PTK Returns to Kodiak College
Phi Theta Kappa Returns to Kodiak College with Momentum, Mission, and Membership Growth
After more than five years without an active chapter, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is back at Kodiak College - and it’s thriving.
The college’s PTK chapter, originally founded by Dr. Gil Bane, saw new life breathed into it in Summer 2024 when Kodiak College Director Jacelyn Keys stepped in to serve as advisor. With a mission to recognize and encourage academic achievement among two-year college students, PTK offers members unparalleled access to leadership development, scholarship opportunities, and service-based learning.
The first three students to join the revitalized chapter - KC Suralta, Thomas Bobier, and Charlene Solano - didn’t just join. They led. Stepping into the roles of President, Vice President, and Secretary, the trio took on the challenge of rebuilding the organization from the ground up. Breathing new life into an inactive club is no easy task, especially one with the national reputation and rigorous standards of PTK. But with heart, hustle, and a lot of elbow grease, they made it happen.
One of their first acts was to ensure PTK’s value of access was reflected in its local growth. Thanks to a generous donation from Northrim Bank, the Kodiak College chapter was able to offer scholarships that covered the one-time $65 lifetime membership fee for students. That critical support allowed more students to join, regardless of financial circumstances.
From speaking at New Student Orientation to tabling at campus events, the student leaders actively recruited peers and set a modest goal: 10 new members in the first year. As of June 2025, that goal has more than doubled - with 24 members now in the chapter.
On February 28, Kodiak College held its first PTK induction ceremony in recent memory. Thirteen students, joined by family and friends, were welcomed into the honor society in a celebration of academic excellence and service. In her opening remarks, Chapter President KC Suralta reflected on the significance of PTK:
“Phi Theta Kappa, established in 1918, is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievements of students at two-year colleges. With over 1,300 chapters worldwide, PTK provides members with opportunities for leadership development, scholarships, and community engagement. To be eligible for PTK, students must have completed at least 12 college-level credits and maintain a GPA of at least 3.25. Only 10% of students are eligible to join PTK. At Kodiak College, the average GPA of PTK members is 3.87 - highlighting our high academic achievement.”
This spring, the chapter celebrated another milestone: the graduation of three of its members at the May 9 Kodiak College Commencement Ceremony. Charlene Solano, Jadin Christiansen, and Rica Mangrobang proudly graduated - wearing PTK honors regalia - representing the excellence, perseverance, and leadership that PTK encourages in its members.
Being invited to join PTK is more than an honor; it’s a national recognition of a student’s academic excellence and potential for leadership. PTK members gain access to more than $90 million in scholarships and become part of a legacy that values scholarly success and meaningful community engagement.
The return of PTK at Kodiak College marks more than a revival, it signals a renewal of diverse kinds of student leadership, honoring academic rigor, and the belief that excellence should be recognized and celebrated.
Special thanks to Northrim Bank, whose generous donation has made it possible for PTK at Kodiak College to become a growing organization poised to thrive. Their support has helped eliminate barriers for students and ensure that Kodiak’s PTK chapter will continue to grow in service to its members and the community.
Look for more to come as these student leaders continue to set the standard for excellence at Kodiak College.