Atlantic Cape’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Chapter, Alpha Delta Mu, Inducts New Members for 2023-24

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Alpha Delta Mu chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society officially swore in its 2023-24 inductee class during its 45th Annual Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, November 14 in Walter E. Edge Hall Theater on the Mays Landing campus.

During her opening remarks, Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba recognized the contributions of PTK Advisor and English Professor Stephanie Natale-Boianelli as well as the commitment shown by the chapter’s students.

“I offer my sincerest congratulations to our new PTK inductees. You have earned a place in this chapter. You have worked hard to keep your GPA up and, with your service, this honor shows that you are very disciplined and focused to have made it to this milestone,” Gaba said. “Membership in this prestigious organization will open many doors for you and will provide you with opportunities to grow as a scholar and leader.”

Dedicating themselves to the PTK’s platform of scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service, the 23 newly-inducted members were each called to the theater’s stage by Natale-Boianelli where they signed the honor society’s membership book, and were given a symbolic flower and candle. She addressed her students just prior to them taking the stage.

“All of these students have been selected because they exhibit the pillars of PTK scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service. You are about to enter into a community that is embraced by colleges, not only in your own state, but across the nation and the world,” Natale-Boianelli stated. “After induction, you will find among the members an atmosphere of scholarship to which you must commit yourself in order that the organization be meaningful to you.”

Officers for the 23-24 school year were sworn in by Natale-Boianelli as well and they included: President Harper Showalter, Vice President of Fellowship Enin Taggart, Vice President of Scholarship Priya Momi, Vice President of Service Nicholas Mucciarone, Recording Officer Rae Hoffman and Public Relations Officer Czaria Williams.

Alumna Nicole Schoenstein, who earned an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies in 2012 and General Studies in 2012, was honored with the Stole of Gratitude, which is a PTK tradition given by a chapter to an individual who has made an impact on members or has gone above and beyond to support the chapter’s work.

Since graduating from Atlantic Cape in 2012, Schoenstein has gone on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University in 2016. In 2020, she earned a Master’s of Science degree in Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. For the past seven years, she has been employed as a human factors engineer on NASA’s human factors implementation team at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Showalter and Alexis Cabrera were honored for being named to the New Jersey All-State Academic Team for the 2022-23 school year. They were recognized earlier this year by the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges for their academic achievements, leadership and service.

Representing Atlantic Cape’s Honors Faculty, Communication Professor Keith Forrest spoke to the inductees about their unlimited potential.

“All of the amazing students that are being inducted here tonight are going to go on and become the future leaders of our nation. I am honored to speak on behalf of the honors faculty. I am excited for the future because I know it is in great hands as all of these inductees are amazing,” Forrest said.

Atlantic Cape has four national honor societies on its campus and a competitive honors program for students who seek a more intensive and challenging learning environment. Our honors program offers engaging and interactive classes in a variety of subjects each semester.  Our small class sizes and talented faculty helps students thrive and challenges them to meet their true potential. Enrollment for Spring Honors courses is currently open. Visit www.atlanticcape.edu/honors for more information.

For more than 100 years, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society has recognized students’ community college academic success and given them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths and make their world larger. PTK also strives to provide community and campus service.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.