125 students were introduced to the International Honors Society, Phi Theta Kappa, (PTK) when its 28th Annual Induction Ceremony was held Friday.

Prior to the ceremony, the new inductees enjoyed a delicious table of refreshments and a beautiful sunset with family, friends and professors.

The induction started with Dr. Manoutchehr M. Eskandari-Qajar, chair of the political science department, director of global and Middle East studies, and Phi Theta Kappa advisor.

“We are the premiere honor society of two-year colleges internationally,” Eskandari said. “Tonight, you are joining the best of the best.”

Next, Dr. Jack Friedlander, executive vice president of educational programs, said there are two different things you can do when joining the PTK society.

One, to only join and get the benefits from the membership, or two, to get more involved by becoming an officer and making a difference on the campus, the country, and the world.

“You’re the ones who decided to take advantage of what this organization is providing to all of you: the devotion of time to build your knowledge base and your skills, which are critical for your success.”

“You are going to be the ones that save us from ourselves,” Eskandari said. “The ones we hope will make a difference.”

Hannah Strömgren, Phi Theta Kappa president, talked about the experiences she’s had over the past four semesters as the leader, as well as the things she’s learned during her journey.

“My experience as a leader of PTK is what has taught me the most,” Strömgren said. “Not only have I learned about global issues and how I can support our local community, but also about myself, and how I want to live my life.”

Despite Strömgren’s excitement for welcoming the new inductees, the leader of PTK also shared her feelings about the end of her presidential journey.

“Leaving is a bittersweet mixture of opportunity and letting go,” Strömgren said.

“I’m certain whatever I will accomplish in my future [will have] roots based on the encouragement and training I received as a member of our [Beta Gamma Upsilon] chapter.”

Later that evening, the students were called in groups of ten to line up single-file and to walk one-by-one to sign the official PTK membership book.

To finish up, the inductees made a pledge in unison.

Many of the students who attended the ceremony were clearly positive about being the new members of PTK.

“It makes me feel good about myself and it gives me a sense of achievement, and a reward for what I’ve accomplished,” psychology major Adam Brown-Vanderlaan said.

“PTK will give me the chance to actively participate in community service events where we can all come together and help each other out,” film studies major Jeffrey Englert said.

“The PTK society will lend me a foundation that I can grow from, and professors whom I can connect with,” global studies major Alysa Huppler-Poliak said.

“Phi Theta Kappa changed my life,” Strömgren said. “I hope it will change yours too.”