Fifty-four NCC Students Join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

During a ceremony held March 20 at Northampton Community College (NCC)’s Bethlehem campus, 54 NCC students joined the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.  

PTK is the official honor society for two-year colleges and is recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges. Founded in 1918, PTK celebrates academic achievement and promotes personal growth, leadership, and service among its community and technical college members. 

“Joining Phi Theta Kappa means joining a diverse international community of students, educators, and professionals who value academic achievement,” says Thomas Mengel, adjunct instructor of English and co-advisor for NCC’s chapters of PTK. “PTK provides students with ample opportunities to reach their full potential and equips them with the knowledge and tools they need to change the world through their education.” 

Mary Pickett, adjunct instructor of English, and Nykolai Blichar, director of student life & leadership development, also co-advise NCC’s chapters of PTK. The staff advisor group takes great pride in watching students grow in confidence through their time in PTK, transforming from uncertain individuals into self-assured mentors for the next crop of student inductees. 

“There’s a real sense of teamwork and support that is just naturally passed from one class to the next,” says Mengel. “It’s wonderful to see!” 

At NCC, PTK is an active organization and its efforts will be recognized later this month at the annual PTK Catalyst Convention in Baltimore. The officer team of NCC’s Tau Gamma (Bethlehem) chapter will receive this year’s Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award, and Mengel, Pickett, and Blichar will receive the Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team Award. 

Additionally, new inductee Kaarma Rosas, a health sciences major, has been named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar. This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by PTK and The Coca-Cola Foundation. 

Current PTK member Ei Thanzin “Julia” Myo, a biological science major, also was named an Oberndorf Scholar by PTK, earning a scholarship that helps PTK members overcome unanticipated financial barriers so that they can complete their first college credential. 

This year’s inductees include: 

Ziynet Akca, Alesia Alexandre, Sanjay Arigela, Monique Bacchas, Yvonne Bachert, Murine Barrett-Hanchard, Lyric Blue, Deanna Brittain, Ashley Castillo, Ava Conte, Matthew Cooper, Haley Crisafulli, Sanaa Dueno, Charles Einolf, Angelina Florez, Gabrielle Foster, Diamond Foxe, Afuuhnwi Fuh, Angelina Garcia, Jeralis Garcia, Kayla Gerard, Chiquita Goodwin, Isha Grant, Brennen Grover, Elvis Hernandez, Alexis Hier, Angela Homa, Ava Jannone, Mariela Jimenez, Nicole Kugler, Isabella Mathews, Brendan Mcdonald, Elsie Mcmellon, Miranda Miller, Austin Millstead, Hannah Morgan, Cheryl Morrison, Japjee Mundi, Mitchelle Mwasi, Xzavier Pacheco, Madisonn Pagats, Daniel Paulus, Steven Petrik, Diana Polanco, Latasha Quevedo, Hannah Ratzman, Sabrina Rodriguez, Kaarma Rosas, Vanity Sanchez, Ava Schneck, Rachael Small, Michael Stauffer, River Steed, and Angeliz Vazquez.