Montgomery County Community College recently celebrated the induction of 95 students into the Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society for two-year colleges.

To be eligible for this elite honor, students must earn a minimum of 12 credits, maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and be of good moral character.

Students recommended for PTK exemplify the four hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service.

MCCC has two PTK chapters – Alpha Kappa Zeta at the Blue Bell Campus and Beta Tau Lambda at the Pottstown Campus. Both chapters have attained five-star status, the highest rank a chapter can earn. Dr. Catherine Parzynski, History Assistant Professor, and Dr. Cathy Hoult Shewring, History Professor, are the advisers for Alpha Kappa Zeta, and Douglas Powell, History Assistant Professor, and Meredith Frank, Communications Studies Instructor, are the advisers for Beta Tau Lambda.

The video ceremony started with a congratulatory message from MCCC’s sixth President, Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez.

“It is truly my honor to join you in celebrating your academic, leadership, and service accomplishments at the College and in our communities,” President Bastecki-Perez said.

“On behalf of the entire Montco Family, including our Board of Trustees, your fellow students, our faculty, staff and alumni of more than 65,000 members and, of course, myself, we are proud of your efforts and your continued work as you pursue your academic goals. Congratulations on a job well done,” she said.

The inductees are joining a scholarly fellowship, said Dr. Parzynski, which extends beyond MCCC to regional and national networks. Founded in 1918, PTK officially was recognized by the American Association for Junior Colleges in 1925. Today, it has grown to include more than 700 regular and alumni chapters nationwide.

As PTK members, MCCC students participate in the Honors in Action service program and will have access to transfer scholarships opportunities, receive member discounts and wear special regalia attire during commencement in recognition of their membership. Students may be inducted into the chapter for the fall semester through the end of 2021.

After the ceremony, Dr. Gloria Oikelome, Vice President for Academic Affairs, congratulated the students on their achievements.

“The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic achievement of college students as well as to provide opportunities for growth as scholars and leaders,” said Dr. Oikelome. “I am a firm believer in that it takes a village to achieve your goals, and as we conclude today’s ceremony, I want to take the opportunity to thank all the individuals in the Montco village – faculty, staff, friends, family, PTK advisers – thank you for all that you do for our inductees as they pursue their academic and career pathways.”