WORCESTER—Quinsigamond Community College’s Alpha Zeta Theta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society brought home a haul of honors from the 2025 PTK Catalyst international convention in Kansas City, Missouri, marking a standout year of research, leadership, and community impact.
The chapter received the First Place Honors in Action Research Project – Distinguished Theme Award for its project “Threads of Dignity,” which explored the systemic factors that contribute to homelessness in Worcester. According to an announcement from the college, the project was recognized for its analytical depth and meaningful engagement with a pressing local issue.
“We have a very strong officer team that worked really hard,” said PTK Program Coordinator Lizette Reid, who accompanied the students to the conference.
The chapter was also named a Distinguished Chapter, placing it among the top 10% of all PTK chapters worldwide. This designation is awarded to chapters that excel in both the Honors in Action and College Project categories. The chapter also earned a spot on PTK’s Top 100 Chapters list, a global ranking among nearly 1,300 chapters that have achieved five-star status.
Recognition didn’t stop there. At the regional level, QCC’s chapter was named Most Distinguished Chapter in New England. It also earned Second Place for its 2024 College Project, the Alpha Zeta Theta Community Closet, which collected clothing and hygiene items for unhoused individuals in the Worcester area.
“Winning five awards this year, including the Most Distinguished Chapter in New England, was an incredible affirmation of the commitment, resilience and heart that drove everything we accomplished as a team,” said Chapter President Talissa Goncalves in a statement. “This experience taught me that strong leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice; it’s about listening deeply, uplifting others, and leading with authenticity.”
The Catalyst convention is Phi Theta Kappa’s largest annual gathering, where students, faculty, and administrators from across the U.S. and abroad come together to celebrate academic achievement and share their chapters’ work.
Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognizes high-achieving students and promotes leadership, scholarship, and service.
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