Student Excellence Shines as Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg Earns Prestigious Honor

The Beta Gamma Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa earned the distinguished Five-Star Chapter designation

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Beta Gamma Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Ivy Tech Community College Lawrenceburg earned the distinguished Five-Star Chapter designation during the Indiana Regional Conference Award Ceremony. This marks the chapter’s first Five-Star recognition in 10 years and reflects the dedication, leadership, and service efforts of its student members.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students at two-year colleges, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, scholarship, and service. The Five-Star Chapter designation at the ceremony April 25 is the highest level of achievement a chapter can earn and requires the completion of multiple projects and leadership initiatives throughout the academic year.

To achieve Five-Star status, chapters must complete five milestones, including:

• Grow Star – Recruiting and inviting new members to join the organization.
• Network Star – Participating in regional activities and conferences.
• Engage Star – Reporting chapter officers and completing online leadership learning programs.
• Lead Star – Completing a college project designed to benefit and strengthen the campus community.
• Discover Star – Conducting an Honors in Action research project based on Phi Theta Kappa’s annual theme.

The accomplishment represents countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and leadership from the students involved. Their commitment helped elevate the chapter to one of the highest levels of recognition within the organization.

During the Indiana Regional Conference Award Ceremony, the Beta Gamma Tau Chapter at Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg received the following awards:

• Power of Progress Award –3 Star Chapter to a 5 Star Chapter
• Chapter Excellence in Achievement
• Indiana Region Five Star Chapter Plan – Five Star Level
• Reach Rewards – Member Recruitment
• Runner Up for Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award
• Certificate of Completion – College Project
• Certificate of Completion – Honors In Action Award
• Honors In Action Theme Award – Honorable Mention – Theme 6 – Stories of Persistence, Resilience, Healing, & Sorrow

The chapter’s success highlights the continued growth of student leadership and academic excellence at Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg and serves as a testament to the hard work and determination of its Phi Theta Kappa members.

Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg would like to congratulate the 2025-2026 Beta Gamma Tau Officer team for their hard work and dedication to making this Five Star Chapter Designation possible:

• Megan Russell – President
• Renee Lillis – Vice President
• Owen Bunten – Public Relations Officer 
• Kyrra Judd – VP of Fellowship
• Laurie Brandt – Beta Gamma Tau Chapter Advisor