Lone Star College-University Park’s Phi Theta Kappa inducts new members, earns REACH recognition

HOUSTON, TX -- Phi Theta Kappa’s Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at Lone Star College-University Park inducted 61 students into the international honor society for two-year colleges. Twenty of those students participated in the spring 2026 induction ceremony.

The event celebrated the students’ academic achievement and welcomed them into a society dedicated to scholarship, leadership and service, while opening doors to scholarships and transfer opportunities.

“Phi Theta Kappa gives students a chance to build on their success beyond the classroom,” said Joseph Butler, Psychology faculty member, and co-advisor of the Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at LSC-University Park. “It connects them to opportunities that can shape their academic journey, strengthen their leadership skills and support their goals after graduation.”

In addition to honoring its new inductees, LSC-University Park’s Beta Upsilon Nu chapter was recently named a 2025 REACH Chapter through Phi Theta Kappa’s REACH Rewards program. REACH, which stands for Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors, recognizes chapters that excel in membership development and in connecting eligible students to the benefits of PTK membership, including scholarships, leadership development and academic support.

“The REACH recognition reflects the momentum our chapter is building and the value Phi Theta Kappa offers students,” said Sandra Velázquez, M.B.A, Business faculty member and co-advisor of the Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at LSC-University Park. “It is rewarding to see students find a sense of accomplishment, connection and belonging through their involvement in PTK.”

During the ceremony, the chapter also recognized Aaron Pergler, a Phi Theta Kappa member and student in The Honors College at LSC-University Park, who recently received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national award recognizing outstanding STEM students. He was presented with a Phi Theta Kappa graduation stole in acknowledgment of his academic accomplishment.

Phi Theta Kappa, established in 1918, is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. Eligible students must complete at least 12 college-level credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average. Membership provides lifetime access to scholarships, leadership development opportunities and academic resources.

To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-PTK.htm. For more information about classes or to register, visit www.LoneStar.edu/UPstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. 

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