Earlier this month, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members from across the United States, American territories, Canada, and Marian University's Ancilla College came together for the annual PTK Catalyst event, the organization's annual convention celebrating scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.
This year's event brought together chapters and regions to learn, connect, and recognize outstanding accomplishments within the PTK community. The event also serves as the time when PTK International Officers are elected. Members had the chance to meet with candidates running for Vice President positions across four divisions and those campaigning for President. This year, the newly elected Division III Vice President, representing Indiana, is from Ivy Tech. The experience was so inspiring that one of our own attendees is now considering a run for International Office next year.
Christopher Fardulis, faculty representative of our chapter, had the opportunity to host one of the first sessions, Dustin's Truth: An Honest Conversation About Suicide and Mental Health. The session addressed the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide—especially among community college students—this was met with strong support. The presentation sparked invitations for Professor Fardulis to speak at other colleges!
In addition to the breakout sessions, the event also featured six general sessions! These included Olympic champion Laurie Hernandez, Blue's Clues host Steve Burns, and Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes. Our chapter was moved by Steve Burns' message, "You didn't learn to wonder. You wonder to learn."
While our chapter did not receive any formal awards this year, we were proud to cheer on others who did. Most importantly, everyone who attended left inspired. Lucy Lillis, Marian University's Ancilla College PTK Chapter President, said, "Catalyst is the push for Beta Beta Beta to strive for bigger and greater things." Looking ahead, Catalyst 2026 will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, and the excitement is already building!