Herkimer College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Earns 2022 REACH Recognition

Herkimer College has been recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society as a 2022 Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors (REACH) Chapter. The REACH Rewards program honors colleges for their efforts to bring life-changing benefits and opportunities of PTK membership to their campuses. As part of this special recognition, Herkimer College will receive five Phi Theta Kappa graduation stoles to be worn by graduates to signify their PTK membership. 

The Herkimer College PTK Upsilon Epsilon Chapter also holds the distinction of being a Five Star Chapter, an honor held consecutively since 2017. The five-star designation recognizes chapters for student engagement, both on campus and in the community. Earning the five-star designation is the most exclusive status a chapter can achieve. 

"The REACH recognition is an honor and a testament to Herkimer College's commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community service," said College President Dr. Cathleen McColgin. "Congratulations to our PTK Chapter and our faculty and staff for enhancing the college experience and the lives of our students." 

According to College PTK Chapter Advisor Vicki Brown, observing the growth and deepening level of engagement among PTK students has been a rewarding experience. “It’s been great to follow the interaction as we’ve expanded our connections through virtual outreach,” shared Brown. “It has opened up new doors for our students.”

In 2021, 66 students accepted membership in the Herkimer College PTK Chapter. 

According to PTK.org, 91 percent of Phi Theta Kappa members will complete an associate degree or transfer to a four-year college, compared to just 31 percent of students nationally. Members have access to millions of dollars in scholarships — $1 million in competitive scholarships through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and more than $246 million in transfer scholarships to over 850 four-year colleges.

“As the pandemic lingered in 2021, celebrating student success became more important than ever,” PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “PTK membership creates higher self-efficacy, fosters a sense of belonging, and provides a supportive community for learning and self-expression. Our work leads to increased student engagement which is what causes higher rates of student success. I am so proud of our Reach Chapters—they worked exceptionally hard to create spaces where students could connect and support one another—even amid a global pandemic.”  

Herkimer College is among 464 PTK chapters nationally recognized for their membership growth.