NORTH EAST, MD — The Alpha Alpha Theta (AAT) chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at Cecil College has reached a new pinnacle of academic recognition, earning the highly coveted Five-Star status. This achievement—PTK’s highest honor—reflects the chapter’s dedication to excellence in scholarship, leadership, and community engagement. It also marks the first time the chapter has achieved this distinction after years of maintaining a consistent three-star status.
“This outstanding accomplishment speaks to the unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership that our PTK members consistently demonstrate, setting a new standard of excellence within our College community,” said Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.
The Five-Star status recognizes excellence in five key areas of achievement—Reach, Engage, Network, Lead, and Discover—and represents a significant milestone for the AAT chapter. Chapter Advisor and Coordinator of Student Engagement Kelsey Jakubac pointed to their focus on increasing student involvement and visibility as key drivers of their success this year.
A Milestone Built on Meaningful Initiatives
One of the pivotal projects contributing to Five-Star status was the creation of a public-facing webpage on Cecil College’s website. The new page offers prospective PTK members detailed information about eligibility, the induction process, and the numerous benefits of joining. According to Ms. Jakubac, the webpage has already boosted interest. “The main focus this year has been increasing student engagement, and the new webpage has definitely increased interest in the honor society,” she explained. “We’ve been working with academic programs to spread the word about PTK.”
Another standout initiative was the “Angel Tree” project, launched as part of the chapter’s Honors in Action campaign. Designed to support Cecil College students in need during the holiday season, the project earned the chapter its final Discover Star. A physical tree adorned with Angel wings and PTK-colored ornaments became a symbol of the chapter’s commitment to community. Faculty, staff, and students rallied around the initiative, providing much-needed holiday support for their peers. “We hope to grow the Angel Tree Project in the coming years,” shared Associate Professor Melissa Burke. “We’d love to place more trees around campus and expand our reach.”
Building strong connections with the college IT department also enhanced the chapter’s ability to grow its membership. By identifying students who met the eligibility criteria—at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.5 or higher—the chapter invited new members to participate. With their induction ceremony planned for February, the chapter is building on its momentum and expanding its impact on campus.
Leadership and Community Collaboration
Achieving Five-Star status required a collaborative effort between students, advisors, and the greater Cecil College community. Regular meetings between chapter officers and advisors ensured that leadership roles were well-supported, while advisors pursued ongoing development through PTK’s EDGE workshops.
“I’m really excited for the chapter and to see all the growth that Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Alpha Theta have experienced,” said Associate Professor Burke. “We have a great student body who is helpful and wants to be engaged.”
The chapter’s growth is also guided by other advisory board members, including Director of Student Life Cheryl Davis-Robinson. Together, the team’s leadership has created a foundation for sustained success and deeper engagement across the campus.
Looking to the Future
With Five-Star status secured, the Alpha Alpha Theta chapter is not resting on its laurels. The chapter is working on initiatives to engage PTK alumni and increase campus-wide collaboration. “Our goal is to continue building on what we’ve achieved this year,” added Ms. Jakubac. “We want to make Phi Theta Kappa a known name on campus and offer our members opportunities to grow academically and professionally.”
Buoyed by its recent success and with ambitious plans for the future, the AAT chapter is poised to deepen its impact within the Cecil College community. From fostering academic excellence to supporting meaningful community projects, the chapter’s Five-Star recognition serves as a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to making a difference.
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