Three Hudson Valley Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team
April 24, 2024
Hudson Valley Community College students Erica Backstrom, Zinnia Cintron and Mina Shamloo were recently named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the largest honor society in higher education, and the college’s Alpha Xi Sigma chapter is one of the most active in the SUNY system. Members of the All-New York Academic Team are recognized for outstanding academic achievements, leadership accomplishments and engagement in community service.
Erica Backstrom
Erica Backstrom is a Dental Hygiene student from Schenectady, New York who was named to the President’s List four times during her time at college. Backstrom dreamed of becoming a dental hygienist since middle school and plans to work in a general dentistry office after completing her board exams.
Zinnia Cintron
Zinnia Cintron is a second-year Health Information Management and Technology student from Hyde Park, New York. Returning to school as an adult learner, Cintron has maintained a GPA of 4.0 and earned the Second Chance Foundation Scholarship, Diversity Honors Scholarship and Feist Family Scholarship. Upon graduating with her associate degree, Zinnia will be continuing her education at Alfred State College.
Mina Shamloo
Mina Shamloo is a Biological Sciences student from Clifton Park, New York. She is the recipient of the Spirit Award and the High Achievement in Chemistry Laboratory and Academic Excellence award. Upon graduating in May, Mina plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
“I am immensely proud of these three students for their undeniable dedication not only to their academics but also to volunteering and serving those around them that are in need,” said President Roger Ramsammy. “These individuals embody the character and culture that we strive to continuously culminate at Hudson Valley Community College.”
Earlier this year, Hudson Valley’s Alpha Sigma chapter of PTK earned recognition as a Five Star Chapter for the second year in a row. Five-star designation recognizes local chapters with the highest level of success in campus and community engagement activities throughout the course of one academic year.
About Phi Theta Kappa: PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. More than 3.8 million students have been inducted since 1918, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s community colleges, making Phi Theta Kappa a true catalyst among members and colleges.