New River Community and Technical College students accepted into the Beta Zeta Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa academic honorary society were recently honored at a ceremony with keynote speaker Jennifer Runyon at New River CTC’s Raleigh County Campus. Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society for community college students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. It is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2.5 million students inducted since its founding in 1918 and approximately 130,000 students inducted each year. Area spring 2016 Phi Theta Kappa members include, from Greenbrier County, Brandon Boggs, Caldwell; Chelsi S. Durham, Rainelle; Douglas L. Harper, Quinwood; Georgia L. Holmes, Renick; Heather A. Nielsen, Alderson; and Melinda S. Saunders, Rainelle. Keynote speaker Runyon is vice president of American Beer Company, formerly Runyon Distributing. She also is the daughter of Shirley Runyon, New River CTC Board of Governors Member. She holds an M.A. in Science, Technology and Policy from The George Washington University, and studied Chemistry and Economics for her undergraduate degree at Roanoke College. She is involved with Greenbrier Humane Society, Hospice Care, Black Diamond Girl Scout Council, and First Tee, among other local activities. She spoke about the importance of persistence and civic engagement. “Now more than ever, our communities need people like you to be involved in civic organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community events,” Runyon said. “It’s not always easy or accessible to help people who really need help and to provide the type of help that they need, but it’s worth the effort.” “I firmly believe that we as West Virginians always strive to give back, feel connected and be concerned for our fellow West Virginians,” she said.
