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By Lisa Saca, PR Student Writer
MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (April 23,2002) – Thirty-eight Milligan students who don’t exactly fit the mold of the traditional college student will be honored this Sunday, April 28, at a 2 p.m. ceremony in Wilson Auditorium. The students will be inducted into the Omicron-Psi National Honor Society, which recognizes the achievements of nontraditional college students.
“In addition to being full-time students, these adults juggle a wide variety of responsibilities,” said Paula Gentry, Milligan’s director of adult education. Most have full-time jobs and are rearing children. They are involved in church and community activities and understand what it means to give something back. We are very pleased to recognize their achievements with an invitation to join Omicron Psi National Honor Society.”
The National Omicron-Psi Honor Society was established specifically for the non-traditional student. The society encourages participation in community and/or school related activities and recognizes the achievements of and sacrifices made by students who typically juggle a full-time job and family responsibilities while attending college. Their continued academic pursuits are encouraged through a national scholarship and award program.
Students at Milligan College who are invited to become members of Omicron-Psi must be 24 years of age or older and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
This year’s inductees represent the communities of Elizabethton, Johnson City, Kingsport, Piney Flats, Jonesborough, Blountville, Jonesville, Bluff City, Gate City, Greeneville, Gray, Unicoi, Limestone, Telford, and Hiltons. Each of their lives tells a unique story, explained Gentry, stories of ethics, of character and of academic excellence.
Many are active in their local churches, leading youth groups, serving as worship leaders, and working as children’s church coordinator. One sings with her sister in area churches and another plays with a bluegrass/gospel group. Some in the group have served as a pastor, as deacons, as minister of youth and education, in prison ministry and as actors in church drama.
The students also contribute significantly to the local schools. They have held PTA memberships and offices. Some are members of various booster clubs.
The local communities also benefit from their work with civic organizations such as the March of Dimes, Relay for Life of the American Cancer Society, and Christmas Angels Ministry. They volunteer for the Kairos Foundation and the Wishingwell Foundation. Many have given of their time to volunteer for the Autumn Chase in Bristol, the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, the Covered Bridge Festival in Elizabethton, and the Netherland Inn in Kingsport. There are youth basketball coaches and a cheerleading sponsor and coach. Another is a candy striper in a nursing home. One student is captain with the Civil Air Patrol. There are also members of the Optimist Club, Kiwanis, the Blountville Youth Association, and the Friend of Youth Organization.
These students also have a history of recognition. One of the inductees received Milligan College’s Adult Learner of the Year and another was Mayland Community College’s Outstanding Graduate in 1991. One was the first female to serve with the Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Medical Services, and a founding member of the first responder unit in the state of Tennessee. Another won Best of Show at the Holly Arts Festival in Pinehurst, NC. There is a medical technologist in the group as well as a licensed contractor and combined administrator of erosion and sediment control of Virginia. One student was included in a 1989 issue of Architectural Digest.
Their plans for the future include graduate school, preparation for clinical social work and investment representative licensure. Students also plan on producing educational programs for youth through the formation of a video production company, writing a devotional book, beginning a consulting business, working toward professional promotions, obtaining new professional certifications, and one plans to enter politics.
Sunday’s inductees join the 141 members of Omicron-Psi who have been inducted since 1994. A total of 179 Milligan College students and alumni now hold membership in the Milligan College chapter of Omicron-Psi National Honor Society.
This year’s inductees include: Jeff Andrews, Carol Arnett, Susan Broyles, Tammy Buchanan, Kathy Ramsey, Carolyn Street, and Lindsay Wortman of Elizabethton; Harry Conley “Buddy” Arnold, and Johnny Qualls of Johnson City; Diane Allen, Lisa Broadwater, Fran Cathey, and David Hunter of Kingsport; James Clatterbuck of Piney Flats; Sandra Anderson, Joy Hurley, Sandra Matthews, Steve Tolley, and David West of Jonesborough; Penny Harper of Blountville; Karen Adkison of Telford; Tammy Carter of Bluff City; Shirley Barwick, and Kathy Hensley of Limestone; Nora Blankenbecler of Hiltons; Laurel “Stormy” Nulty of Unicoi; Barbara Jarrett, Brian Johnson, Cathy Marsh, and Troy Nave of Gray; Margie Travis of Jonesville; Teri Marcum, and Jessica Brown of Greenville; Lisa Moore of Bristol; and Eric McMurray of Gate City.
Sunday’s ceremony is open to the public. For more information, contact the Adult Education Office at 423-461-8782.