The Beta Theta Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recognized on the international stage at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention in April 2025, earning two significant awards that highlight the chapter’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
Beta Alpha Continued Excellence Award
In a remarkable achievement, Beta Theta Omicron has earned the Beta Alpha Continued Excellence Award-an honor bestowed upon only 15 chapters out of 1,244 active chapters across the United States. This exceptional distinction recognizes chapters that have demonstrated sustained excellence by receiving high marks in both their College Project and Honors in Action Research Project for three consecutive years.
This recognition places Beta Theta Omicron among the top 5% of chapters nationwide, reflecting the chapter’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community service.
Distinguished College Project Award
Further cementing its reputation for outstanding work, the chapter also received the Distinguished College Project Award for its impactful campus initiative. This year’s College Project was a collaboration with the CGCE group (Critical Global Citizenship Education), supported by the President’s Innovation Fund. This recognition celebrates the chapter’s innovative approach to addressing college needs and implementing effective solutions through collaborative efforts.
Individual Excellence & Leadership Recognition
The chapter’s success extends beyond team awards to include exceptional individual recognitions:
● Joe Morello received the Distinguished College Administrator award for his continued outstanding support and leadership.
● Ruby Folber received the Distinguished Chapter Member award for outstanding contributions to chapter initiatives.
● Codie Lai was honored as a Distinguished Regional Officer, recognizing leadership at the regional level.
● Susanne Schubert earned the prestigious Paragon Award for advisor excellence.
● The co-advisor team of Thanh Nguyen and Susanne Schubert received the Distinguished Advisor Team award for their exceptional guidance and mentorship.
These individual honors complement the dedicated work of the chapter’s officer team:
● William Wai Phyo Ordoyo Oo
● Yuting Duan
● Jia Haria
● Christian Jeremiah Dizon
● Mariela Alana Tolentino Ochoa
● Nicole Elise Smith
● Jake Aaron Szeto
● Jasmin Breanna Khuu
● Brandon Anthony Khuu
● Thant Zayar Htut
Through their collaborative efforts and visionary leadership, supported by award-winning advisors, these members have built upon the chapter’s legacy of excellence and established Beta Theta Omicron as a model for Phi Theta Kappa chapters across the nation.
The chapter’s continued success demonstrates the quality of its projects and initiatives, as well as the effectiveness of its leadership development program, which prepares members to excel both within the organization and in their future endeavors.
Acknowledgments
Beta Theta Omicron extends sincere gratitude to the Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) and Vice President of Administrative Services, Joe Morello for their ongoing support, which has been instrumental in the chapter’s ability to undertake meaningful projects and provide valuable opportunities for its members.
Article by Susanne Schubert
