College Launch National Honour Society Chapter
Bermuda College has announced the launch of a local chapter of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa National Honour Society.
Phi Theta Kappa recognises academic achievement of college students in two-year colleges, and provides opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. Its foundational pillars are scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.
The inaugural induction honoured 15 Bermuda College students who attained grade point averages of 3.5 during an evening ceremony hosted by the College.
Keen Collard, Jaiden Furbert-Jacobs, Atiya Furqan, Kaitlyn Jeffrey, D’Hstiny Seaman, Demetria Packwood, Samaria Paynter, Danielle Smith, Naphisa Smith, Dukarai Richardson-Burgess, Jordyn Richardson, Seth Samuels, Ken-Nie Trott, Rickie Williams and Kiara Virgil-Wainwright have become the first students inducted into the inaugural chapter.
Guest speaker for the ceremony was Amanda Kapinski, past International Officer and current Alumni representative of Phi Theta Kappa. In her address, she encouraged the new members to make the most of the opportunity this new chapter afforded.
Inducted in 2016 and rising through the Society to eventually become the student representative to the PTK Board of Directors, Ms. Kapinski encouraged the 15 new members to “use their intellect and drive to change the world around them. PTK is 100 years old,” she said. “It’s up to you to define what the next 100 years will look like. You succeed in the classroom, prepare to put what you’ve learned into the real world.”
Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs at the College, Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed noted, “The installation of the new Beta Chi Upsilon Bermuda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa underscores the vision of Bermuda College as a centre for academic excellence.
“I am pleased to launch Phi Theta Kappa at Bermuda College and to participate in the induction of these 15 outstanding students. Congratulations to our inductees and to our Beta Chi Upsilon advisors, Dr. Lisa Osborne and Ms. Nikkita Scott for their exceptional work in realising this event.”
Dr. Osborne said the new chapter was a pioneering way to ‘institutionalise’ the recognition of scholarship. “Through PTK, we have a unique opportunity at Bermuda College to institutionalise this achievement… We are pioneers, promoting academic excellence, and helping students develop their leadership skills. I’m particularly excited about helping students fulfil their potential.”
Ms. Scott added, “PTK creates many opportunities for our students beyond the international recognition of their academic achievements. Active engagement opens the door to a level of research scholarship that is generally perceived to only occur in four-year institutions.
“Through the honours in action programme, our students can have an impact on campus as well as in the larger community, all while contributing to global conversations.”
Inductee, Jordyn Richardson, said “Being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa means I have the opportunity to work with people all around the world to further my success.”
Dukarai Richardson-Burgess, agreed. “It’s an opportunity to further my college journey and help me develop in the four pillars of PTK: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honour society in higher education with 1, 285 chapters on college campuses worldwide.
Go keen!
Congrats President, staff and students.
Excellent, Congratulations Kaitlyn and fellow students, Well Done one and all, Keep Going Strong, Oh Yeah, YOU Can Do It!!!