Continuing on a tradition of excellence and top-notch performance regionally, nationally and internationally, Lone Star College-University Park’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society chapter, Beta Upsilon Nu, was recognized with two international Hallmark Awards at the PTK Catalyst 2021, held virtually April 8-10. 

LSC-University Park’s PTK chapter earned the International Distinguished Honors in Action Theme Award and the International Distinguished Honors in Action Project Awards. PTK Headquarters received 1,926 entries for Hallmark Awards from almost 1,300 chapters worldwide. The Hallmark Awards recognize superior achievement in PTK’s programs while encouraging excellence, reflecting fairness, recognizing quality and enhancing individual and chapter development.  

"We are proud of the tenacity, hard work and talent our PTK students have shown. This is especially true during the global pandemic," said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. "Our students’ efforts and the steadfast support of their faculty advisers were acknowledged on an international stage, demonstrating that our college is home to some of the brightest students and competent, compassionate faculty. At LSC-University Park, it is our passion to enable individuals to be professionally and academically successful. I can look at the accomplishments of PTK and know we’re doing just that."

These two honors add to an impressive collection for the chapter, including awards garnered at the Texas Regional Convention 2021 for: 

• Five Star Chapter
• Regional Hall of Honor Award - Dr. Heather Brasher
• Regional Hall of Honor Award - Alexandria Flores
• Regional College Project Award of Merit
• Regional Honors in Action Award of Distinction
• Texas Top Chapter Award

The Texas Regional Convention 2021 was held to recognize academic excellence and provide opportunities for all college students to grow as scholars and leaders while pursuing their college degrees or credentials.

"We weren't sure how to prepare, nor what to expect; nevertheless, our students persevered, and some of them went above and beyond by continuing to serve as student organization officers throughout the pandemic," said Frank Rodriguez, LSC-University Park math department chair and PTK co-adviser. "Fizza Afreen, Alexandria Flores, Sameia Rahmath, James Wong and Aslan Delroba overcame unexpected obstacles to complete what was needed to remain a Five Star Chapter."

"I was surprised to win the award. The team said I was the one who kept everybody on track with reminders of deadlines, meetings, and the like," said LSC-University Park student Alexandria Flores. "Actually, all of our PTK officers are deserving of this award as we were all pretty busy, but still dedicated."

Three of LSC-University Park’s PTK members, Sameia Rahmath, Sarah Thurmond and Hope Trahan, were confirmed as 2021 All-Texas Academic Team nominees. Last month, Rahmath, Thurmond and Trahan attended the 2021 All-Texas Academic Team Virtual Medallion Ceremony to receive a commemorative medal and certificate. 

PTK is the premier honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helps students grow as scholars and leaders. The honor society has more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations. PTK is the oldest honor society for community college students, and the only one founded by college presidents. PTK is guided by the four hallmarks of leadership, scholarship, fellowship and service. 

For more information about LSC-University Park’s chapter of PTK, visit: LoneStar.edu/UP-PTK.