Ridgewater Honor Society Officers, Advisor Receive Honors
July 22, 2024
HUTCHINSON and WILLMAR, MN – Ridgewater College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society chapter continues to garner recognition for both student and advisor leadership.
Officer Team Award
Earning the 2024 PTK Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award were student officers Brian Wagenius (Nondestructive Testing student from Gaylord), Christopher Larson (Nursing and Liberal Arts and Sciences, Waconia), Jude Roberts (Liberal Arts and Sciences, Benson), and Melissa Rosenow (Nursing, Hutchinson). It is the second consecutive year Ridgewater brought home this international two-year college honor society award, according to Co-advisor Dr. Bradley Wolfe, although last year’s award honored different officers.
“Chapter officers did a great job of creating synergy to grow our chapter and meet our goals,” Wolfe said. He commended their involvement at Ridgewater, in communities and at regional levels with other chapters.
“Our outstanding officer team put a great deal of effort into events on both campuses and outreach to our community last year,” explained Ridgewater PTK Co-Advisor and science instructor Lori Anderson. Examples included successfully revitalizing the PTK chapter after the pandemic with members from both Hutchinson and Willmar campuses as well as online students, hosting an ice cream social, conducting fundraisers, and successfully writing a grant to obtain support for student self-care projects. Membership doubled in a year.
New Advisor Award
Not only did officers receive recognition for their leadership and teamwork, but Co-advisor Anderson of Buffalo Lake received an award also.
“I humbly express my gratitude to our Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students for honoring me with the Paragon Award for New Advisors,” Anderson said. “Our students inspire me daily, and I am grateful for the chance to guide them toward their full potential as students and members of our communities…. Together, we will create a legacy of growth, resilience, and achievement!”
In Anderson’s nomination from Heidi Olson, Ridgewater’s Dean of Students, Olson highlighted Anderson’s exceptional dedication, transformative contributions, and commitment to connecting academics to positive mental health. “Lori’s dedication to raising awareness of Phi Theta Kappa has been unwavering.” Olson said that Anderson proudly advocates PTK and its commitment to scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service with students, administration, and community. “Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring students to explore opportunities at regional and international conferences.”
