Lambda Beta achieves Five Star Chapter Status for 15th year
Mohawk Valley Community College’s Lambda Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, along with several chapter leaders and advisors, earned awards and recognition at the PTK New York Regional Convention, which was held virtually on March 7, 2026.
The following students received recognition:
- Matthew Marvel of Utica, N.Y., was named to the PTK All-USA Academic Team.
- Hunter Finehout of Lowville, N.Y., Lambda Beta Chapter Vice President for College Project, received the second place Distinguished Chapter Officer Award.
- Eaindra (Jennifer) Aung of Utica, N.Y., Lambda Beta Chapter President, received the Jodi Oriel Leadership Scholarship.
- Gavyn Toepp of Rome, N.Y., Lambda Beta Chapter Vice President for Leadership, was recognized for his service as Vice President of the Northern District, 2025-2026.
MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter of PTK received the following awards:
- Five Star Chapter Award: For the 15th consecutive year, Lambda Beta achieved Five Star Chapter Status — the highest level of achievement a chapter can attain through participation in campus, local, regional, national, and international activities.
- Regional Hallmarks Engagement Award for Chapter Progress: First place.
- Regional Hallmarks Community Service Award: First place.
- Regional Service Initiatives “Serve It Up” Award (for food donations): Second place.
- Most Distinguished Honors in Action Project: First place in New York State for the 2025-2026 Honors Study Topic, The Power of Stories.
- Honors in Action Project: First place in Theme 3: Ways Stories Are Told.
Faculty/staff advisors to MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter also were recognized:
- Assistant Professor Sam McManus received the Horizon Award, which recognizes chapter advisors who demonstrate a commitment to PTK and its mission of student success, leadership, and academic excellence.
- Adjunct Instructor Lorin Williams was recognized for five years of service as a PTK 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 about Phi Theta Kappa.