Students in Fox Valley Technical College's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Chapter made their mark at the PTK Wisconsin Regional Convention, held for the first time ever at FVTC. Phi Theta Kappa is an international organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence among two-year college students. Members from seven chapters representing other technical colleges around the state attended the conference.

The convention was an opportunity for statewide members to discuss teamwork, leadership, and networking. For FVTC’s chapter, the convention served as a platform to highlight major accomplishments. Since 2013, PTK students at FVTC implemented goals to help build the chapter and to better develop leadership initiatives that benefit the community and campus culture. Here are some results of those objectives:

• 5-Star Chapter Award: A research-based project completed by PTK students to increase visibility for designated causes, inside and outside the college


• 5-Star Competitive Edge Awards: Given to six PTK students at FVTC for exemplary performance in leadership and professional development. The students are:
  Angie Cook
  Jason Lilly
  Ann Remus
  Donna Schmidt
  Terri Somers
  Jerri Zilisch


• Honors Case Study Challenge Award: The Honors Case Study Challenge offers opportunities for scholarships and enhanced learning experiences through creating a case study based on current societal events. FVTC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter was the first Wisconsin regional chapter out of 29 in all to ever win this award. The chapter will receive the award later this month at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention in San Antonio.

FVTC’s chapter earned three other distinctions at the regional convention for its research and documentation on esophageal cancer, for being recognized as Wisconsin’s fastest-growing chapter, and for its diverse officer student team.

The above information was provided by PTK students Dianne Tyler, Professional Communications, and Jason Lilly, Network Specialist and Computer Support Specialist.