Montgomery County Community College’s two Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapters—Alpha Kappa Zeta, based at the Central Campus in Blue Bell, and Beta Tau Lambda, based at the West Campus in Pottstown—were recently recognized as 2020 PTK REACH and Five-Star chapters.

MCCC’s two PTK chapters are among 611 chapters recognized as REACH (Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors) chapters that have maintained or increased their membership acceptance rate by 15 percent or more. Members have the opportunity to wear special graduation stoles available through PTK’s REACH Rewards program. During the past academic year, a total of 252 MCCC students became members of PTK at both campuses.

Five-star status is the highest level of achievement a chapter can attain through its participation in campus, local, regional, national and international activities. Some examples of MCCC’s PTK members’ involvement include raising more than $315 for safe spaces, volunteering at the College’s annual International Festival and serving at the North Penn International Festival in Lansdale, to name a few.   

“These impressive chapter recognitions are indicative of our students’ academic achievements and their active engagement on campus, in their communities and beyond,” said Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, Interim President and Provost. “I’m extremely proud of our students and their accomplishments, and I applaud the ongoing work and dedication of our talented faculty and PTK co-advisors.”

The co-advisors for Alpha Kappa Zeta are History Assistant Professor Dr. Catherine Parzynski and History Professor Dr. Cathy Hoult Shewring. The co-advisors for Beta Tau Lambda at West Campus are Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Dr. Monica Proffitt-Osborne and English Assistant Professor Victoria Vetro.

To be eligible for PTK membership, students must earn a minimum of 12 credits, maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and be of good moral character. The four hallmarks of PTK members are scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service.

According to PTK’s website, 91 percent of Phi Theta Kappa members nationally will complete their associate’s degree and/or transfer to a four-year college. Members have access to $46 million in scholarships — $2 million in competitive scholarships through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and more than $44 million in transfer scholarships to over 800 four-year colleges.

This year, four PTK members—Dennis Duett of Souderton, Matthew Falcone of Green Lane, Blessing Osazuwa of Drexel Hill and Ashley Tokarski of Pottstown—were selected for the 2019-2020 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team and will receive scholarships for two-years of tuition at any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Falcone also was named a Coca-Cola Silver Scholar and will receive an additional scholarship for $1,250. Additionally, Katrina Boughter, the president of Beta Tau Lambda, received a $21,000 scholarship to Chestnut Hill College and earned a PTK Hallmark award for her leadership and service.

Both of MCCC’s PTK chapters have previously earned the distinction of PTK’s Five-Star status, as well as the Middle States Gold and REACH awards. MCCC has hosted a PTK chapter since 1984.