19 Inductees Inspired to Believe and Achieve at PTK Induction Ceremony
By Marketing and Communications Staff
PTK inductees at their candlelight ceremony on Dec. 8.
"Don’t stop believing in your future," were the powerful words of Mia Atkins-Beason, the guest speaker at Southwest’s Upsilon Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) induction ceremony on Dec. 8.
The Chapter, founded in 1985, welcomed 19 members with a solemn candlelight ceremony. Each inductee lit a candle, symbolizing the torch of knowledge, and recited the PTK oath, pledging to uphold the society’s values of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. The ceremony served as a reminder of the profound role education plays in shaping future leaders.
Guest speaker, Mia Atkins-Beason, at the fall
2024 PTK induction ceremony.
Beason, an alumna and former PTK president who now serves as an academic advisor, shared her inspirational journey of perseverance. As a doctoral candidate in education nearing the completion of her degree, she spoke candidly about her own setbacks and triumphs. “If all else fails, if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will,” she told the inductees, encouraging them to pursue their education beyond associate degrees to bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral levels. Her story resonated deeply, illustrating the transformative power of determination and community. She also emphasized the unique value of community colleges, describing them as “a community of people who can be there for you.”
Beason’s message extended beyond the inductees, as she thanked families and friends for their unwavering support, acknowledging their essential role in the students’ academic journeys.
“Let the naysayers be your motivation. Never give up, no matter what it takes,” Beason encouraged, a sentiment that echoed throughout the evening. Her words left a lasting impression on both the inductees and their loved ones, reminding them of the power of determination and community support.
Members of the Upsilon Delta Chapter pose for a
group photo during their induction ceremony.
This year’s PTK chapter officers, who played an integral role in organizing the event along with PTK Faculty Advisors Dr. Melanie Jones and Douglas Branch, include:
- President: Kenberly Tyson
- Vice-President for Service: Ryan Harrison
- Vice-President for Scholarship: Nacaria Royal
- Vice-President for Public Relations: Arianna Harter
The inductees, whose academic excellence and dedication earned them a place in PTK, include: Domonique Casey, Kristen Coleman, Tevin Dye, Rudi Glenn, Anika Graham, Viviana Hernandez, Valencia Jasso, Kennedy Little, Alex Mason, Traveka Person, Lisa Pugh, Irvisha Ray, Christopher Reyes, Marisol Rivera, Takira Taylor, Alexa Treadwell, Jacqueline Vickers, Adriana Williams, and Shadaja Williams.
Congratulations to the newest members of the Upsilon Delta Chapter!