RVCs-Phi-Theta-Kappa-Wins-Award-for-Promoting-Community-College-Pride.php

RVC's Phi Theta Kappa Wins Award for Promoting College Pride

• Event
• 05/13/2025

Rock Valley College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter received a “CCsmart Champion Award” from Phi Theta Kappa’s International Headquarters for a series of events in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years that highlighted the outstanding educational opportunities available at RVC. 

These projects included informational tables, an Easter Egg hunt that drew community members to campus and promoted academic programs, and support for a registration event.   

“Members of Phi Theta Kappa have often remarked that they are aware of the stigma that many attach to community colleges, so when Phi Theta Kappa announced the CCsmart initiative, our members were excited to be part of an effort to show that Rock Valley College offers a quality education,” said Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Tim Spielman. “They enjoyed being able to plan a variety of activities that showcased RVC.  I think their enthusiasm came through, and it was why we won the CCsmart Champion Award.”

“CCsmart”—Community College Smart--is an initiative launched by Phi Theta Kappa four years ago to reduce the stigma of attending community colleges by demonstrating that attending a community college is a smart choice. The award is given to select chapters that integrate these efforts into their college project.    

The 2023-2024 Chapter officers were Liana Vasquez, President; and Bethzy Felix Sanchez, Recording Officer.  The 2024-2025 Chapter officers are Andrew “Caz” Cruz, President; Sarah Greenlee, Vice President of Service; and Joshua Crain, Recording Officer.  Tim Spielman serves as the chapter advisor.   

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation's colleges. Learn more at ptk.org