Honor Society Inducts Over 400 New Members

Alpha Eta Chi, PCCC’s highly regarded chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, welcomed 425 new members at a jubilant and emotional induction ceremony last spring. The May 19 event also honored faculty advisor, Dr. Jennifer Gasparino for her decade of outstanding service to the chapter.  

In a touching tribute midway through the ceremony, Professor Andy Perales, co-director of Alpha Eta Chi, noted that when Dr. Gasparino assumed the position of advisor, in 2015, Alpha Eta Chi had 54 members. “One year later, that number had tripled,” he said. “Now, the chapter regularly welcomes over 400 new members each year.”   

Today PCCC’s chapter is among the most celebrated of PTK’s 1300 chapters worldwide, achieving 5-star status, PTK’s highest recognition, every year for the past decade.

 “Thank you for leading this chapter for 10 incredible years. We’re honored to have walked this journey with you,” said Professor Perales, as he presented Dr. Gasparino with a plaque, to cheers and applause from the audience.  

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Tom Moore, Assistant Dean of Career, Professional Readiness & Experiential Learning . “We are here today to celebrate our PTK students and all their achievements,” he told the audience of family, friends, and members of the College community.

“Over the years Alpha Eta Chi has achieved many milestones, and this year was no exception,” said Mr. Moore. “This year, over 500 students completed over 3,000 hours of service work. Alpha Eta Chi held 15 membership and awards events, ran 20 different workshops and fellowship events, fund-raised over $3200, and had their most successful 5K Run for Completion to date, raising enough money to award 26 completion scholarships.”

In his address to the audience, Dr. Steven Rose, president of PCCC, commented on how widely recognized Alpha Eta Chi has become among PTK chapters. “At this year’s conference in Kansas City,” he said “We were rock stars there.”

Dr. Gasparino welcomed the inductees themselves, explaining that “Membership in Phi Theta Kappa opens doors to numerous opportunities for growth as servant scholars.” She emphasized the importance of the four hallmarks of PTK: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship, nothing that PTK is not just about academic achievement, though that matters, but about applying one’s knowledge to “serving your college, community, and society.”

In an Alpha Eta Chi tradition, alumni who were themselves outstanding chapter members, return as presenters of awards and as speakers. 

Delia Casamenti ’22, a past recipient of PTK’s prestigious Guistwhite Scholarship, had the honor of announcing this year’s recipient, Maria Posada, who earned her associate’s degree in teacher education. The $5,000 scholarship recognizes students for their engagement and participation in societal programs, while also acknowledging leadership accomplishments and academic achievement.

Delia also announced Christy Sarmiento as the sole recipient of the inaugural $5,000
pre-med transfer scholarship created through a partnership of Phi Theta Kappa with the American Medical Student Association. Christy plans a career in medicine.

Bilal Gebril, ’24, a past recipient of the Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship, announced this year’s PCCC recipients of the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship of $1,000 each to Maria Posada, Christy Sarmiento, and Venus John.

Fransheska Rodriguez is the 2025 recipient of the (PTK) Hites Transfer Scholarship Award ($7,500), given for outstanding academic achievement and rigor, engagement in college and community activities, and leadership accomplishment of Phi Theta Kappa members preparing to transfer to senior institutions in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

Awards were also presented to PTK members for outstanding service and to members of the PCCC community whose support to Alpha Eta Chi deserved special recognition.

Alumna Marie Febrillet ’20, proved herself to be a relatable motivational speaker, recounting her personal story of coming to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic on her own and uncertain about her future.  

She came to PCCC lonely, but curious, when a fellow student told her about PTK.  Intrigued, Marie followed through and accepted an invitation to her first PTK leadership conference.

“From there, everything changed,” she said. “PTK became my home away from home.” Marie merited several PTK awards, served as regional president, and campaigned for international president. Graduating with several PTK scholarships, she went on to Columbia University and earned her bachelor’s degree.  

 “I  took full advantage of whatever was available to me. And you have access to it, too,” Marie told the inductees.   “Phi Theta Kappa gives you back exactly what you pour into it.”

“If you take anything away from this today, let it be this,” said Marie.  “Growth starts the moment you say “yes” to yourself. So dream big. Take risks. Do the thing before you feel ready.”

Passing the torch, the members of the 2024-2025 Alpha Eta Chi Executive Board, exited from their seats onstage and the 2025-2026 Board members took their places.

For the traditional candlelighting ritual, the inductees recited the PTK pledge and became the newest members of Alpha Eta Chi. Congratulations to all.

Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by Luis Ruiz