"It's important for Phi Theta Kappa members to know that whenever they are doing anything for the International Service Project, Conquering Cancer, that they are helping their family members, friends and ultimately they are helping themselves." -- Carole Gavin
Currently both the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Study Topic and Service Project deal with health issues. There is no Phi Theta Kappa scholarship specifically designated to financially assist with the education of our members who have been touched by cancer. The Alpha Epsilon Phi Chapter seeks to help those who have gone through this life changing experience; therefore, it has undertaken the Carole Gavin Scholarship campaign as a leadership initiative establishing the minimum of four $1,000 scholarships for this purpose.
A scholarship has been earmarked for each of the four Phi Theta Kappa divisions. Alpha Epsilon Phi pledges the first of the four scholarships and opens a national fundraising effort for the additional $3,000. These scholarships are named after Carole Gavin, a long-term advisor of the Chi Iota Chapter at Burlington County College in New Jersey. Dr. Gavin has recently gone through the battle with breast cancer and has emerged victorious. Although it was long and arduous, she has become a striking example of strength and valor. Many saw this at the recent 2002 International Convention. Her state-of-mind and determination to defeat this illness is an inspiration to us all; therefore, there is no better name for this venture.
Any member in good standing who has in someway been touched by cancer can apply for this scholarship; yet, he or she must be continuing in higher education for the academic year 2003-2004. Judging teams have been created within each division to select a winner and forward the name to Alpha Epsilon Phi. Dr. Gavin will present the awards at the 2003 International Convention in Anaheim, California.
