Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges with an approximate membership of 1.5 million individuals across the United States and worldwide. Its purpose is to recognize and encourage academic excellence among students of two-year colleges. It also aims to promote individual growth through programs that provide leadership training, continual scholarship, fellowship among scholars, and service to the community. These are the hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa.

Alpha Omega Rho is Phi Theta Kappa's local chapter situated in Palomar College in the city of San Marcos, California. Chartered in 1994, the chapter has won numerous accolades, including the coveted Five Star Chapter award and Outstanding Chapter award. Among its ranks, several members have served as regional and national officers. It is part of a larger network of chapters that belong to the Nevada-California Region. Its purpose is to further the ideals of Phi Theta Kappa among Palomar College students by participating in local events, fundraisers, seminars, and conferences. A member of the Alpha Omega Rho chapter shall be duly recognized as an honor student and a Phi Theta Kappa scholar.

N.B. The Greek words symbolizing phronimon (Phi), thumos (Theta), katharotes (Kappa) mean wisdom, aspiration, and purity, respectively. The society's colors are blue for scholarship and gold for purity.

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You Are Invited

All Palomar College students are invited to attend our general meetings and participate in our local events. Alpha Omega Rho would like to invite all qualified individuals to join Phi Theta Kappa and enjoy the privileges that come with membership. Some benefits include:

• Recognition. All members of Phi Theta Kappa may wear the Golden Honor Stole and Tassel, Honor Cord, and Key Medallion during their commencement ceremony. They may also affix the Society's Gold Diploma Seal to their two-year college diploma and have their membership noted in their transcript. Members automatically become nominated for the National Dean's List.

• Scholarships. More than $36 million in transfer scholarships are available to Phi Theta Kappa members. Other two-year college scholarships such as the Leaders of Promise and the $1000 Coca-Cola Scholarship are available. For the latest information, visit the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Page.

• Recommendations. At the request of the member, Phi Theta Kappa headquarters will send a letter of recommendation to college admission counselors, scholarship committees, or potential employers.

• Online Resources. Members can Get Connected to take advantage of great offers, discounts, and a host of online benefits. They also get an  a chance to win a $500 scholarship just for accessing the site.

• Paid Travel. Active members in the Alpha Omega Rho chapter have a chance to have their airplane and hotel expenses paid to participate in national or regional conferences.

• Leadership. Members have numerous opportunities to serve as chapter, regional, or even international officers. Leadership training is also available to them through seminars and conferences.

• More Benefits. Visit our Benefits page to get more details.

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