Alexander to be PTK's new president

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

For those who do not know, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) is an international honor society built entirely of students who attend open-access institutions.

LCC has its own chapter, known as the Mu Tau Chapter, which has been receiving a lot of recognition lately for its positive changes to campuses all across the country.

The LCC chapter will usher in a new president for the new academic year this fall: Adam Alexander. He has had a lot of positive press after his crowning moments at this year’s Catalyst Convention in Columbus, Ohio, and seems to be making a name for himself.

“I helped the Michigan Region take home the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Hallmark Award, which was won on an international scale,” Alexander said.

He also was recognized on stage separately as a presidential candidate, held flags as an official flag bearer, and received a separate certificate for his work in the chapter, which centered on creating sensitivity training uniquely crafted for the LGBTQ+ community that quickly spread through the region like wild fire.

He said he and his team wanted to make something that could help people to discuss these matters and to keep the conversation going in the right direction.

“Preaching or teaching to people about accepting somebody that they don’t understand or know is just going to create more chaos,” he said. “We want to start an open dialogue … We want to create a system to teach.

“I only expected it to be seen by a couple people; it definitely took off. I still get messages from people who want to wear our pin at graduation and support us, even now.”

Alexander, 24, is not only a student at LCC, but also is a part-time employee at LCC’s Center for Engaged Inclusion. There, he gets to do his favorite thing … work with people.

“I like being able to learn and see so many smiles,” Alexander said. “I like being able to get to interact with people you would never normally interact with. Doing this kind of work, you get to meet people from all walks of life with a lot of different backgrounds and it’s exciting.”

Alexander said his career of volunteering started all the way back when he was in fourth or fifth grade and was already the assistant coach of his chess team, on which he worked tournaments and helped teach.

From there he has always kept his passion for people alive but has been pulled in many different directions. Alexander already has an associate degree in computer programming, but is currently working toward his associate degree in applied science as a digital evidence specialist.

He recently took Theory of Parole and Criminal Law Procedure, describing it as interesting, for a total of 12 credits to finish out his spring semester. Though he wants to be in the digital world, he said he could also see himself being a graphic or video game designer.

However, no matter what he does, his attitude always leaves an impression. LCC Success Coach and advisors of PTK Laz Lane said he notices frequently the effort Alexander puts forth. He was happy to share his experience of knowing Alexander.

“He is very involved with PTK, in general,” Lane said. “Not even just here at LCC, but from a regional standpoint. There are so many things that he has been honored for.

“He is a great student. It’s amazing what he has been able to achieve and how he continues to accomplish his goals.”

Outside of his thriving academic life, Alexander has a cat named Sam and a deep love for Anime. He hates country music. He is an only child who describes his parents as kind and loving people who have always supported him.

Alexander said that it’s the tiny details of every person that should be appreciated, not just tolerated by society.

“I wish people would accept me for who I am, whether that be what I like or what I do for a living,” Alexander said. “So if I want them to accept me, I can’t just not accept them.

“That’s not how respect works, that’s not how life works.”