Bergen’s Phi Theta Kappa Ranks Number One

By Karina Florez, Co-Editor

Bergen Community College’s very own Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), one of the college’s honor societies, has won a record-breaking 23 honors at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, including one of the most prestigious awards, “Most Distinguished Chapter.” 

In order to have become first internationally, PTK worked on two projects: Honors in Action and College Project, (which is judged by a third party that each chapter competes in). The Honors in Action Project this year worked on a double- blind research study analyzing the cognitive effects of sound and music using electroencephalographic (EEG) brainwave monitoring. The College Project developed a new academic program for students who declared an undecided major. 

The Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter of PTK accepted the 23 awards this past May at PTK’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida. Bergen Vice President of Academic Affairs, William Mullaney, said, “Bergen is proud of our PTK chapter and its accomplishments on the regional, national and international level as a testament to our students’ dedication, leadership, and commitment.” 

Angie Goldszmidt, Bergen PTK’s co-adviser, said, “I am incredibly proud of our students, not only for the awards they received but particularly for the exceptional work they have done this year.” 

The newest board members of Bergen PTK were elected this past May, including Tyler Zamski of Wood- Ridge, the incoming president. Zamski is a second-year student with a major in computer science and hopes to attend either MIT, Columbia University or Stevens Institute of Technology after graduating. 

PTK is an honor society for two-year colleges. Founded in 1918, the society’s mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two- year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. 

In order to become a member of PTK, you must meet certain criteria, including but not limited to having a cumulative grade point average, be in an eligible degree program and be a student of “good moral character.” For more information go to http://www.bergenptk.com.