By Destiny Montes
Pulse Staff Writer
The American Association of Community Colleges recognizes Palo Alto’s Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges.
PTK, founded in 1918, has a distinct mission to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship.
“What I have found is that [PTK] is so well known that it is a very bright beacon on anybody’s resume. I think it would serve you well no matter what you did,” said Carolyn DeLecour, club adviser of PTK. “It is worthwhile, it is valuable, and I think [students] would like the recognition.”
PTK has a range of activities they participate in every semester, such as the Goodwill Donation Drive, the Literacy Drive and aiding the Little Palomino Tree.
PTK’s most recent project is “Commit to Complete,” 0targeting the myths of achieving an associate’s degree. All national chapters of PTK are working with their members and college communities to encourage students to complete their associate’s degree.
“Expect a signing day in the spring semester, where we will have our banner ready for new signatures of those ready to take charge of their education,” said Kevin A. Alegria, president of PTK. “We plan to have member meetings every other week, informing our members of the many services and other great opportunities that Phi Theta Kappa offers.”
Along with access to over $36 million in scholarships, membership in PTK offers recognition of students’ community service and academic achievement. That is why membership in PTK is a special honor. Colleges, universities and potential employers, such as Bank Of America, GEICO Auto Insurance and Dell, recognize PTK student memberships. San Antonio’s University of the Incarnate Word, Trinity University, St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) all offer Phi Theta Kappa scholarships.
“I do receive an increasing number of personal invitations and scholarship offers via email and personal mail on a daily basis from schools all across the nation,” said Zachary J. Lucano, treasurer of PTK. ”It’s a great feeling, knowing that I am of interest for so many campuses, compliments of Phi Theta Kappa.”
To be eligible for membership, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a regionally accredited institution offering an associate’s degree program
- Complete at least 12 hours of college-level coursework that may be applied to an associate’s degree
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher from college-level credit courses
- Receive an invitation to membership from the chapter at your college
- Pay a one-time membership fee of $80
“Phi Theta Kappa membership guarantees you access to more benefits than any other student organization,” said Dr. Mike Flores, president of Palo Alto College.
Stimulate your interest by continuing your education alongside a strong, peer-based support group. For more information, find PTK officers at work in the Performing Arts Center, Room 126, or across the hall with Club Adviser Carolyn DeLecour. For more information, contact Delecour at 210-486-3207.
PAC Student Media 