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QCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Boasts Best Year in its History

Contact: Karen Hutner
Office of Institutional Communications
khutner [at] qcc.mass.edu
 

Release Date: 
2/10/2021

WORCESTER, MA—February 10, 2021 – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Quinsigamond Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society is engaging more students than ever. PTK’s Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter has experienced the largest student membership growth since it was chartered in 1980, with 160 new members in the Fall 2020 Semester. This number more than doubled that of all new memberships in the previous academic year. The recent 2021 Spring Semester membership drive has increased that total to 207, and with close to two months to go in the membership drive, the number is anticipated to grow.

“It’s been amazing the way that students have responded since the pandemic began, and there is no sign of membership slowing down this semester,” said PTK Advisor Bonnie Coleman.

At the start of the spring membership drive in less than 24-hours, 32 new students registered and more are continuing to reach out daily.

“This demonstrates the importance of programs such as these that help keep students connected,” Ms. Coleman continued, adding that while increase in student interest could be attributed to personal growth, camaraderie and leadership skills, it appears community service is the driving factor.

“Many new PTK members are taking part in our community service projects. Community service is the cornerstone of our chapter and even though we are currently in a pandemic, we have still made this our core mission,” Ms. Coleman said. “The students are making a positive impact on our community.”

Currently 40 students are volunteering to help with the administrative side of student COVID-19 testing on campus, following all COVID-19 safety protocols. One such student, PTK student Fatima Mohammed, said the experience has been a revelation to her.

“This was, and will continue to be, one of the unforgettable experiences in my life. I am pleased to say that this opportunity made me realize how important it is to dedicate my time to volunteering,” Ms. Mohammed said.

While community service is not a mandatory membership requirement, students who perform two community service projects through the chapter and attend two general chapter meetings before they graduate, will earn a gold stole.

“It’s really amazing how many PTK students want to help their fellow students and their community,” Ms. Coleman said. “Becoming a PTK member is so much more than students realize. They are members in PTK for life and the positive implications of being a part of this honor society are endless.”

PTK is an internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges and has approximately 1,300 chapters in the U.S. and around the globe. To be eligible for QCC’s PTK Honor Society, students must have at least 12 credits of college level courses (level 100 courses or higher), a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, and pay a one-time membership fee of $85 (a requirement of the national PTK organization).

To learn more visit PTK. 

For more information about QCC, contact Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513 or jmartin [at] qcc.mass.edu

Quinsigamond Community College is the most affordable higher education in Worcester County. As a regional leader in education and workforce development, QCC serves the diverse educational needs of Central Massachusetts by providing affordable, accessible, and high quality programming leading to transfer, career, and lifelong learning.