Three Cheers for Five Stars: RCSJ Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Receives Top Ranking for Second Year

For Rowan College of South Jersey’s (RCSJ) AlphaPsi Pi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society, an unwavering commitmentto one another throughout a year of virtual education – and to their chapter’sgoals – has proven to be rewarding.

The Alpha Psi Pi chapter and their advisors,Shawn Rutter and Jackie Thomasson, began the spring semester with a reason tocelebrate – their designation as a “5-Star Chapter” for the second consecutiveyear. As the premiere international honor society recognizing studentsat associate degree-granting colleges, PTK provides scholars the opportunity togrow and encourages dialog with college leadership and active participation inthe college community. A 5-Star statusis the highest level of achievement a chapter can attain for theirparticipation on campus and in local, regional, national, and internationalactivities.

“This is my first fullyear as a Phi Theta Kappa advisor,” said Thomasson. “The officers and membersof Alpha Psi Pi have surpassed my expectations and impressed me in so many ways.”

As part of their efforts to earn the 5-Stardesignation, the chapter completed an “Honors in Action” project that involvedresearch, problem-solving and efforts to educate the community. They addressedthe question: “Are Individuals Raised to Criticize People Based onStereotypes?” After much research and discussion, one theme was clear – people arenot always aware of the stereotypes they hold. Students took it upon themselvesto create an eye-opening video to expose this issue, which has been shared across multiple RCSJplatforms.

The Alpha Psi Pi chapter was also a recentrecipient of the “Recognizing Excellent in Acceptance and Completion with Honors(REACH) Reward.” This program recognizesthe recruitment efforts of chapters that grow their membership over the academicyear. Currently, the Alpha Psi Pi chapterhas more than 240 active members.

“We were really excited to achieve this honor,”remarked Rutter. “Enhancing our membership during this past year was challengingto accomplish while the campus was offering a remote learning environment. TheAlpha Psi Pi chapter’s continued growth is a credit to the enthusiasm anddedication of its officers and members.”

For information about Alpha Psi Pi and how to become amember visit RCSJ.edu/PTK or view Phi Theta Kappa’s international website at PTK.org.