Two recent Moraine Valley Community College graduates received recognition for their efforts as part of the Alpha Iota Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Caroline Song and Haven Rupsch were nominated to the All-USA Academic Team and the All-Illinois Academic Team, respectively. Additionally, Song was selected as one of only 22 students nationally to receive PTK’s 2025 Hites Transfer Scholarship.
Rupsch was named to the All-Illinois Academic Team. Each community college annually selects two high-achieving students to represent the institution on the All-Illinois Academic Team. Students nominated were eligible for consideration for the All-USA Academic Team.
This fall, Rupsch is attending Elmhurst University to study accounting and marketing. She shared, “It [PTK] is not only a fabulous experience to be around like-minded, driven students and to serve our campus and community, but it opens up really awesome scholarship opportunities.” She also recommended attending Moraine Valley, “Moraine is the perfect landing place for any kind of student – to get a jumpstart in high school, to knock out gen-eds before transferring, to explore new career paths with awesome, caring professors and low financial risk, or to return late in life to learn something new or get a certificate.”
Isaiah Perez, PTK advisor and manager of Student Life at Moraine Valley, shared of Rupsch’s involvement on campus, “She always was willing to go above and beyond. Her busy schedule had her checking in with officers during their office hours to get involved. Haven also was involved with Christian Fellowship and assisted with putting on programming to help promote mental well-being.” Rupsch’s commitment to academic excellence earned her the opportunity to be one of the speakers at the college’s commencement in May.
Song, PTK president for the 2024-2025 academic year, was nominated for the All-USA Academic Team and received the 2025 Hites Transfer Scholarship, a $7,500 award that recognizes outstanding academic achievement and rigor, engagement in college and community activities and leadership accomplishments.
During her time at Moraine Valley, Song made an impact on her peers through creating, revamping and revitalizing programming to include transfer workshops, time management sessions and mental health-focused initiatives. Song also was president of the International Student Ambassadors, a math and science tutor in TRIO Student Support Services, a Student Life employee, served as assistant editor-in-chief for The Glacier student newspaper and was in the college’s Honors Program. An international student, Song discovered Moraine Valley while researching the college’s Engineering Pathways Program.
Song received her Associate in Engineering Science in May and plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology this fall. She shared the impact this scholarship will have on her future, “The Hites Transfer Scholarship means the world to me,” Song explained. “As someone who moved across the globe to pursue an education, it represents not only a financial relief but also validation of the hard work and challenges I’ve overcome. It gives me the confidence to keep going and make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
Perez shared of Song’s impact, “Caroline was very active on campus, as well as very successful in the classroom. I believe she was a great person to have represented Moraine Valley on the All-Illinois Academic Team for Phi Theta Kappa.”
“Moraine Valley — or community college, in general – is honestly a hidden gem,” Song said. “It provides strong academic programs, incredible faculty support and a diverse, welcoming community. It’s a great place to explore your interests, grow personally and professionally and prepare for what’s next — whether that’s transferring or entering the workforce.”
For news media inquiries, contact Madisson Younglove, Moraine Valley assistant director of Communications, at (708) 974-5281 or younglovem2@morainevalley.edu.
