Skyline College welcomed more than 60 students and their guests on November 13th for the annual Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Induction Ceremony, a celebration of academic achievement that brought together chapters from across the San Mateo County Community College District. The event, which rotates among Skyline College, Cañada College, and College of San Mateo each year, honors outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship and leadership.
Dr. Nate Carter, President of Skyline College, opened the ceremony with words of welcome and congratulations to the inductees. His remarks emphasized the significance of Phi Theta Kappa membership, the premier honor society recognizing academic achievement at associate degree-granting colleges. Dr. Carter shared his own experience as a community college student and offered valuable insights on how to grow as a leader and student. His personal testimony reminded inductees that their community college journey is a powerful foundation for future success and that the skills and relationships they develop here will serve them throughout their lives.
The ceremony featured a keynote address from Drew Choueiri, PTK regional officer representing the Nevada/California region of Phi Theta Kappa. Drew captivated the audience by sharing her personal story and how active participation in leadership opportunities shaped who she is today and where she is today. Her authentic and inspiring message resonated deeply with the inductees, illustrating the transformative power of engagement in Phi Theta Kappa and the doors that open when students embrace leadership roles and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of several key contributors. Dr. Carol Hernandez, Skyline College VP of Instruction, sponsored the refreshments, creating a warm and festive atmosphere where new inductees could celebrate with their families, friends, and fellow chapter members. The college’s media and facilities teams provided essential support to ensure the event ran smoothly. The Skyline chapter would like to also thank Dean Jessica Hurless, Nadia Tariq, Maricela Gonzalez, and Paul Cassidy who offered administrative guidance and support throughout the planning of the ceremony.
As members of Phi Theta Kappa, the newly inducted students join a society of more than 4.4 million members worldwide and gain access to exclusive scholarship opportunities, leadership programs, and a network of high-achieving peers. The Society’s mission is to recognize academic achievement and help students grow as scholars and leaders, preparing them for success in their educational and career journeys.
The annual induction ceremony stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the district’s three colleges and their shared commitment to celebrating student success. Congratulations to all the new members of Phi Theta Kappa on this distinguished achievement.
Article by Susanne Schubert, Thanh Nguyen, Christian Sanchez and Claude Sonnet 4.5
Photos by Thanh Nguyen and Toakase Toke
