READING, PA — Alpha Sigma Rho, Reading Area Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Chapter, attended the PTK International Convention (Catalyst) in Orlando, Florida on April 4-6, 2019. The convention hosted the Hallmark Awards, a major program of PTK International, which engages members to participate in activities supporting the Society’s Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. Chapters submit reports on their work in several areas, and the submissions are then judged competitively. Individuals, chapters and regions are recognized for their excellence in support of these hallmarks. 

Led by RACC Professor Emerita Dr. Donna Hampton Singleton, RACC faculty member Dr. Danelle Bower and RACC faculty member Ms. Denise Strohmayr, the RACC PTK Chapter won three significant Chapter awards, and five individual awards. The chapter awards are: Top 100 Chapters-among the top 100 chapters internationally; Distinguished Honors in Action award-for their academic exploration of how people communicate in today’s society; and the Distinguished Chapter award-this is awarded to chapters based on cumulative scores in the Hallmark activities. 

The following four individuals received awards for outstanding work in PTK: Valerie Mackey (Chapter Vice President)-GEICO Pathways to Completion Bachelor’s Degree Scholar; Judith Croteau-Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar; Leann Wolf-Distinguished Chapter Member Award for her significant work supporting chapter activities, and RACC President Dr. Susan Looney-Paragon Award for new college presidents. 

“This Chapter worked extremely hard to get here, and now the work, determination and dedication has paid off. This group is a family, and we hope that other PTK members will step up, get active, and continue to lead our team even further in the years to come,” says PTK advisor, and RACC faculty member Dr. Danelle Bower.

PTK students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes academic achievement of community college students and provides opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. For more information about Phi Theta Kappa at Reading Area Community College, please call 610.372.4721.