KCC student named to national honor society - representing all of Oregon and a first for the college
Apr 25, 2024
- Student Success Story
Matthew Ebner, a Klamath Community College (KCC) student received state and national honors as Oregon’s 2024 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Ebner, the son of Ben and Jenny Ebner, was recognized April 8 in Louisville, Ky., at Phi Theta Kappa’s Presidents Breakfast during the annual American Association of Community Colleges convention.
Ebner, 20, was chosen based on his score in the All-USA Academic Team competition, for which more than 2,200 applications from more than 1,300 colleges were received. Nominations were evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service and significant endeavors.
“This is a first in the history of KCC,” said college President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez of Ebner’s top scholar recognition. “It’s pretty special because Matt is representing the whole state.” Dr. Gutierrez, along with the KCC Cabinet, was in attendance at the ceremony.
Ebner, as a member of the All-Oregon Academic Team, was also recognized with a medallion and certificate during a ceremony and luncheon honoring the team April 19 in Salem. State legislators and higher education leaders attended that event to celebrate the students and their achievements.
“I specifically want to thank three KCC faculty who were influential to me,” Ebner said. “Eleazar Gutierrez, for biology; Dr. Barbara Mann in chemistry; and Joni Hansen in math and calculus. All three gave great lectures, challenged the students in a constructive way, and all are open and helpful very easy to reach out to.”
“We are just so very proud of his work ethic and dedication,” said Matt’s mother, Jenny Ebner. “Matthew’s dad works for the Oregon Department of Transportation and we moved a lot when he was younger. Then, in 2017-18 I was undergoing treatment in Seattle for stage four breast cancer. He helped take care of his younger brother, Daniel, and kept up with his studies at the same time. He’s a real resilient kiddo.”
Ebner, who was born and raised in Oregon and graduated from Abeka Academy High School as a homeschool student in Klamath Falls, will be awarded an Associate of Science degree from KCC in June. He plans to transfer to Oregon Tech to complete his bachelor’s degree as a biology, health and science major, with a chemistry minor, before continuing to dental school. His ultimate goal is to specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
“I’d like to practice in a rural location, possibly coming back to provide care in Klamath Falls,” Ebner said.
He had inspiration and encouragement along the way in maintaining a 4.0 GPA and retaining his place on the KCC President’s Honor Roll each term.
“I am very grateful for the amazing staff, instructors, Science Club advisors, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society advisors at KCC,” Ebner said. “KCC is an amazing place to be challenged academically, be involved in campus activities, and be a part of an amazing college community.”
The keys to his success have been hard work and intention.
“I would advise other students to set their goals high, avoid procrastinating, get to know their instructors, and be involved on campus. If you work hard and stay dedicated to your studies, you will not regret it,” Ebner said. “Don’t be afraid to have big goals and tell yourself you are going to succeed.”
Eber said KCC’s science and health care courses, cost of attendance, and programs assisting students with tuition – such as 15-To-Finish and Badger-to-Owl – were major factors in his decision to attend KCC.
“You can come to KCC and become a scholar,” said Dr. Gutierrez in considering Ebner’s academic path. “You don’t have to leave Klamath Falls.”
“Students who are Phi Theta Kappa recipients represent the top of academic achievement. They are the most engaged in their communities and are future leaders, lawmakers and, hopefully, campus leaders,” said Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.
Ebner, the son of Ben and Jenny Ebner, was recognized April 8 in Louisville, Ky., at Phi Theta Kappa’s Presidents Breakfast during the annual American Association of Community Colleges convention.
Ebner, 20, was chosen based on his score in the All-USA Academic Team competition, for which more than 2,200 applications from more than 1,300 colleges were received. Nominations were evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service and significant endeavors.
“This is a first in the history of KCC,” said college President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez of Ebner’s top scholar recognition. “It’s pretty special because Matt is representing the whole state.” Dr. Gutierrez, along with the KCC Cabinet, was in attendance at the ceremony.
Ebner, as a member of the All-Oregon Academic Team, was also recognized with a medallion and certificate during a ceremony and luncheon honoring the team April 19 in Salem. State legislators and higher education leaders attended that event to celebrate the students and their achievements.
“I specifically want to thank three KCC faculty who were influential to me,” Ebner said. “Eleazar Gutierrez, for biology; Dr. Barbara Mann in chemistry; and Joni Hansen in math and calculus. All three gave great lectures, challenged the students in a constructive way, and all are open and helpful very easy to reach out to.”
“We are just so very proud of his work ethic and dedication,” said Matt’s mother, Jenny Ebner. “Matthew’s dad works for the Oregon Department of Transportation and we moved a lot when he was younger. Then, in 2017-18 I was undergoing treatment in Seattle for stage four breast cancer. He helped take care of his younger brother, Daniel, and kept up with his studies at the same time. He’s a real resilient kiddo.”
Ebner, who was born and raised in Oregon and graduated from Abeka Academy High School as a homeschool student in Klamath Falls, will be awarded an Associate of Science degree from KCC in June. He plans to transfer to Oregon Tech to complete his bachelor’s degree as a biology, health and science major, with a chemistry minor, before continuing to dental school. His ultimate goal is to specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
“I’d like to practice in a rural location, possibly coming back to provide care in Klamath Falls,” Ebner said.
He had inspiration and encouragement along the way in maintaining a 4.0 GPA and retaining his place on the KCC President’s Honor Roll each term.
“I am very grateful for the amazing staff, instructors, Science Club advisors, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society advisors at KCC,” Ebner said. “KCC is an amazing place to be challenged academically, be involved in campus activities, and be a part of an amazing college community.”
The keys to his success have been hard work and intention.
“I would advise other students to set their goals high, avoid procrastinating, get to know their instructors, and be involved on campus. If you work hard and stay dedicated to your studies, you will not regret it,” Ebner said. “Don’t be afraid to have big goals and tell yourself you are going to succeed.”
Eber said KCC’s science and health care courses, cost of attendance, and programs assisting students with tuition – such as 15-To-Finish and Badger-to-Owl – were major factors in his decision to attend KCC.
“You can come to KCC and become a scholar,” said Dr. Gutierrez in considering Ebner’s academic path. “You don’t have to leave Klamath Falls.”
“Students who are Phi Theta Kappa recipients represent the top of academic achievement. They are the most engaged in their communities and are future leaders, lawmakers and, hopefully, campus leaders,” said Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.