Andrea Aguirre, a Lone Star College–CyFair Beta Lambda Mu officer, was recently honored as a Guistwhite Scholar at the Phi Theta Kappa 89th Annual International Convention.
Guistwhite Scholars are chosen by applications, 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.
“I received a $5,000 scholarship from Mr. Guistwhite and had the opportunity to personally thank him at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention,” said Aguirre who has served as the Lone Star College–CyFair Phi Theta Kappa chapter’s Vice-President of Service. “I was one of two recipients from the Texas Region.”
This is no surprise to faculty and staff, who have watched as Aguirre has earned numerous academic achievements while being involved in a variety of campus programs.
“This is a great honor for Andrea and she is very deserving of this award. 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. We are very proud of her and her accomplishments,” said Sandra D. Harvey, Beta Lambda Mu Advisor.
While currently working toward an Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems, Aguirre has plans to not only major in Environmental Engineering but to ultimately earn a doctorate’s degree in the field.
Aguirre began as a Student Ambassador her first two semesters at Lone Star College–CyFair. In addition to her leadership role in Phi Theta Kappa, Aguirre was the inaugural Student Government Association Vice-President of Student Activities. This year, she also served as the National Model United Nations Co-Head Delegate and was recently named to the All-USA Academic Third Team.
To be eligible for the All-USA Academic Team, a student must post a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and be eligible to graduate with an associate degree.
The All-USA Academic Team program annually and nationally recognizes 60 outstanding two-year college students as well as their respective colleges. Phi Theta Kappa, USA TODAY, and the American Association of Community Colleges sponsor the All-USA Academic Team program.
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.
Aguirre is only the second Guistwhite Scholar recipient at Lone Star College–CyFair, which is just now celebrating its fifth anniversary.