Triton College’s PTK Chapter Shines at Illinois Regional Conference
Triton College’s Chi Zeta Chapter attended the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Illinois Regional Conference and Honors Institute on May 30, earning multiple awards for leadership, service and commitment to student success. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Antigone Sharris, Arturo Fajardo Jr., Yanna Marie Flor and Riley Jirsa. In the back row, from left, are Jaden Chandler, Dylan Ramirez, Tobias Liebermann, Paul Talia and Johnny Urbina.
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College’s Chi Zeta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society shone at the PTK Illinois Regional Conference and Honors Institute, earning multiple honors that recognized the chapter’s leadership, service and commitment to student success.
At an annual reception held at Heartland Community College in Normal on May 30, Chi Zeta received the Outstanding Officer Team Award, one of PTK’s highest honors recognizing distinguished chapters for outstanding teamwork, leadership and execution of campus and community projects.
In addition to the chapter honor, recent Triton graduates Yanna Marie Flor and Riley Rueben Jirsa were lauded for their individual achievements, each receiving the Outstanding Officer Award for exceptional service and commitment to the chapter.
Johnny Urbina, director of student services and Chi Zeta advisor, said the chapter’s success underscores the dedication and leadership of Triton students.
“Yanna and Riley have been pillars of student clubs and organizations at Triton College this year,” said Urbina. “The 2025-26 Chi Zeta Officer Team has made a lasting impact beyond Phi Theta Kappa, helping strengthen student involvement and leadership across campus. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and the positive difference they have made on our campus and in the community. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish next as Triton College alumni.”
Urbina and fellow chapter advisor Antigone Sharris, full-time engineering technology faculty, were also recognized for the second consecutive year as an Outstanding Advisor Team for their guidance and support of chapter initiatives. Urbina additionally received the Outstanding Advisor Award, an individual honor recognizing his dedication to student leadership development and academic excellence.
The accolades continued as Chi Zeta earned designation as a Five Star Chapter for the 14th consecutive year. The distinction reflects sustained excellence in chapter operations, leadership development, fellowship, service and scholarship.
Earlier this year, the chapter was recognized as a Distinguished Chapter Officer Team at the 2026 PTK Catalyst International Convention in Baltimore, placing Triton's team among the top 2.5% of chapters worldwide.
Chi Zeta’s 2025-26 officer team includes Paul Talia, chapter president; Yanna Marie Flor, chapter vice president; Natalie Rodriguez, vice president of scholarship; Tobias Georg Liebermann, vice president of leadership; Dylan Ramirez, vice president of service; Jaden Frank Chandler, vice president of fellowship; Riley Rueben Jirsa, vice president of public relations; John Marino, treasurer; and Arturo Fajardo Jr., recording officer.
Phi Theta Kappa is an international organization that supports high-achieving students through scholarships, professional development and opportunities to invest in their communities. Established in 1970, Triton College’s Chi Zeta Chapter has 6,871 members, including current and former Triton students.
###
Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of
higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute
as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate
programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year
universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove,
Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable
educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we
serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member
of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community
college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.
