Four student members of Herkimer County Community College’s Upsilon Epsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society recently attended the annual Phi Theta Kappa Convention in San Jose, CA. Students enjoyed keynote speakers including sports revolutionary and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King; as well as award winning thinker, author, broadcaster and speaker Geoff Colvin.They were accompanied by HCCC faculty advisors Blake Pitcher, Instructor, Digital Graphics & Design; and Joshua Belisle, Instructor, Mathematics. From left: Josh Donovan, Cicero, Criminal Justice: Cybersecurity; Renee Hamilton, Herkimer, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies; Katie Ranno, St. Johnsville, Digital Filmmaking and Gene Zimmerman, Ilion, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies 
(Herkimer, NY – April 2013) Herkimer County Community College’s Upsilon Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa had two students recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Awards. The ceremony recognizes outstanding community college students throughout the state. The ceremony is sponsored annually by New York Community College Trustees, the New York Community College Association of Presidents, and the Faculty Council of Community Colleges.
Honored from HCCC were Third Team Members Katie Ranno, St. Johnsvile, NY and Gene Zimmerman, Ilion, NY. Ranno is majoring in Digital Filmmaking. Her career goal is to work in radio, TV and/or journalism. She participates in Herkimer County Community College’s Honors program, is secretary for the Radio/TV Club, and a member of Campus Christian Fellowship. Ranno said “I want to receive a bachelor’s in Radio/TV Broadcasting with a minor in Journalism, with the hope of combining my two interests by working at a news station.”
Zimmerman is a Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies major who has earned President’s List recognition. He is a member of the Marine Corp League and is a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America. He will transfer to St. Luke’s School of Radiology with the goal of becoming an X-ray Technician. “There’s no time for bitterness in life,” Zimmerman said. “You can’t point fingers at other people and blame them for who you are. No, you have to take responsibility for yourself and chase your goals and dreams for you.”
Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society that recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students. In addition to academic achievement, recipients of the award are also evaluated on their leadership and community service involvement, and are named members of the All New York Community College Academic Team. This year, 65 SUNY and eight CUNY students are being honored.