NMCC Hosts Phi Theta Kappa Spring Induction Ceremony
Members of the Phi Theta Kappa gather for a group photo following their induction ceremony. Pictured from L- R, Kayla Langie, Audrey Andrews, Chance Lilly, Brittany Blankenship, Jackson Boudman, Jessica King, Isaac Libby, Rylee Parsons, Jasiah Wilson, Wesley Hitchcock, and Colby Novak.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) held the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Spring Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 6 PM in the Edmunds Conference Center. The event recognized new members of the Alpha Phi Epsilon Chapter for their academic achievement and leadership.
The ceremony included a welcome from Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Robert Carlson, an NMCC English faculty member with a personal connection with PTK.
“I chose to be the PTK advisor because I’m a PTK member myself, and once inducted, membership is for life,” said Carlson. “I joined in 2001 at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX, and it was a defining moment for me—my first academic recognition and the moment I realized I could accomplish more. PTK motivated me to pursue both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and being actively involved in my chapter made the experience even more rewarding.”
The keynote speaker for the event was Dave Craw, an academic instructor at Loring Job Corps, a 2017 graduate of Northern Maine Community College, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Craw emphasized the long-term value of investing in education, building meaningful relationships, and the personal and professional benefits of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) membership. He encouraged students to work hard, make the most of their time in college, and pay it forward by investing in others.
The following students were inducted into Phi Theta Kappa: Audrey Andrews (Eastport), Kiley Barton (Indianapolis, Ind.), Brittany Blankenship (Caribou), Jackson Boudman (Wolfeboro, N.H.), James Boutot (Houlton), Elayna Byron (Houlton), Jeff Hackett (Presque Isle), David Herlihy (West Enfield), Wesley Hitchcock (Caribou), Jordan Hodgkin (Fort Kent), Aurora Jerkins (Sinclair), Jessica King (Oakfield), Kayla Langie (Presque Isle), Isaac Libby (New Gloucester), Chance Lilly (Madawaska), Colby Novak (Mars Hill), Rhylee Parsons (Houlton), Melissa Thibeau (Limestone) and Jasiah Wilson (Presque Isle).
Sean Paige, president of NMCC’s PTK chapter, shared why he became involved in the organization and touched on the benefits of membership, highlighting the opportunities for engagement and leadership development.
“PTK is valuable because it offers scholarship opportunities, community involvement, and a chance to make a difference,” said Paige. “As president, I get to work with my fellow officers to lead fundraisers, support others, and contribute to both NMCC and Aroostook County.”
The officers of the Alpha Phi Epsilon chapter also include Robert Giles, vice president of leadership; Yoyinsola Olubanjo, secretary; Boliver Owusu, public relations secretary; and Islakeno Mahabir, treasurer.
Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremonies occur in both the fall and spring and highlight the academic achievements and leadership qualities of students. This ceremony not only celebrates the accomplishments of the inductees but recognizes the value of scholarship, service, and fellowship. It serves as a reminder of the College’s commitment to fostering excellence and supporting students in their personal and academic growth while encouraging others to strive for similar success.
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation and recognizes academic excellence among students. To be eligible, students—whether full-time or part-time—must have completed at least 12 credit hours toward an associate degree or 6 credit hours toward a certificate and have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Invitations to join the PTK are extended once per semester.