MIAMI, May 8, 2026 — Miami Dade College (MDC) has once again earned national recognition from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premier honor society for students at associate degree-granting institutions. MDC students, advisors, chapters and campus leadership received top honors at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention held March 26–29 in Baltimore, Maryland.
These recognitions highlight MDC’s continued excellence in academic achievement, leadership and community service, as well as the college’s strong culture of student success.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
MDC students earned several highly competitive national scholarships:
Hites Transfer Scholarship:
- Alejandro Fayad (Kendall Campus)
- Ivette Gomez Fornos (North Campus)
- Elianis Rodriguez (Padrón Campus)
- Adrian Rupert (Hialeah Campus)
- Amanda Torrecilla (Kendall Campus)
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is PTK’s most prestigious and largest scholarship, at $7,500. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement, engagement in college and community activities, and leadership among Phi Theta Kappa members preparing to transfer to senior institutions to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Guistwhite Scholarship:
- Hilary Ramirez (Padrón Campus)
- Dianela Tabares (Padrón Campus)
The Guistwhite Scholarship recognizes Phi Theta Kappa members for engagement in chapter activities and programs, as well as leadership accomplishments and academic achievement while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Awards are $5,000.
All-USA Academic Team Scholarship:
- Eduardo Matheus (Homestead Campus)
- Sabrina Quesada (Homestead Campus)
This scholarship recognizes high-achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. The scholarship is for transfer and workforce students and is by college nomination only. Award: Up to $3,000.
Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship:
- Hilary Ramirez (Padrón Campus)
- Elianis Rodriguez (Padrón Campus)
This scholarship helps PTK members overcome unanticipated financial barriers that prevent completion of their first college credential, such as an associate degree or certificate. Awards are $1,500.
Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship:
- Sabrina Quesada (Homestead Campus)
- Alana Montane (Kendall Campus)
- Sebastian Rodriguez (North Campus)
- Mayte Alvarez Trimino (Padrón Campus)
- Arlene Cruz (West Campus)
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship provides Phi Theta Kappa members with financial resources to help defray educational expenses while enrolled in an associate degree program and to develop leadership potential through participation in PTK programs. Awards are up to $1,000.
TEK Productions Scholarship:
- Camila Solari-Byrne (Padrón Campus)
This scholarship recognizes Phi Theta Kappa members majoring in fields leading to careers in production and/or event management. Awards are up to $1,000.
Coca-Cola World Impact Scholars:
- Kamila Castro (West Campus)
The Coca-Cola World Impact Scholars recognizes high-achieving college students who are pursuing career and technical educational opportunities in cities where the 2026 World Cup will be held. It awards $2500.
CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENTS
MDC’s PTK Chapters received the following regional and national awards:
- Padrón Campus earned the distinction of Best Chapter in Florida, achieved Five-Star Status for the 12th consecutive year, Distinguished Chapter Award (#14 in the country) and received the Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award and Distinguished Theme Award. In addition, students Hilary Ramirez Payamps, Elianis Rodriguez Arzola, Juan Subero and Dianela Tabares received the Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award. Ramirez Payamps and Tabares also received Distinguished Chapter Officer awards.
- Kendall Campus was named Service Chapter of the Year.
- Medical Campus received the Most Improved Chapter Award, the PTK Honors Institute Scholarship and Five-Star recognition.
- Padrón, Homestead and Wolfson campuses received the Reach Award for membership development.
- Hialeah Campus received both the Honors in Action Project Award and Distinguished Chapter Award.
- Homestead Campus received the Distinguished Honors in Action and Distinguished Theme Project awards. Placed seventh in best chapter in Florida.
- West Campus achieved Five-Star Status.
- North Campus placed ninth in Florida as Distinguished Chapter, earned Five-Star recognition and celebrated Kathween Vargas as Distinguished Chapter Member.
ADVISOR HONORS
Padrón Campus’ Dr. Diego Tibaquirá was elected chapter advisor representative to the PTK Board of Directors, a prestigious three-year appointment awarded to only one advisor nationwide. He also received the PTK Marshall Award, the organization’s top honor for advisors.
The Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team Award went to Bryan Cash, Frederick Richmond and Dr. Tibaquirá. Cash was also recognized individually with the Distinguished Advisor Award at the regional level.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Padrón Campus President Dr. Oscar Loynaz received the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, PTK’s highest honor for community college presidents, recognizing outstanding support of student success initiatives.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at www.ptk.org.