Andrew Sypher, 2015 Hites Transfer Scholar
MESA, Arizona -- August 18, 2015 – Mesa Community College graduate, Andrew Sypher (Mesa), is one of 10 students, out of more than 2,100 applicants worldwide, selected based on academic rigor, leadership and engagement, to receive a Phi Theta Kappa 2015 Hites Transfer Scholarship, to assist in the attainment of a baccalaureate degree.
Sypher will receive a medallion and a $7,500 scholarship to assist in his goal of becoming a foreign diplomat with a career in civil service, continuing his studies at Arizona State University’s political science program this fall. He is the third MCC graduate to receive this exceptional honor.
“Andrew has a commitment to service and civic engagement and will make a positive difference in our global community. I am glad he is receiving such support in the attainment of his educational goals.” said Duane Oakes, Faculty Director, MCC Center for Community & Civic Engagement. “Andrew’s list of accomplishments, which is extensive, includes being named one of 20 students nationwide named to the 2015 All-USA Community College Academic Team.”
Sypher is joined in this honor by another Arizona graduate, Nathaniel Bush, of the Central Arizona College’s Alpha Theta Delta Chapter.
The Hites Family Community College Scholarship Foundation was established by Robert Hites, an executive with Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon his retirement he fulfilled a lifelong dream and became an instructor at St. Louis Community College.
Hites turned down opportunities to teach at prestigious senior institutions because he valued the educational experience offered by community colleges and he witnessed the determination and will to succeed of his community college students. He also came to understand their needs and was determined to help them achieve their dreams, as he had achieved his.
Ray Hites, President of the Hites Family Community College Scholarship Foundation and Robert’s brother, served as a Trustee for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation until his death in 2015. His wife, Jackie Hites, now serves as a Trustee.
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Contact
Dawn Zimmer (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, (480) 461- 7893, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu
Phi Theta Kappa honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territorial possessions and eight sovereign nations. More than 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually. Read more online at http://www.ptk.org
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.