Because of an increase in its acceptance rate, the Beta Lambda Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa or PTK International Honor Society at the Northern Marianas College is now a 2021 Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors, or REACH, chapter. This is the college’s second time to receive the REACH award.

The designation was made through the REACH Rewards program, which rewards chapters who achieve or exceed 15 percent for their membership acceptance rate. The Beta Lambda Psi chapter reported a 25.3% acceptance rate in 2020 after inducting more than 70 members last fall.

Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladcher, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa International congratulated NMC Interim President Frankie Eliptico on their achievement.

“Thank you for your support in furthering Phi Theta Kappa’s mission of providing recognition and opportunity to students on your campus,” Tincher-Ladcher said. “The dedication of both you and your chapter advisors to enhancing the college experience and the lives of students amid the numerous challenges 2020 presented is truly appreciated and more important than ever before.”

As part of becoming a 2021 REACH chapter, the College will be sent seven PTK stoles for its members and officers to wear during graduation.

“It’s great to see that despite having to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, our students continue to be focused and excel in their work,” NMC Interim President Frankie Eliptico said. “We thank the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for awarding our College this designation.”

“It’s fulfilling to see our local PTK chapter continuing to grow since we revitalized the chapter in 2019 following Super Typhoon Yutu,” PTK advisor Kaelani Demapan said. “This growth begins with our students and is supported by our NMC family under Interim President Eliptico. Our current and past officers have committed so much time and effort into spreading the awareness and value of this honor society, and we are thankful to receive the REACH awards for a second time in a row.”

Established by Missouri two-year college presidents in 1918, the PTK Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development thorough honors, leadership, and service programming.

For more information about the Beta Lambda Psi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at NMC, contact Chapter President Jamerie Paras (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or any one of the advisors: Kaelani Demapan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Alexis Cabrera (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Geri Hofschneider (geri.hofschneider@marianas.edu), and William Hunter (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).