Staff reports

Southeast New Mexico College congratulates the SENMC Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Alpha Rho XI Chapter for its recognition as one of the top 100 chapters internationally at the 2025 Catalyst Convention that was held April 3 – 5 in Kansas City, Missouri. The college also congratulates SENMC’s Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Math Department Chair, April Addington, who was honored in the PTK Alumni Hall of Honor.

The PTK Catalyst is Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention. This year the event included well known guest speakers, Steve Burns from Blue’s Clues, Broadway actor, Miguel Cervantes, and Olympic Champion, Laurie Hernandez, all advocates for PTK and community college students. The event also featured educational forums, college and career fairs, networking opportunities, and the hallmark award ceremony.

“The decision to nominate Ms. Addington was unanimous amoung our chapter. We all wanted to find a way to thank her for not only keeping PTK at our school through covid, but for all of the help, guidance, encouragement, and life she breathed into our chapter during our rebuild,” said Ciara Gillard, SENMC PTK chapter president said.

“She helped us in any way she could during our Honors and Action project, our College Project, and our relief drives for Ruidoso and Roswell. She has set an incredible example for hard work paying off in unimaginable ways. This award could not have gone to a more deserving person.”

2025 Regional Awards:

Distinguished Chapter Member: Charles Beardmore

Distinguished Chapter Officer Team: Elijah Cisneros, Ciara Gillard, Anet Lira, Jordan Medina, Kiely Medina, Lorena Salinas

Distinguished Chapter Officer: Ciara Gillard and Kiely Medina

Five Star Chapter Plan Award: Five Star Level

Honors in Action Chapter Award: Theme 6 – Stories of Persistence, Resilience, Healing, and Sorrow

College Project Award: A Journey of Unity, Health and Service: The Beautification of SENMC’s Health Clinic

Horizon Award: Dr. Raven Anderson and Dr. David Mcintosh (Certificates)

Paragon Award for Advisors (less than 4 years of service): Dr. Raven Anderson

Most Distinguished Chapter Officer Team: Dr. Raven Anderson and Dr. David McIntosh

Most Distinguished Chapter: Alpha Rho Xi Chapter

“This is an exceptional accomplishment,” said Dr. Kevin Beardmore, SENMC President. “Our chapter has come so far in such a short time. Reaching this level is a credit to the members, the officers, and the advisors of our wonderful PTK team. They earned it and we are so happy for them.”

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the official honor society for two-year colleges. Since its founding in 1819, PTK celebrates academic achievements, personal growth, leadership, and service among community and technical college students. The organization has nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide and over 4.3 million students inducted. PTK offers scholarship opportunities, leadership development, and resources to promote success beyond the classroom. For more information regarding Phi Theta Kappa, contact the campus at (575) 234-9200.