Cathleen Kane Named 2022 Guistwhite Scholar

Cathleen Kane, a student at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ, is one of only 15 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members selected as a 2022 Guistwhite Scholar who will receive a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.  

Kane was chosen from among 2,700 applicants nationwide for academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in the Phi Theta Kappa program. She will also receive a commemorative medallion. 

“It is such an honor to represent Brookdale,” Kane said. 

This fall, Kane plans to study secondary education at Rider University in Lawrence Township, NJ.  

“I would like to teach middle school or high school history,” she said about her goals after Rider. 

While Kane was exceptionally involved at Brookdale as vice president of Leadership, Fellowship, and Communications of PTK and a member of the Jersey Blue volleyball team, her most rewarding experience was working at the People’s Pantry in Asbury Park. Kane also participated with community organizations such as Clean Ocean Action and NJ Audubon Scudder Preserve.  

While at Rider, she said, “I am definitely interested in being part of their Women’s Leadership Council and hope to be part of their community service organization. I would really like to be involved as much as I can on campus.”   

This transfer scholarship is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.  

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 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.