Macomb Community College students Adam Kresmery and Jay Shah have earned the top academic achievement scholarship award from Phi Theta Kappa, the national honors society for community college students.
The students were each chosen as Guistwhite Scholars by PTK – the first time a student from Macomb has earned the honor. Guistwhite Scholars are nominated by the presidents of community colleges and are selected based on academic achievement, participation in their local PTK chapter and service to their colleges and communities. Up to 20 award winners are named per year. The award comes with a $5,000 scholarship to support transfer education.
In addition to the Guistwhite award, Kresmery was named a Coca-Cola All-USA Academic Team Gold Scholar and Shah was named a Silver Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars program is also administered by PTK, but is open to all U.S. community college students. This is the first time Macomb has had two students named to the honors team in the same year.
Kresmery of Clinton Township plans to graduate from Macomb this spring with an associate of general studies degree and a certificate in behavioral sciences. Kresmery, who is serving as president of Macomb’s PTK chapter, recently began full-time employment with the Michigan Dept. of Human Services and said he is considering various possibilities to further his education and advance his career.
“Phi Theta Kappa has been the single most rewarding experience in my life,” Kresmery said. “In addition, as a Christian, I may have won the awards but I was simply following the path God had laid out for me.”
Shah of Clinton Township is pursuing an associate of business administration degree. He plans to transfer to Walsh College, with a goal of earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. Shah has held leadership positions with PTK on both the local and regional levels and is now running for an international office with the honors organization.
“If I win the (election), I will be extremely proud and honored to see Macomb’s name on screen. And, of course, mine, too,” Shah said.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu