The Beta Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at DMACC Carroll Campus has received international recognition for a collaborative college project focused on cancer awareness, prevention, and mental health support within the Carroll region.
Each year, PTK chapters are encouraged to complete a "College Project" designed to strengthen collaboration between the chapter and college administration while supporting institutional priorities and creating meaningful change on campus and in the surrounding community.
This past year, Carroll's Beta Theta Xi chapter partnered with St. Anthony Regional Hospital Cancer Center and NAMI Carroll County to develop a multi-phase initiative aimed at empowering students and community members through education, accessible resources, and support for cancer patients and their families.
The project was inspired by growing concerns regarding Iowa’s rising cancer rates and aligned closely with DMACC’s mission to provide quality, affordable, student-centered education that empowers diverse communities and supports overall well-being.
During the planning process, chapter members connected with a current student in remission who shared that while medical treatment information and procedures were readily available throughout her cancer journey, there was far less awareness surrounding the mental health challenges that patients and families often face. Her experience helped shape the direction of the project and highlighted the importance of connecting students and community members with local mental health resources and support systems.
“Our goal was to create something more impactful than a traditional fundraiser,” said Chapter President Briena Bennett. “We wanted to provide education, prevention strategies, and meaningful support resources that could have lasting benefits for students and the community.”
The initiative included three phases:
- Two "Lunch & Learn" sessions with NAMI Carroll County focused on mental health awareness, community support systems, and resources available for cancer patients and caregivers.
- A "Pink Out Week Lunch & Learn" event featuring cancer prevention education and Iowa cancer statistics presented by the St. Anthony Cancer Center.
- Promotion and campus support for NAMI Carroll County’s “Smashing the Stigma” fundraiser to further raise awareness surrounding mental health challenges.
The project engaged students, campus leadership, faculty, staff, healthcare professionals, and community organizations through collaborative planning and outreach efforts. More than 90 attendees participated in the educational events, with discussions highlighting prevention strategies, mental health support, accessibility of services, and local resources available to families affected by cancer.
The project also strengthened relationships between the chapter and college administration through ongoing collaboration and alignment with institutional priorities centered on community engagement, student support, and wellness education.
As a result of the project’s impact, Beta Theta Xi earned Distinguished Honors at the State of Iowa Phi Theta Kappa Conference. In addition, the chapter received the Distinguished College Project Hallmark Award — which is presented to only 50 Phi Theta Kappa chapters worldwide each year, making it one of the organization’s most competitive and prestigious honors — at the Phi Theta Kappa International Hallmark Awards Gala, which was hosted March 28th at the national convention in Baltimore. Dan Pratt, Ankeny PTK Advisor, accepted the award on the Beta Theta Xi chapter's behalf.
“Our chapter is humbled by the recognition from the Phi Theta Kappa organization; this honor is an example of how DMACC students are living out the college mission, and leading with purpose while strengthening the surrounding community,” said PTK Carroll Advisor, Kristina Whitver-Soyer. “More importantly, we hope this initiative continues to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and remind our community that no one faces these challenges alone.”
To learn more about DMACC's honors programs, visit the website.