About Us

Purpose

“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 an 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.”

Alpha Theta Iota Chapter: Thirty-Four Years of Excellence 1982 – 2016

In the early 1980s, former Monroe Community College President, Dr. Peter Spina, encouraged Dr. Betty Jo Hopkins, the Dean of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, to establish an MCC Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of Two Year Colleges. With the active support of Mr. R. Thomas Flynn, then Vice President of Student Services, the Alpha Theta Iota Chapter was chartered in March of 1982, and twenty students were inducted. In the academic year 2016-2017, a record number of 406 students were inducted, and the current on-campus membership at the beginning of Spring 2016 is 700 students, the second-largest chapter in New York State. In the past two decades, over 10,000 students have been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa at Monroe Community College.

During the thirty-four years, Phi Theta Kappa has been on campus at MCC, the chapter has received numerous awards; the MCC Affirmative Action Award, MCC Community Service Award, and MCC Organization of the Year Award. Over the years, scholarships were awarded for members to attended Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Institute, Conventions, and Regional Leadership Conferences. Many active members of the chapter have received individual recognition for their scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service activities. In most recent years the chapter has ranked in the top 100 chapters internationally.

The Alpha Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has enriched the lives of many members who have actively participated in its wide range of services and programs. Monroe Community College and the Rochester community have also been enriched in countless ways by the Honor Society, and this mutual enrichment will certainly continue to expand in years to come. For information on the MCC Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association, contact Jodi Oriel (joriel@monroecc.edu), Phi Theta Kappa Advisor.