Lakee Babineaux, a sophomore at Galveston College, has been named a 2017 Oberndorf Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has received a $1,000 scholarship.
The Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship helps Phi Theta Kappa members overcome unanticipated financial barriers preventing the completion of the first college credential, an associate degree or certificate, while enrolled in the two-year college. Babineaux is one of seven students selected internationally to receive the award.
The scholarship is named for its benefactors, Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf. Lou Oberndorf co-founded METI, a world leader in medical education technology whose products are used in many community colleges as well as in the world’s leading medical schools. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Up to 15 Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarships are awarded annually, with scholars selected in both the fall and spring each year.
“Without a doubt, the Oberndorf Scholarship has a tremendous impact on the lives of these hard-working, high-achieving students, making it possible for them to complete their associate degrees,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, CEO of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “We are grateful to the Oberndorf family for their commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals.”
A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Babineaux plans to transfer to the University of Houston-Clear Lake to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work after completing her associate degree at Galveston College. She is currently vice president of the Galveston College Phi Theta Kappa chapter.
“I would love to have a career in geriatric social work,” Babineaux said. “There are many programs for children and families; however, we don’t have as many programs for our elderly. I look forward to helping to make a difference.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations. Learn more at ptk.org.
Students may apply now for the next round of Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarships at https://www.ptk.org/Default.aspx?TabID=3755.
Lakee Babineaux, pictured with Galveston College President Dr. Myles Shelton, has been named a 2017 Oberndorf Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has received a $1,000 scholarship.