Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Lambda Sigma Chapter of Queensborough Community College

Welcome to the Lambda Sigma Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society of two-year colleges as recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges. On this webpage, you will find information for prospective members who want to know more about what we do as an honor society and what opportunities are afforded to you once you are inducted as a member. If you wish to speak with us about becoming a member, feel free stop by our office in the Library Building - Room 412, call us at (718) 631-6351, or email us at PTK@qcc.cuny.edu.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa traces its beginnings to a Society that originated with six charter members under the name of Kappa Phi Omicron at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1910. The Society continued to grow and in the spring of 1918 was one of many honorary groups in Missouri. At a meeting of the presidents of the Missouri junior colleges for women in 1918, it was decided to organize a new honorary society, chapters of which would have a common character, stand, and similarity of organization. The name Phi Theta Kappa was chosen, and the Society was incorporated in Missouri as a national organization. Founders modeled many aspects of the new Society after the prestigious senior college honorary society, Phi Beta Kappa.

For the first six years, Phi Theta Kappa confined its activity to women's junior colleges, but in 1924 through constitutional amendment, the field of activity was enlarged to cover all junior colleges. In 1926, Phi Theta Kappa expanded beyond the borders of Missouri and into coeducational institutions. The American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence." Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold: 1) recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and (2) provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. The society operates on four hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship and as a member of this organization, you will have the opportunity to participate in important college-sponsored activities as well as regional events that can bring you together with other PTK students, graduates, and faculty.

Faculty Advisors

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Dr. Emily Tai is an Associate Professor in the Department of History. She has also served as Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academic Senate, and is active in a number of off-campus professional organizations, including the Community College Humanities Association, the American Historical Association, and the Medieval Club of New York. As the Lambda Sigma Chapter Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, Dr. Tai sends e-mails to Queensborough's PTK chapter members to advise them of scholarship opportunities for current students and alumni; assists with the preparation of transfer & scholarship applications; and helps coordinate Lambda Sigma's service activities, which have included: food drives for the Food Bank of New York; clothing drives for Dress for Success; book drives for Operation Paperback and Books through Bars; and a Lambda Sigma team of walkers at each of Queensborough's Walk to Aspire scholarship fundraisers.


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Mr. Reynald Pierre-Charles is a first-generation Haitian-American born & raised in Jamaica, Queens. Born in 1986, Reynald was raised by his parents, who emigrated to the United States from Haiti in 1976, and is the youngest of three siblings. Reynald enrolled at Queensborough Community College in the fall of 2005 as a freshman in the Office Administration & Technology program and, in June 2008, earned his Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. Following his graduation, he began serving as CUNY Office Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs from August 2008 through October 2013. In October 2013, he was promoted to Provisional CUNY Administrative Assistant and in November 2018, permanent CUNY Administrative Assistant. During his tenure at the college, he has served a total of four (4) Vice-Presidents with different leadership styles over the last 14 years. However, no matter the leadership, he is here to serve the students. An aspect of Reynald’s work he is particularly fond of is his role as Administrative Liaison to Queensborough's Lambda Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Since 2009, he has worked closely alongside faculty advisers Dr. Regina Sullivan and Dr. Emily Tai advising students regarding their eligibility for membership and encouraging them to apply for the "Golden Opportunity " scholarship that helps defray the cost of membership for those who can't manage the expense of the lifetime membership fee. Curating a culture of care for students is his primary focus and the driving force behind his work.

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.