Twenty-four students were inducted into the new Oxnard College Beta Rho Tau Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in a ceremony on Oct. 21 in the Clocktower Auditorium.

Phi Theta Kappa was founded in 1918, and with over 1200 chapters, is the largest honor society in higher education serving two-year colleges. It offers exclusive programs and benefits for its members while developing career preparation, networking and community service.

A group like this has been desired by Oxnard College for a long time.

“It was the priority of Oxnard College President Dr. Richard Duran to have an honor society on campus,” said faculty adviser Carolyn Dorrance.

The induction and chartering ceremony began with a processional by the students into the auditorium. Dorrance as master of ceremonies introduced the guests and speakers that included Marta Garza-Laird, a founding faculty member of Oxnard College, as the evening’s speaker. Barb Murray from Minnesota represented Phi Theta Kappa and spoke about the purpose of the society.

Murray then led the Oxnard College students in their pledge, who then were called forward by Robert Cabral, president of the Oxnard College Faculty Senate.

Duran congratulated the students as they came up front and signed the roster in the Beta Rho Tau chapter notebook and the Beta Rho Tau chapter charter. They then took a small blue candle and lit it from primary candle on the induction table and received a flower.

The student officers of the new chapter came forward and took their pledge of office and were recognized by Barb Murray.

They signed the Beta Rho Tau chapter record book and spoke briefly.

“As part of their induction, the new members promised to uphold the standards of Phi Theta Kappa and also promised to aid their fellow members in all worthy endeavors,” said Dorrance.

The ceremony ended with a processional out the stage door of the
auditorium to the reception.

“The ceremony was awesome; many people commented on how beautiful it was,” said Dorrance.