BMCC’s First Distinguished Officer

April 7, 2014

For the first time in BMCC’s history, a member of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter was selected at the international level as a Distinguished Chapter Officers.

Awardee Zi Zeng—who was chosen from a pool of 450 nominees—recently graduated from BMCC’s nursing program, and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at New York University.

A first for BMCC

“This is the first time the chapter has distinguished itself by having one of its officers chosen for international recognition in receiving this award,” said Senior Faculty Advisor for the Alpha Kappa Chapter and New York Regional Coordinator of Phi Theta Kappa, Professor of History Alex d’Erizans.

“She was chosen because she was pivotal in starting the Five Star program, Competitive Edge at BMCC, to develop students’ soft skills,” he says. “No one had ever done this at the college.”

The Competitive Edge program provides activities to strengthen students’ critical thinking and professional etiquette. It helps them overcome public speech anxiety and provides scholarship application tips. The students create an online portfolio that includes letters of recommendation and other materials.

Importance of Competitive Edge

“It’s important for students to focus on skills that give them an edge in interviews for internships, jobs and academic opportunities for which they’re applying,” says Zeng.

“It’s also very helpful to do this in the context of a motivated group of other high-achieving students.”

The Distinguished Chapter Officer Awards will be announced during the Hallmark Awards Gala, at the Phi Theta Kappa national convention in Orlando, Florida on April 26, and the winners will be featured during the Flag Ceremony in the opening general session on April 24.

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Recent nursing alumna Zi Zeng chosen as Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Chapter Officer
  • Selected from over 450 candidates
  • Will receive award at international conference in Florida

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