Texas Border Business
South Texas College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Epsilon Mu Chapter is celebrating a remarkable year by achieving state and international recognition for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service, even earning a spot as a top 100 chapter out of 1,200 worldwide, placing them in the top 8% globally.
With more than 844 active members and over 200 new students joining each semester, the Epsilon Mu Chapter stands as a beacon of academic engagement and community service with a mission to recognize and encourage high-achieving students.
At the recent 2024 Texas Regional Convention held in Houston, the chapter earned numerous awards, including the prestigious College Project Award of Merit for its initiative titled, “Shattering the STIGMA of Attending a Community College: Implementing CCsmart Strategies.” This impactful effort featured a student-led panel, confronting outdated perceptions about community colleges.
“Many people see community college as a second choice,” said Celina Jorge, PTK student coordinator and Psychological Science faculty member. “But for many of us, it’s a lifeline. We want to change the view from ‘It’s just STC’ to ‘This is STC.’”
The chapter was also named a Texas Top Chapter, an elite recognition reserved for chapters that exemplify outstanding performance across all pillars of the PTK mission.
Another standout project, “The Story Behind the Mask,” earned an Honors in Action Award of Distinction. The initiative used art to promote mental health awareness, encouraging students to explore emotions and dismantle stigmas through creative expression.
“We started with our student community and then opened it up to the public,” Jorge said. “Our goal was to create a space where honest conversations about mental health could take place.”
The chapter’s momentum carried to the international stage at the PTK Catalyst Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri, where they received global recognition for their “The Story Behind the Mask,” Honors in Action project. They also earned a Distinguished Theme Award for exploring the power of storytelling in mental health advocacy through various media.
In a crowning achievement, the Epsilon Mu Chapter was named the CCsmart Champion, a national honor recognizing the chapter with the greatest impact in promoting community college awareness.
For student leaders, the awards signify more than just recognition, they are symbols of resilience and teamwork. PTK is brought to life by this dynamic group of scholars, who continually excel through innovative projects and purposeful outreach.
“Walking across the stage to accept the awards was life-changing,” said Francis Rosales, STC vice president of Fellowship. “It was a powerful reminder that dedication and long hours really do pay off.”
STC PTK President Oscar Hinojosa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how these honors raise awareness about the society’s value.
“Our goal is to encourage more students to accept their PTK nominations and take advantage of the opportunities it offers,” said Hinojosa. “These awards are a powerful reminder that the time and sacrifices we’ve made, time away from school, work and family truly meant something. They prove that every effort was worth it.”
Faculty and leadership also share in the pride. Brett Millan, associate vice president for Academic Success and Advancement, applauded the chapter’s transformation.
“These awards showcase the remarkable growth of our students as they’ve developed into strong, compassionate leaders who fully embody the mission and spirit of the community college experience,” he said.
Beyond awards, the chapter actively supports organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the Rio Grande Valley Down Syndrome Association, while volunteering at events like the annual Feast of Sharing and engaging in leadership development activities that embody PTK’s mission.
Looking ahead, the chapter is focused on growing its reach and making its presence known across campuses and beyond.
“I want people to recognize PTK members, not just by name, but by the impact they’re making,” said Celina Casas, associate professor of Occupational Therapy and PTK faculty advisor. “We want to be known for what we do for the college and the community.”
As the premier honor society for two-year colleges, the Epsilon Mu Chapter continues to lead with purpose and set a national standard for excellence.
