HOUSTON (April 27, 2026) — Phi Theta Kappa’s Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at Lone Star College-University Park inducted 61 students into the international honor society for two-year colleges. Twenty of those students participated in the spring 2026 induction ceremony.
The event celebrated the students’ academic achievement and welcomed them into a society dedicated to scholarship, leadership and service, while opening doors to scholarships and transfer opportunities.
“Phi Theta Kappa gives students a chance to build on their success beyond the classroom,” said Joseph Butler, Psychology faculty member, and co-advisor of the Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at LSC-University Park. “It connects them to opportunities that can shape their academic journey, strengthen their leadership skills and support their goals after graduation.”
In addition to honoring its new inductees, LSC-University Park’s Beta Upsilon Nu chapter was recently named a 2025 REACH Chapter through Phi Theta Kappa’s REACH Rewards program. REACH, which stands for Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors, recognizes chapters that excel in membership development and in connecting eligible students to the benefits of PTK membership, including scholarships, leadership development and academic support.
“The REACH recognition reflects the momentum our chapter is building and the value Phi Theta Kappa offers students,” said Sandra Velázquez, M.B.A, Business faculty member and co-advisor of the Beta Upsilon Nu chapter at LSC-University Park. “It is rewarding to see students find a sense of accomplishment, connection and belonging through their involvement in PTK.”
During the ceremony, the chapter also recognized Aaron Pergler, a Phi Theta Kappa member and student in The Honors College at LSC-University Park, who recently received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national award recognizing outstanding STEM students. He was presented with a Phi Theta Kappa graduation stole in acknowledgment of his academic accomplishment.
Phi Theta Kappa, established in 1918, is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. Eligible students must complete at least 12 college-level credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average. Membership provides lifetime access to scholarships, leadership development opportunities and academic resources.
To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-PTK.htm. For more information about classes or to register, visit www.LoneStar.edu/UPstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
About Lone Star College-University Park
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-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 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.
About Lone Star College
Lone Star College System (LSCS) 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 and has been named a 2025 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.