By Alex Hartmann 

amhartmann@lc.edu 

Phi Theta Kappa, often referred to as PTK, has been around since 1918 with a common goal of recognizing the academic achievements of college students and assisting them in their future journey. To join, students must receive an invitation from LC’s PTK Advisor, Elizabeth Grant.  

“We only recruit through email,” Grant said. “The emails have just gone out, so if you have a 3.5 GPA with 12 transferable hours, you should get an email invitation with my name on it.”  

There are many benefits to joining PTK, such as scholarships, leadership and fellowship opportunities. It also assists students when transferring to a four-year college program. It sets you apart from other community college students and gives you an edge for scholarships — there are even PTK specific scholarships offered directly through the organization.  

PTK memberships last for life and offer students a “connection with other intellectual people and transfer funds at many colleges,” Grant said. She invites students to attend the next meeting on Feb. 19. “We sponsor the Humanities Speech Contest on March 20, and we participate in Career Readiness Day,” Grant explained. Being a part of PTK shows character and a drive for improvement in the wolrd. 

It is best to become a member before transferring to SIUe or another college, as recruitment days occur throughout the entire semester and being a member increases chances for recognition and scholarships. 

For more information regarding Phi Theta Kappa, reach out to Elizabeth Grant at eegrant@lc.edu.