Released: March 15, 2015
Student Angela Luna is elected to be state Phi Theta Kappa president for 2015-2016
SANTA FE, NM – Santa Fe Community College Phi Theta Kappa students and SFCC advisers received multiple awards and national recognition at the annual Phi Theta Kappa Spring Convention earlier this month. Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society that recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students and provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service, the exchange of ideas and ideals, fellowship and continuing academic excellence.
At the Spring Convention, New Mexico PTK students met and collaborated with members of other chapters from around the state and participated in academic and leadership activities. SFCC students Angela Luna, Matthew Encinias, Allene Stewards, Jodi Drinkwater and Darrin Graham and PTK advisers Andy Lovato and Jane Abbott represented the college’s Alpha Kappa Xi chapter and received these national awards:
- Shining Star Award for demonstrating excellence and making a difference in regional programs
- Five Star Chapter Plan, Four Star Level
- Certificate of Meritorious Distinction for participation in the C4 Community Completion Corps “Commit to Complete” Initiative
- Distinguished Chapter Award
- Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award
- Frontiers and the Spirit of Exploration Honors in Action Distinguished Theme Award: Theme 9: Borders and Boundaries
- Spirit Award in recognition of support for and participation in regional programs
- Pinnacle Gold Award for a 15% increase in membership
- Distinguished College Project Award for meeting the standards of excellence in the College Project of Phi Theta Kappa
- Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award for meeting the standards of excellence in Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors Study Topic
SFCC student Angela Luna was elected as the state Phi Theta Kappa president for 2015-2016, and SFCC student Mary Ellen Gomez was recognized for having served as regional secretary for the past year.
To join Phi Theta Kappa at SFCC students must have a 3.4 cumulative GPA or higher with at least 12 college credit hours that apply toward a degree. For more information, go to SFCC’s PTK or contact SFCC advisers Associate Professor Andrew Lovato, andrew.lovato@sfcc.edu, 505-428-1375.

From left: Tracy LaForteza, Central District Vice President; Dr. Jane Abbott, PTK Adviser; Dr. Andy Lovato, Faculty Adviser; Lorenza Marcais, Northern District Vice President; Torres Leyba, Regional President; and Dr. Twila Quintana, Associate Regional Coordinator.
For more than 35 years, Santa Fe Community College has been the gateway to success for individuals and the community by providing affordable, high quality educational programs that serve the social, cultural, technological, and economic needs of a diverse community. SFCC is a designated Best for Vets and Military Friendly school. The college serves more than 12,000 students per year in its credit, noncredit and adult programs. For further information, visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000. Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn.