COVID-19 couldn’t stop Onondaga Community College’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)! With students scattered across Central New York and much of the state, PTK held a virtual induction ceremony and welcomed in approximately 200 new members Wednesday night.
The event had all of the pomp and circumstance it usually does when held in person. OCC’s Music department played a major role in the festivities. PTK member Grace Norton was the pianist, student Tyler Tamblin sang the national anthem, PTK member Grace Norton was the pianist, and PTK officers and Music majors Meghan Wilmot and Tamblin sang the PTK song which they rehearsed remotely with Music professor Dr. David Rudari in reparation for the event.
PTK Faculty Advisor Dr. Annie Tuttle reviewed the chapter’s accomplishments for the past year. She told students OCC’s chapter was ranked third best in the entire world, first in New York State, and would find out its latest state ranking this Friday.
OCC President Dr. Casey Crabill congratulated current and new PTK members on their accomplishments and let them know how how much she missed seeing them in person. “The campus is really quiet without you. If anyone ever wondered what the heart and soul of an institution was, we know for certain it’s all of you.”
PTK members who completed the 5-Star Competitive Edge program were recognized. The program provides scholars with professional development opportunities to enhance marketable skills which will make them more competitive for scholarships, transferring, and careers. Students completed their qualifying during a series of PTK Zoom events.
Speakers during the event included PTK members Maddie Bohrer who delivered the introduction, Lily Woughter who was the Student Speaker, and Grace Norton who presented the Edge Awards. Students Gina Segreti, Maddie Bohrer, Catlin Wiltsey, Grace Norton, and Lily Woughter took turns reading the names of the new inductees.
The induction ceremony was overseen masterfully by PTK Coordinator Jackie Barstow.
Congratulations to all of the inductees!
