Peter Larlham Receives Ray Sylvester Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Peter Larlham, professor of theatre at San Diego State University, has been selected by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society—as the first recipient of the Ray Sylvester Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding dedication to service that extends beyond the realm of academia.

An accomplished teacher of acting, directing, and improvisation, Larlham’s career spans more than 40 years. In addition to his leadership and achievement as a scholar, he has made a substantial impact through his service commitments both of a national and international scope.

One of Larlham’s most noteworthy and sustained service endeavors is The Mnyakongo Primary School Project in Tanzania. During a visit in the summer of 2008, Larlham was devastated by the poor condition of the school’s library and has since carried out a commitment to transform the village of Kongwa, its school, and the well-being of the students.

The project’s scope to date has included building a school library stocked with more than 8,500 books, helping secure electricity and running water for the campus, refurbishing buildings, and buying goats to provide milk for the school lunch program. The initiative, under Larlham’s leadership, continues to expand its efforts each year.

“As the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Larlham exhibits fully that spirit of selfless giving for the betterment of others that Phi Kappa Phi seeks to honor,” said Dr. Paul Ferlazzo, chair of the Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Service Award selection committee. “Generous with his time, energy, and expertise, he has created programs that have profoundly impacted the lives of young students in Tanzania and provided as well valuable lessons to the students of SDSU.”

This global perspective evidenced by his service dedication is also reflected in his teaching, research, and publications. His published book, Black Theater, Dance and Ritual in South Africa, was the first major monograph on South African theatrical and cultural performance to be published by a U.S. press.

Larlham has taught at the SDSU School of Theatre, Television, and Film since 1987. He holds a Ph.D. from New York University.

Named in memory of President-Elect Dr. H. Ray Sylvester, the Ray Sylvester Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The award was established in 2013 and will be given once each biennium. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, a life membership, and a trip to present at the Society’s biennial convention.