Belsis Romero, Lone Star College-CyFair Beta Lambda Mu Chapter President, was recently honored as a Guistwhite Scholar at the Phi Theta Kappa 90th Annual International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Guistwhite Scholars are chosen by application, and awarded based on academic achievement, participation in Phi Theta Kappa programs, and service to their colleges and communities. The Guistwhite Scholar Program is named in honor of Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first designated transfer scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa members, and his wife, Margaret Guistwhite.
“It’s wonderful that people want to recognize hard work and care to give such a scholarship for students to pursue their goals,” said Romero, who graduates in May and then plans to transfer to Houston Baptist University to pursue a double major in political science and Christianity.
A minister’s daughter, Romero wants to become a church leader and legal representative. She said she gained leadership skills and numerous friends getting involved in organizations at Lone Star College-Fairbanks Center and then Lone Star College-CyFair.
She served on college committees, participated in the Lone Star College System’s Collegiate Leadership Institute and earned scholarships through service in the Student Ambassador Program and Phi Theta Kappa. She was Vice President of Outreach for the Student Government Association and was Vice President of Service prior to becoming president of Beta Lambda Mu.
“The opportunities I got in my two years at LSC-CyFair, I feel I would not have had attending a university. I feel blessed,” said Romero, who will be in Italy this summer as part of LSC-CyFair Study Abroad program. “Community colleges have a lot to offer, you just need to take the initiative. The opportunities are there.”
Sandra D. Harvey and Esther Robinson, Beta Lambda Mu Co-Advisors, are proud of all Romero’s accomplishments, particularly the Guistwhite Scholarship.
“This is a great honor for Belsis and she is very deserving of this award,” said Harvey. “It is a very competitive process and it is not easy to become a Guistwhite Scholar. She is an exceptional student and Phi Theta Kappa officer.”
The purpose of the Guistwhite Scholar Program is to enhance Phi Theta Kappa members' attainment of baccalaureate degrees. Additionally, this merit-based program serves to recognize the scholarly achievements of Phi Theta Kappa members. To be eligible, a student must post a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and must graduate with an associate degree.
Romero is the third Guistwhite Scholar recipient at Lone Star College-CyFair, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this fall.
For information on the Beta Lambda Mu chapter, contact Harvey at 281-290-3282.