Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter of Beta Rho Etta at Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) inducted 35 students this spring. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) since 1929. Founded in 1918, PTK celebrates academic achievement and fosters personal growth, leadership, and service among community and technical college students. With nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 nations and over 4.3 million students inducted, PTK provides a transformative experience, connecting its 230,000 active members to opportunities for scholarships, leadership development, and success beyond the classroom. By offering access to exclusive resources and a supportive community, PTK empowers students to excel academically and reach their full potential.

The primary mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic achievement and provide opportunities for students to grow through the four “hallmarks”: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Membership is a call to participate in these areas. So how did these students become part of this honor society? They WORKED for it! Membership is by invitation only and is based on academic standing (3.5 or higher) and credit completion. As I’m sure all these students can confirm, a high GPA isn’t easy, nor is it just handed to them. They’ve ALL had to work for it and have shown incredible resilience along the way.

The Poet Maya Angelou once wrote: “I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.” Deidre Pugh, Advisor, is proud of the students, “I can think of no better words to describe the journey that brought these 35 students to being inducted into PTK. To reach the level of academic excellence required by Phi Theta Kappa, the students have undoubtedly been changed. They have been changed by long nights of study, by the rigors of difficult subjects, and by the challenge of balancing their education with the demands of real life”.