SE Valley Times

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for students at two-year colleges, has awarded Rio Salado College's PTK Chapter with Five Star Chapter status. This recognition is a testament to the chapter's commitment to academic excellence and personal growth through leadership, service, and fellowship.

The Five Star Chapter Plan by PTK is designed to enhance essential skills such as critical thinking, leadership, time management, collaboration, and soft skills among its members. Achieving this status signifies a chapter's dedication and hard work.

This year, Rio Salado's PTK Chapter achieved notable milestones by doubling its membership and expanding its active officer team. The chapter engaged in PTK Edge training programs covering leadership, transfer opportunities, healthcare, research, and employment. Members also undertook two major projects: an Honors in Action Project on storytelling and a College Project focused on civic engagement.

Students took initiative in leading meetings, conducting research, organizing events, representing the college regionally, forming friendships, and assisting each other with scholarship applications.

Rio Salado College expressed pride in its students' accomplishments and gratitude towards President Kate Smith and PTK Advisors Dr. Mijolae Henley, Kate Packer, Rikki Karren, and Michele Kemp for their support.

In addition to these achievements, the chapter launched the PTK Pulse Podcast. This series highlights the 2024 Honors in Action Project of the Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter at Rio Salado College under the theme "The Power of Stories." The podcast shares diverse community stories ranging from Queer identities to cultural intersections of food and untold historical narratives like Jim Crow's impact on soldiers before Vietnam.

For those interested in joining PTK at Rio Salado College: invitations are sent via email twice yearly based on eligibility criteria including a GPA of 3.5 or higher and completion of specific credit requirements. A one-time membership fee supports both local chapter operations and broader organizational activities.