STCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society earns honors at international convention
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s Alpha Psi Sigma Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society earned top honors at both the regional and international levels this spring, culminating in one of the organization’s highest global recognitions.
Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society for two-year colleges and promotes scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service. The convention brings together students, advisors and supporters from 11 countries, making it a global showcase of achievement. At PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention held March 26–28 at the Baltimore Convention Center.
STCC was recognized seven times during the international event, with students taking the stage five times to receive trophies. The chapter earned awards for Distinguished College Project, Distinguished Honors in Action Project, Distinguished Theme Award for Honors in Action, Most Distinguished Chapter and 2026 Distinguished Chapter. In addition, the chapter was named a Top 100 Chapter, and student Fathima Yusraah Zakir received the Distinguished Member Award.
Earlier in the month, the chapter also earned top honors at the 2026 New England Regional Conference, held March 6-7 at Massasoit Community College in Brockton. STCC was named Most Distinguished Chapter and received first-place awards in both the College Project and Honors in Action categories. The Most Distinguished Chapter award is presented to the chapter with the highest overall ranking based on combined scores in those two competitions.
The College Project award recognizes chapters that build and strengthen relationships with college administration, while the Honors in Action award honors chapters whose projects demonstrate excellence in academic research, leadership, service learning and collaboration.
Student Eunice Addae Wusu also received $1,000 in scholarships at the regional conference.
The Distinguished Member Award recognizes students who exemplify the hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa through their chapter activities. As part of the chapter’s work, Fathima Yusraah Zakir interviewed UMass professor Trisha Andrew, shared her findings on wearable electronics in the campus newsletter and created several art pieces that were exhibited at the Celebration of Student Work event.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see our shared vision of serving the campus and community recognized.Student Addae Wusu, Chapter President
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our shared vision of serving the campus and community recognized,” said Addae Wusu, chapter president. “This would not have been possible without the collaboration, passion and dedication of our administration, faculty and chapter members.”
“These awards reflect the leadership of our PTK team, especially President Eunice Addae Wusu, Vice President Emelia Mensah and Public Relations Officer Yaw Anum,” said Nayanna Mercado Soto, co-advisor and professor.
Added Dr. Reena Randhir, PTK advisor and professor: “It’s humbling. Students worked night and day on these projects last fall. I’m delighted to see their creativity and perseverance recognized. I’m also deeply grateful to Dr. Thuot and STEM Dean Dreger who continue to support PTK and our students’ success.”
Dr. Miah Dreger, Dean of STEM at STCC, said, “Seeing our PTK students recognized with top awards at both the regional and international conference is a proud moment for our entire community at STCC. Their achievements reflect the very best of what our students can accomplish when they challenge themselves and support one another.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.