuals who are taking part in the programs, but the value of the overall educational environment of the college. "This is a very intentional effort to create a rigorous experience for our students, both in and out of the classroom," said Van Hoose. "We want our honors students to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom as they pursue service learning, study abroad, internship, and scholarly engagement opportunities. But we also know that they will bring what they learn from those experiences back to HCC. It engages us all at a much deeper level." t Phi Theta Kappa members Addison Haynie (middle) and Anya Welch celebrate their May 2018 graduation. 10 Howard Community College

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