Kaleb’s PTK Recognition: Unexpected Honor

For Galesburg native Kaleb, being selected for the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team came as a shock. Kaleb is extremely proud of his accomplishment because he’s in the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program, a field that doesn’t see many students getting this kind of recognition.

“I felt like all my hard work paid off. I am not only representing myself but also the DPET program here at ICC. I want to show everyone that our program is just as valuable as any other program here.”

Kaleb, ICC Student

PTK, an academic honors society, sends membership invitations to students who reach a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and members must maintain at least a 3.25 GPA. Kaleb was thrilled PTK invited him to join after only his first semester. He appreciates the group’s goals and the scholarships offered.

Kaleb says he feels supported by his DPET professors, especially his program coordinator, Colin Campbell, who “is a really awesome role model, an amazing teacher, and always checks on all of his students and teaches us valuable life skills.”

After completing the DPET program, Kaleb hopes to return to the Galesburg area to work in agricultural mechanics or perhaps even fulfill his dream of going into ministry.

While Kaleb decided to attend ICC because it offered the program he was interested in, was close to home, and was affordable, he couldn’t predict all the other opportunities he is grateful to be presented with.

His advice to others is to, “Follow your goals, seek wise counsel, and get involved with a club or organization. ICC is affordable and has plenty of different programs that will fit your needs.”