Five weeks into the 2014 spring semester, KPC’s overall enrollment is up 2.8 percent in student headcount and 0.8 percent in credit hours compared to the same period in 2013.

KPC’s financial aid office reports that 243 students have been awarded a total of $2,144,820 (gross) financial aid funds. The accounting department has processed a total disbursement (net) of $1,984,030 directly to students. This is a decrease in compared to spring 2013 ($2,358,076) and spring 2012 ($2,440,888).

Scholarships also play an important role in students’ financial aid, especially because the funds awarded do not have to be repaid. KPC has many campus-based scholarships and students are able to apply for a long list of scholarships by completing a single application. There were 126 students who received campus-based, spring scholarships for a total award of $121,054.

This is the time of year that all students are urged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is mandatory for all students who are interested in receiving federal aid and many other aid sources also rely on the FAFSA to determine students’ eligibility. February is dubbed FAFSA Frenzy by the University of Alaska and this year UA is providing an incentive for students to complete the FAFSA in a timely manner; those who submit their application by Feb. 28 will be entered into a drawing to win one of six $100 Visa gift cards. For more information or help with FAFSA process, contact the Kenai River Campus financial aid office at 262-0332.

Upcoming KPC Showcase explores craft brewing

KPC Student Services Director Bill Howell wears many different hats at the Kenai River Campus, but his passion is best illustrated when he is talking, writing or teaching about the history, science and craft of brewing beer.

Howell is well known as an adjunct instructor teaching the Art and History of Brewing course every spring semester. Howell has also published two books on his favorite subject, “Beer on the Last Frontier: The Craft Breweries of Alaska” (Vol. I and II).

Howell will present the second KPC Showcase presentation of the semester at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 in the KRC McLane commons. The presentation is titled, “Is Craft Beer the New Wine? And If It Is, Is That a Good Thing?” Howell will have his books available for sale and signing.

This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information about this and future KPC Showcase events, contact Dave Atcheson at 262-0346.

PTK national conference scholarship recipient announced

Phi Theta Kappa is the national honor society for two-year colleges. Admission into the society is predicated on maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA. The purpose of the honor society is to encourage and recognize members’ academic excellence.

Dorothy Gray, KRC assistant professor of English and Phi Theta Kappa advisor, has announced that KRC student and Phi Theta Kappa member, Jessica Ramos-Cortes, has been selected to join her at the annual PTK conference from April 24-26 in Orlando, FL.

Local PTK members interested in attending the conference submitted an essay in order to be considered by a faculty committee. Ramos-Cortes was ultimately selected by the committee. According to Professor Gray, “Jessica is a very enthusiastic student and scholar which came through loud and clear in her writing.”