Mt. Hood Community College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society recently received several national distinctions for its exceptional leadership and community service.
Among these recognitions, Rho Theta president Danielle Whitlock was named one of 31 Distinguished Chapter Officers at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual international conference. Whitlock attended PTK Catalyst 2019, held in Orlando, Florida, with her colleagues in Rho Theta: Membership Director Katie Dempsey and Fellowship Director May Tike.
“Being at Catalyst was incredibly exciting and energizing,” said Whitlock. “We learned what other PTK chapters are doing around the country and celebrated all the work of our honor societies and honor society members.”
Whitlock also serves as regional president of the PTK Rocky Mountain Cascade Region, which includes more than 25 chapters spread across Oregon, Utah, and Southern Idaho. Whitlock, along with the six other student leaders responsible for this region, received regional awards for excellence in Service and Fellowship at Catalyst 2019.
Rho Theta’s recent national recognitions also encompassed chapter and advisor awards. The chapter achieved Five-Star status again this year. According to the PTK website, the Five Star Chapter Plan identifies the five levels of engagement that college-level chapters must strive for to be considered “strong” and “active.” Criteria include actively recruiting on campus, increasing regional engagement, and establishing and implementing an Honors in Action project.
Beth Sammons, an English instructor at MHCC and Rho Theta’s advisor of 17 years, was selected by PTK for a 2019 Continued Excellence Award for Advisors. The award recognizes those advisors who have served at least four years and who have previously won a Distinguished Advisor Award. Sammons was one of 20 advisors nationwide to receive the award based on nominations submitted by chapter members and college administrators.
“One of my greatest passions is working with students in Rho Theta and seeing them succeed,” said Sammons. “I think that our chapter is exceptional because it includes and is led by some of the most dedicated students I’ve ever met. Year after year, it’s an honor working with them and seeing them go on to greatness!”
Interested in learning more about Rho Theta? Visit mhcc.edu/RhoTheta and discover how you can get involved!