Phi Theta Kappa Breaks Records

By Joseph Van Dusen

                                                   Photo by Joseph Van Dusen

                                      Faculty, PTK members and alumni pose after the induction ceremony.

            Phi Theta Kappa, America's largest honor society in higher education, just got a little larger. Delaware County Community College's Alpha Tau Epsilon chapter of the international organization inducted 166 students Nov. 1 during its semi-annual induction ceremony.

            The night's inductees were the largest group to become members since the ATE chapter started in 1991. As family and friends looked on, the students, illuminated by candles in the dimmed lights of the Marple campus large auditorium, recited the PTK membership pledge.

            "Your society depends on you to be educated," Said keynote speaker Patricia Barnes, associate professor of English. "In your time, you are distinguishing yourselves as excellent students who can and will meet the highest expectations of your society."

            PTK extends the invitation to their community in recognition of select students' academic achievements. Access to more than $36 million in scholarships and the opportunity to take part in their chapter's fellowship events is the reward for individuals who have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher for 12 or more credit hours leading to an associate's degree.

            Members can also receive funding and assistance from their chapter to create tools and programs with PTK. Maxwell McAdams, director of public relations for the ATE chapter at DCCC, said he encourages members to exercise their full potential within the society by starting projects that embody the PTK ethos.

            The evening began with an orientation for PTK inductees in the small auditorium, where the ATE Executive Committee gave a brief overview of the benefits and activities new members can access.

            As the formal ceremony commenced, the building rang with the sounds of "A New Day" performed by the Agnes Irwin School's "Bel Cantos," a girls' acapella choral ensemble. Faculty, alumni and current members of PTK were among those who spoke, giving words of praise and encouragement to the students being honored.

            "It is my privilege to welcome you into the Phi Theta Kappa society," said Isaac Fomevor, a third semester business major and ATE chapter president. "I salute you for your accomplishment, and I charge you to explore always for truth."       

            After concluding with another song by the "Bel Cantos," attendees and organizers moved to the A Lobby for refreshments where they discussed the evening's events.

            "The Ceremony was very nice and very well structured," said Greg Zinc, whose daughter Christine is now a PTK member. "It was an inspiring evening."

            New members Anna Chen, a second year accounting major, and Kenneth NG, a first year business major, both expressed excitement for their newfound scholarship and career opportunities.

            Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase golf shirts, honor stoles and sweatshirts that display the PTK emblem. Susan Scalzi, assistant professor of allied health, explained that proceeds from these sales go towards scholarship funds for members and attendance of national honors society events and programs.

            "You are all great examples of scholarship and excellence in our school," Raymond G. Toto, chairman of the DCCC Board of Trustees, told the inductees. "I heartily congratulate you on this achievement and wish you continued success."