Houston (April 25, 2025) - Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) recently celebrated the academic achievements of 62 students who earned membership in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. More than 20 of these scholars participated in the Spring 2025 induction ceremony on April 16, highlighting their commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.?
The Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at LSC-University Park is led by psychology faculty member Joseph Butler and business faculty member Sandra Velázquez, who work together to support and mentor PTK scholars on campus.
“As advisers, we’re privileged to work with such driven and thoughtful students,” said Butler. “Their potential extends far beyond academics, they represent the future of leadership and service,” added Velázquez.
LSC-University Park President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., welcomed attendees at the start of the ceremony, followed by congratulatory remarks from Vice President of Instruction Steven Kahla, Ph.D., who also recognized three current PTK members—Naomi Felder, Fabian Infante, and Gabriela Galue—as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This national scholarship supports exceptional community college students in their transition to four-year institutions, with final recipients to be announced by the Foundation in May.
Phi Theta Kappa, established in 1918, is the largest honor society in American higher education, with over 4.3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries. The society recognizes academic achievement among two-year college students and provides opportunities for leadership development, scholarships, and community service.
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education. Classes are offered in a variety of formats—traditional, online, and hybrid—and are available during the day, in the evening, and on weekends to accommodate diverse schedules. For more information about the campus’ Beta Upsilon Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-PTK. To enroll in summer and fall classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, LSC-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Visual and Performing Arts Building, the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, and iSchool.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester, providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSCS has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.