Rio Salado’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter received accolades and honors during recent trips to the PTK AZ Regional Convention and PTK Catalyst, the group’s annual conference.
PTK is the international honor society of two-year colleges. It is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than two million members and more than 1,200 chapters registered in all 50 states and abroad.
In 2023, on the regional level, the Rio Salado chapter ranked in the top three for the College Project Award, “Paving the Way to RSC Halls of Fame.” The chapter’s Honors in Action Project, “Architecture and Design of Play,” was recognized for excellence by being noted in the Hall of Honor.
Among the regional honors:
- The chapter was named a Distinguished Chapter (top three) in the Arizona region.
- Chapter advisors Michele Kemp (Paragon Advisor) and Dr. Lily Davidov (Distinguished Advisor) were recognized for support in the chapter's growth.
At the national conference, Catalyst, Rio Salado members and leadership were honored on stage in front of thousands of students. Accolades included:
- Rio Salado student Zoe Bell received the Distinguished Member Award. Fewer than 30 students earned this award for dedication as chapter members.
- Rio Salado student Saffron Wells received the Distinguished Chapter Officer Award. Saffron was among 25 students honored for their exemplary commitment as PTK Chapter Officers.
- Rio Salado President Dr. Kate Smith received Shirley B. Gordon Awards of Distinction.
President Smith joined the chapter members in cheering for Zoe and Saffron and spent time with the chapter sharing her own journey. Members also attended informative educational forums and during the general session heard from speakers Misty Copeland and Evy Poumpouras.
“Congratulations to the Rio Salado PTK chapter for earning an incredible amount of awards at the highest levels of distinction - I couldn’t be more proud of our chapter!!” said President Kate Smith.
Keep watch for future videos about Catalyst, the campaign for EdgeUp: Power Your Journey with PTK Edge campaign, and the College Project 2024 RSC Halls of Fame 2.0. -
Contributing writers: Rio Salado student Saffron Wells, Student Life & Leadership Coordinator Rikki Karren, Faculty Advisor Dr. Lily Davidov, and the PTK team.