Riverland Community College proudly announces several prestigious honors earned during Phi Theta Kappa’s 2025 Catalyst Convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri. Both students and college leadership were recognized for excellence at the international level, spotlighting Riverland’s commitment to academic achievement, student leadership, and educational innovation.

Members of Riverland’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Zeta Eta, earned two distinguished awards: the Distinguished College Project award and the Beta Alpha Continued Excellence Award, which honors chapters that have maintained Distinguished Chapter status for three or more consecutive years. Only 15 chapters out of 1,244 internationally received this distinction.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, advisors, and the entire Riverland community,” said Dr. Kathleen “Kat” Linaker, President of Riverland. “It’s an honor to be part of a college where student leadership is valued and nurtured.”

Linaker herself was honored with the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for New Presidents, which recognizes new college presidents who have demonstrated strong support for student success and academic excellence. In the words of PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, “Your nomination was strong evidence that you are a student success champion for all students. They know you support their learning, and as a result, they have had a better college experience because of you.”

Riverland student Katherine Eliason, a Liberal Arts and Sciences major, also received international recognition at Catalyst 2025. Eliason was named Phi Theta Kappa’s International Poet Laureate 2024 for her poem “A Chance to Breathe.” It was selected from over 4,500 entries in Phi Theta Kappa’s competition for the 30^th edition of Nota Bene, the organization’s renowned honors anthology. She presented the poem during Catalyst, further highlighting the talent and creativity found within the Riverland student body. See more about Eliason’s award here.

In attendance at Catalyst 2025 were Riverland PTK members Afi Adjowui, Katherine Eliason, Michael Grabrick, Rayna Krebsbach, advisors Sue Grove and Susan Hansen, and President Dr. Kat Linaker.

Catalyst, PTK’s annual convention, is a three-day event featuring internationally renowned speakers, educational forums, college and career fairs, and leadership development opportunities. It provides a platform for students to connect with peers, potential employers, and transfer institutions, while celebrating the achievements of PTK members and chapters worldwide.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students at associate degree-granting colleges. With more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters across 11 nations, PTK recognizes academic excellence and provides opportunities for leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship. The organization empowers students to grow as scholars and leaders and to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

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