By Jake Branyan

Special to the Communitarian

DCCC’s Alpha Tau Epsilon chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) inducted 75 students in the Large Auditorium at the Marple Campus on March 6.

The students, honored for continued excellence in their studies at a two-year university, each received a white rose to signify their acceptance into the society.

PTK inductees are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher grade point average.

Keynote speaker Katherine Cartagena, a native of Bolivia who did not speak English upon arriving in this country, said she is familiar with the benefits of joining PTK, such as exclusive scholarships and other opportunities.

“PTK teaches you to be part of a group, to be a leader and a team member,” Cartagena said. “Hard work and that extra help from PTK is what allowed me to continue my education.”

Cartagena told the inductees that she too was a PTK member and understands the hard work that led to their accomplishment.

Associate Professor of English Tanya Franklin welcomed the inductees and explained the benefits of joining the honor society.

“PTK not only offers scholarships, but also the opportunity to build fellowship,” Franklin said. “Members get to meet other students and contribute on campus, which not only teaches the importance of community, but also giving back.”

The event began with a presentation given by PTK chapter president Valeria Bossio-Chavez and chapter secretary Maggie Teutsch. They highlighted the history, benefits, honors, scholarships, and projects associated with PTK.

Following this, Aimee Viggiani, director of Transfer, Professional, and Graduate Admissions at the University of Sciences, gave an interactive presentation that included video testimonials from former and current PTK members.

Viggiani said she interacts with PTK members on a daily basis and believes that the society opens gateways for students to better themselves in their education and personal lives.

After the presentation, the inductees processed into the Large Auditorium to begin the ceremony. Opening remarks were delivered by both Valeria Bossio-Chavez and DCCC President Dr. L. Joy Gates-Black.

Next, Cartagena, the keynote speaker, highlighted the role that PTK played in her success as a student and professional.

“You are building an amazing future,” Cartagena assured the inductees. “Your time here matters.”

After the keynote speech, DCCC and PTK alumnus Casey Innes performed the song “Astonishing” from the Broadway musical “Little Women.”

Following the performance, the inductees were asked by Teutsch to recite the society’s oath. After the oath, students were called to the stage to receive a white rose symbolizing their induction.

Once each student was seated, Franklin addressed the crowd and welcomed each new member. Franklin recognized the inductees’ accomplishment and implored them to pursue a life of service and honor.

To close the ceremony, DCCC acting Provost Dr. Mary Jo Boyer commended the students’ hard work and asked them to have a positive impact on the world.

“I challenge you to give us a tomorrow that is better than today,” Boyer said.

After the remarks, the inductees congregated outside of the auditorium to mingle with family, friends, and fellow PTK members.

“I don’t have much more time here [at DCCC],” said Ian Duffy, a new PTK member and liberal arts major. “I plan to use my time as wisely as I can. My brother and mom were both members and held leadership positions, so I plan to follow in their footsteps.”

The inductees were invited to join their fellow PTK members at meetings on Marple campus, weather permitting, starting March 7.

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