Bay Minette, Alabama– Now recognizing Dr. Charles Lake of Faulkner State Community College’s Pi Psi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for his outstanding dedication to the College and the Society…
Lake was recognized at this year’s PTK International Convention in Seattle, Washington by being presented with the Continued Excellence Advisor Award. Out of 1,200 PTK chapters internationally, this Hallmark Award was only given to 30 advisors, two of those being from the state of Alabama.
“It means a lot to me receiving this award because I had to nominated by the College’s president, Gary Branch, and the [Pi Psi] Chapter officers to be considered,” Lake said. “It was because they convinced the judges that I deserved it; their support was the reason I received this award.”
To be considered for this award, advisors must make significant contributions to the growth of the individual members, serve as the chapter’s advocate on campus, and encourage the chapter to be involved on the local, regional and/or international level of the organization.
Lake, who has been a co-advisor for Faulkner State’s Pi Psi Chapter since 1996, contributed largely to the Chapter’s success this past academic year.
In March at the Regional Convention, the Pi Psi Chapter was recognized for many of those efforts through several prestigious awards including: Distinguished Chapter President Award, Megan Smith, 2010-2011 Pi Psi Chapter President; Continued Chapter Advisor Award, Lake; Pinnacle Chapter Award for Outstanding Membership Development; Most Distinguished Chapter Award; and the Chapter was named as a Five-Star Level Chapter.
“Dr. Lake provides the energy which makes the Pi Psi Chapter successful,” Dean of Federal Programs, and Pi Psi Chapter Advisor Lena Dexter said. “The chapter depends on him to keep us moving at all times. He does everything from carrying ice when needed, to distributing programs, to driving us to meetings. He worked with the officers on all of the projects and helped research the Honors in Action project. He is a wonderful advisor.”
Lake worked closely with the Chapter officers to maintain a Five-Star Level through the Society, while still supporting the meaningful service projects the Chapter partakes in throughout the academic year.
“Dr. Lake is not only a great teacher, he is an amazing advisor, as well,” 2010-2011 Chapter Vice-President of Communication Jasmin Holloway said. “No matter what you ask him, whether it’s about computers, Phi Theta Kappa, or the reason we have zip codes, he has all the answers. He has made such a big impact on my life and I will definitely miss him.”
Between fall and spring inductions, Thanksgiving food drives, student conferences, and Hallmark writing, Lake has contributed countless hours to the students and their efforts in the Chapter.
“When just being able to associate with Phi Theta Kappa is a reward in itself, and then PTK nominates you, it makes you go from appreciative to just plain awed,” Lake said.
Pictured: Dr. Charles Lake and Dean Lena Dexter recognize the 2010-2011 Phi Theta Kappa Officers during Awards’ Day. Officers are from left to right: Vice-President of Communication Jasmin Holloway, Vice-President of Fellowship Haylee Black and President Megan Smith.
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