PCCC Inducts Over 400 Into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Over 400 students were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society during Commencement Week 2024 at Passaic County Community College (PCCC).  The May 20 ceremony in the Main Campus-Paterson gymnasium, also marked the 42^nd anniversary of  Alpha Eta Chi (AEC) – the PCCC Chapter of PTK, and one of the most honored chapters worldwide.

Dr. Jennifer Gasparino, advisor of AEC, and Andy Peralis, co-advisor led the procession of PTK members and inductees into the gym to applause from faculty, administration, and guests gathered for the event.

Toni Taylor, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, offered the official welcome to the ceremony and acknowledged the hard work and accomplishments of AEC over the past year. “Over 500 students completed over 1600 hours of service work, 25 workshops, fundraised over $3400 for their activities and to support 18 scholarships.”

PCCC’s president, Dr. Steven Rose, noted the international recognition AEC has achieved over the years. “When we go to events and people see we’re from Passaic County Community College, they tell us, ‘You’ve got the greatest Phi Theta Kappa chapter.’”

The program that followed paid tribute to the chapter’s past, present, and future with participation from alumni, an awards ceremony, installation of new chapter Board members, and, especially, the induction of new members.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Gasparino welcomed the inductees, nothing that membership in PTK “opens the doors to opportunities for leadership and scholarship.”

Three alumnae served as presenters for the recognition of scholars.  Carolina Ramos ’23 presented graduating member Samantha Marte as “the third Most Distinguished Chapter Member regionally.” (AEC is in PTK’s Middle States Region). Samantha is also named to the 2024 NJ All-State Academic Team.

Nicolette Carpenter ’23 presented graduating member and 2023-24 chapter president Bilal Gebril as “the Most Distinguished Chapter Officer” regionally and as one of 20 most distinguished officers internationally.

Bianca Osma ’21 also recognized Bilal as recipient of the coveted Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Scholarship and for being named to both the NJ All-State Academic Team and the elite All-USA Academic Team.  “Bilal will graduate with $8000 in scholarship funds to take to his transfer college,” said Bianca, who was also an All-USA New Century Transfer Scholar in 2021.

Guest speaker Dariel Nunez, the 2023-24 Middle States Regional President, delivered a touching account of his journey through PTK, from starting as a student who wanted to succeed, but had no sense of purpose, to a confident PTK member serving as regional president.  “Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone,” he said to Dr. Gasparino and Andy.

Gratitude awards to faculty and administrators who provided notable support to PTK throughout the past year went to Susan Gaulden, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Michael Carhart, Director of Institutional Research; Professor Petar Drakulich; Daiela Gomez, Educational Specialist.

Andy also acknowledged Ms. Dawn Norman, director of PCCC’s Pre-College Program, who was seated in the audience as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Administrator Award, for her collaboration with the chapter on the College Project, an annual competition among PTK chapters that aims to unite students, administrators, and faculty on a project for the good of the College.

Maria Posada, the newly elected President of the Middle States Region, presented the Honorary Member award to Page Saunders, graphic designer of PCCC’s Marketing and Communications department, for his contributions to AEC’s event.

Other award recipients are: Hannahnias Rios, Outstanding Member Award; Maria Posada, Certificate of Appreciation; Gabriel Betancur, Outstanding Fellowship Award; Fransheska Rodriguez, Alpha Eta Chi Presidential Member Award; Nona Fulmore Harris, Alpha Eta Chi Presidential Officer Award.

Following the presentation of awards was the formal installation of the 2024-25 Chapter Executive Board: President: Fransheska Rodríguez, Vice President: Ariel Molina Jr., Executive Public Relations: Cristy D. Sarmiento, Honors In Action Chair: Pricelda Martínez, College Project Chair: Gabriel Betancur, Fellowship Coordinator: Camille Julieanne Villavicencio,  Service Coordinator: Andrea Celeste Pizarro Rebaza, Membership Coordinator: Adrian Bertucci,  Provisional Membership Coordinator: Osmeliy Cabrera.

In the highlight of the program, the 402 inductees became full-fledged PTK members. One by one, they crossed the dais, receiving their regalia and a white rose. Then, in a candlelight ritual, the inductees recited in unison the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Pledge.

At this 42^nd induction ceremony, the honors received by the Alpha Eta Chi chapter were referenced by the various speakers throughout the program.  PTK has more than 1300 chapters worldwide, and AEC is among the most recognized, ranking this year as the eighth Most Distinguished Chapter internationally.  Also, for the ninth consecutive year, AEC has achieved 5-Star status, a PTK distinction for chapters that demonstrate the highest standards of the four PTK hallmarks: Scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.  Congratulations to Alpha Eta Chi for 42 years of excellence. See more photos on Facebook.