Lakeland Community College's Alpha Psi Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recently earned several national awards at the PTK Catalyst 2022 international convention.

Lakeland's PTK chapter was named a National Top 100 Chapter and a National Distinguished Chapter (Top 25). Lakeland also won Distinguished Honors in Action Project (top 50 nationally) awards.

For the 11th year in a row and the 15th time in the last 16 years, the chapter received a Five Star Chapter Award. Chapters achieving Five Star status must complete certain benchmarks that require the chapter to engage students on the local level, participate in both regional and national activities, and complete two comprehensive projects each year. One of these projects focuses on chapter interaction on campus, and the other is a scholarly project based on a national Honors in Action theme.

The chapter also won two individual national awards, including:

• Continued Excellence Award for Advisers – Dr. Andrea Musial
• Outstanding Regional Officer – Janice Robinson

Lakeland’s board of trustees presented the PTK chapter with a resolution of recognition for their success at both the regional and national levels. The resolution was passed at the board’s regular meeting May 5.

Lakeland's PTK chapter previously earned multiple awards at the PTK Ohio Regional Awards ceremony March 5, including Most Distinguished Regional Chapterout of 40 chapters across Ohio and northern West Virginia andMost Distinguished District Chapterfor the Northern regional district. Lakeland also won Outstanding Honors in Action Project and Outstanding Honors in Action Theme in the Region.

Dr. Matthew Hiner, co-adviser for Lakeland’s PTK chapter, said “I’m very proud of our officers. These projects require them to set research objectives, conduct research on a theme, then develop a plan of action based on a local problem identified through the research. I strongly believe in the program, since it helps students grow as scholars and leaders, but it can be very time consuming. It requires dedication and perseverance on the part of our officer team.”

Several individual regional awards were awarded to Lakeland faculty and students as well:

• Distinguished Advising Team Award - Lakeland PTK advisers Dr. Andrea Musial, professor of biology, Dr. Matthew Hiner, professor of History and James Dailey, associate professor of humanities
• Cindy Carbone Continued Excellence in Advising Award – Dr. Andrea Musial
• Advising Milestone Award – Dr. Matthew Hiner and James Dailey
• Most Distinguished Chapter Officer - Elizabeth Brassell, Lakeland student and PTK chapter vice president
• Most Distinguished District Representative Award - Janice Robinson, Lakeland student and PTK chapter vice president

In addition to chapter and individual awards, Brassell won both the John C. Kesler Scholarship, funded by former PTK Ohio Region Coordinator and Lakeland faculty member Dr. John Kesler and the Dorothy C. Lanier Scholarship, funded by football legend Willie Lanier.

“We are extremely proud of our student officers, who worked hard during the ongoing pandemic to represent our chapter well. It’s great to have them recognized for their achievements,” said Dr. Musial.

PTK provides opportunities for members to participate in leadership, scholarly and social functions, as well as provide service to their college and community. To qualify, a student must have accumulated at least 12 credit hours at Lakeland and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Letters of invitation to join PTK are sent to students who meet the requirements listed above at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.

By: Kerry Jonke, Asst Director Market & Communi