
Southwestern College political science and business administration student Jenai Funk has been named a national Phi Theta Kappa Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation.
Funk, who was named a Southwestern College student of distinction in 2020, is one of 50 gold scholars across the country to be recognized. Gold scholars are selected based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service. Funk will be honored at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention on April 8-10.
“The first part of my journey, starting here at Southwestern College, has been amazing,” Funk said. “It is an honor and privilege to be a woman who, little by little, is achieving her dreams through hard work and the pursuit of excellence. I am excited for what the future holds.”
Funk holds numerous accomplishments at Southwestern College. In addition to being a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and being a student of distinction, she has held leadership positions in the Associated Student Organization. Funk was named a prestigious 2020 Minerva Scholarship from the Women in California Leadership and has received numerous other accolades.
“Jenai is the perfect example of the excellence that exists at Southwestern College,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Sanchez. “Southwestern College is incredibly proud of Phi Theta Kappa’s numerous accomplishments and contributions to our college community. Jenai is an amazing representative of student potential and success, built by academic excellence and a supportive community.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at community colleges across the country. Southwestern College’s chapter, Alpha Pi Epsilon, offers students the opportunity to hold leadership positions, apply to scholarships and be a part of a community that strives for academic and personal success.