Thursday, November 29, 2018

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Study Abroad Grant Recipients

Phi Kappa Phi today announced the Session B recipients of a 2018 Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant. The $1,000 grants were awarded to 25 students across the nation.

The grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

“Studying abroad provides students with an important opportunity to experience learning in a culture other than their own,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “We are pleased to help open doors to expanded global knowledge and meaningful engagement with different cultures through our study abroad grants.”

The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation and acceptance into a study abroad program.

Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program has awarded more than $800,000 to undergraduate students. The grants are part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

For the complete list of recipients, click here. The application process for 2019 will open on December 15, 2018.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Chapter Update – November 2018

By Kay White
Chapter Development Director

The Phi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of North Alabama recently held an event that had a wonderful impact on the campus community – a Midterm Coffee Break. It gave the students and faculty a moment to stop, take a break, and talk a little about what Phi Kappa Phi is all about!

Stephanie Montgomery, chapter president, had the student vice presidents take the lead in organizing a “Morning Coffee with Phi Kappa Phi” event during midterm week.

During the event, the chapter gave away a free cup of coffee and a sweet treat. The cup of coffee was not in a disposable cup, but rather in a ceramic mug, personalized for the chapter by an online store.

Stephanie ordered 75 mugs in with the Phi Kappa Phi logo in black and white. On the back of the mugs she personalized it by adding “University of North Alabama, Chapter 132 est. 1971”. A promotional poster had been created for the first time the event was held, and she used it again this time around.

Stephanie says, “It was a big success – they had about 40 or so individuals stop for coffee and a cookie. Best of all, all attendees seemed to be very appreciative! It went over really well. We were set up outside, and caught people as they were heading to class. Some students initially said they didn’t want coffee, until we told them we had a free mug! We advertised it to our members, but we gave away coffee, treats, and a mug to anyone who wanted one.”

It is great to hear about gatherings like these! Of course, they take time to plan and execute, but the visibility for the chapter on campus is well worth it. In my opinion, this is one that is a good potential “Welcome Back” event for the fall.

If you have any events you would like to share, please contact me at kwhite@phikappaphi.org.

Photo provided by Stephanie Montgomery - Student Vice President Chandler Mordecai, left, and Dr. Butler Cain greet students at University of North Alabama during Chapter 132's Midterm Coffee Break.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

24 Hours Only! Give Back, Make an Impact

Today is Giving Tuesday! It's a day dedicated to giving back after the many shopping deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Do you ever worry that a gift you give will end up collecting dust on a shelf or in a closet? By making a gift to Phi Kappa Phi on Giving Tuesday, you’ll know that you’re giving a meaningful gift that can last a lifetime.

From fellowships for graduate education to grants for literacy initiatives and study abroad, donations made today to the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation will help support the Society's award programs. These programs make a difference in the lives of deserving students, members and communities around the world—and they are made possible only through the generosity of our donors.

Please join us today, November 27, by making a tax-deductible gift in support of our award programs. All donations, no matter the size, will play a part in transforming the lives of students and members across the nation.

Your gift could make the difference—it could determine the path a student chooses after graduation, or give someone that extra push to pursue continued education many years later, or put books in the hands of young learners in communities both near and far.

“Since our first participation in Giving Tuesday in 2015, each year we’ve seen more and more Phi Kappa Phi members express their commitment to the love of learning through their generosity,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “Every gift, small or large, contributes to the learning opportunities our awards programs offer. Thank you for taking a moment today, November 27, to become a Giving Tuesday donor.” 


When you give on Giving Tuesday, you won't just be making a donation. You'll be making a lasting impact.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi to Install Chapter 350 at St. Catherine University

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will install its 350th chapter at St. Catherine University in Minnesota today, November 27.

The installation of the St. Catherine chapter comes after a thorough petitioning process and approval from the Society’s board of directors. To be eligible, an institution must be a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an established reputation of excellence and an expressed commitment to upholding the values of the Society.

“The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to welcome St. Catherine University to its community of scholars,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “St. Kate’s strong commitment to women’s education is grounded in a solid culture of learning and the university’s longstanding values of academic excellence, community, integrity, social justice and reflection.”

Officers elected by the chartering group to serve the newly installed chapter include President Rafael Cervantes, President-Elect Colleen Carpenter, Secretary Paula C. Furey and Treasurer Teresa F. Lyons-Hegdahl.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 when Marcus L. Urann, a student, brought to his professor the idea of creating a different kind of honor society—one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and the Philippines and inducts approximately 30,000 new members each year. Membership is by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, along with faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Collette Black Friday Sale Now Through November 27



The Collette Black Friday Sale is here! Save 15% now through November 27 using offer code SOCIETYSAVE. Plus, when you mention your Phi Kappa Phi membership, you will save an additional $50-$100 per person depending on the tour you select. Call 1.888.873.3565 to make your reservation today!

Collette is a guided travel pioneer, taking travelers across the globe for the last 100 years. Their tours help you get the most out of any adventure, with itineraries designed to take you to iconic locales and show you hidden gems. From African safaris to whale watching in Iceland, Collette can help you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Phi Kappa Phi members can save up to $500 per person year-round. Click here to learn more.

Note, the Collette Black Friday sale is valid on tours departing January 1, 2019, through April 30, 2020, is not valid online, and applies to all tours except Antarctica, The Northern Lights of Finland, British Landscapes, Magical Rhine & Moselle River Cruise, Alaska Discovery, Greenland & Iceland and ALL Oberammergau Passion Play tours.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 1.800.804.9880, ext. 217.

Last Chance to Apply for a Graduate Research Grant

The deadline to apply for a Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Research Grant is Friday, November 30. The Society is currently assessing the need to provide funding to members for graduate research travel. As part of this assessment, the Society is offering graduate research grants of up to $1,500 to eligible members who are enrolled in a graduate program. These grants provide funding for travel in support of career development opportunities, such as conducting or presenting research.

“In the spirit of innovation, Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to announce the pilot of a new award, the Graduate Research Grant,” said Dr. Mary Todd, Society executive director. “Because graduate research often involves travel, whether for gathering or presenting research, we hope a limited pilot offering will identify member interest in a travel grant program.”

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be an active member of Phi Kappa Phi or have accepted membership by November 30, 2018, and currently be enrolled in a graduate program. In addition, the travel to conduct or present research must take place between January 1, 2019, and August 31, 2019. Current Phi Kappa Phi Fellows or previous Dissertation Fellows are not eligible to apply.

To apply for a graduate research grant, please complete the request form by Friday, November 30. The number of grants to be awarded is contingent upon the availability of funds and the number of applications received.

To learn more about the Graduate Research Grant, click here.

Questions? Contact Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Spread the Word About Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is one week away! Help Phi Kappa Phi spread the word by encouraging fellow members and your family and friends to join the Giving Tuesday movement on November 27. Gifts made to the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation on this special day will support the Society’s award programs, which help provide opportunity to deserving students and members each year.

There are a number of ways you can help us spread the word about this important day of giving. Need a few ideas? Check out these suggestions:

Update Your Facebook Profile Photo
New this year! Show everyone you're supporting Phi Kappa Phi on Giving Tuesday with a custom frame for your Facebook profile. Simply hover over your profile picture and select "Update," then "Add Frame" and search for "Phi Kappa Phi Giving Tuesday" to find and use the frame. Need help?

Take the #UNSelfie Challenge
Download the UNSelfie sign and tell us why you are choosing to support Phi Kappa Phi on Giving Tuesday. Take a photo with your sign and post it on social media. Be sure to tag @PhiKappaPhi so we can share your post!

Get Social
Help us make the biggest impact possible by spreading the word on social media! Follow, share, and retweet Phi Kappa Phi’s #GivingTuesday updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Starting Friday, November 23, we’ll be posting countdown graphics leading up to the big day. Be on the lookout for these and many other posts to share.

Pay it Forward on #GivingTuesday

From the Executive Director

I’ll be traveling on #GivingTuesday – to install our newest chapter, #350 -- but that won’t stop me from hitting that iDonate button on our website. I encourage you to do the same, to take a moment wherever you are and consider making a gift to Phi Kappa Phi to support our awards programs. I’m reposting my blog from last year to let you know why your gifts are so very important to us . . .

A friend once told me of her participation in a silent auction in which she bid on a Pay It Forward basket full of small amount gift cards. The only stipulation was that the winner distribute all the gift cards rather than keeping any for herself. My friend’s excitement at the prospect of being able to hand out gift cards at her local grocery store was palpable as she told the story. It was no surprise to learn her bid won and the basket was hers.

I think of donors to Phi Kappa Phi as Pay It Forward people. Your gifts support the ΦΚΦ Foundation, the source of funds for our extensive awards programs. No gift is too small or too large – the average gift, in fact, is equal to the amount of our annual dues. But as those gifts add up, they enable graduate study, literacy programs, dissertation fellowships, and study abroad.

As we will soon celebrate our national day of thanksgiving, please know how grateful we are for the members and friends of Phi Kappa Phi. Whether through a donation or a gift of volunteer hours, your contributions support and sustain the Society’s mission to recognize and promote academic excellence.Phi Kappa Phi is excited to join the #GivingTuesday movement to offer our members and friends an additional opportunity to pay it forward and let the love of learning rule.

-Mary Todd, Executive Director

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Apply for a Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship by November 30

Phi Kappa Phi is currently accepting applications for its Dissertation Fellowship Program until Friday, November 30. Ten fellowships of $10,000 each will be awarded.

Introduced in 2014, the program is designed to support doctoral candidates who are writing their dissertations. To be eligible, applicants must be an active Phi Kappa Phi member in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study. All pre-dissertation requirements should be met by the November 30 deadline including approval of the dissertation proposal.

“Receiving the Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship is a huge benefit to my graduate career,” said Morgan F. Smith, a 2018 Dissertation Fellow. “With these funds, I can dedicate myself to writing for the coming year, finish my dissertation promptly, and begin the next phase in my academic career.”

The selection process for a dissertation fellowship examines how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair. Recipients will receive $10,000 to apply toward 12 months of dissertation writing.

The dissertation fellowships are part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award programs which gives nearly $1 million each year to outstanding members through graduate fellowships, study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To learn more about the program, including full eligibility requirements and applications instructions, click here. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2018.

If you have questions, contact Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Save on Your Holiday Travel


Will you and your family be traveling this holiday season? If so, book through these Phi Kappa Phi travel partners and save up to 50% on hotels, 35% on car rentals and 15% on airport parking. Click the links below to make your reservations today!

Avis Rent A Car
Save up to 25% off Avis base rates on every rental whenever you make reservations using Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number W980400. From the car to the accessories, choose what best fits you and your trip. For more information, exclusive coupons, and to make your reservation, visit www.Avis.com/PhiKappaPhi.

Budget Car Rental
Use Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number R023600 to save up to 25% off Budget base rates and access exclusive coupons for free upgrades, free weekend day rentals, and more. To make your reservation and for additional information, visit www.Budget.com/PhiKappaPhi.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Phi Kappa Phi members are eligible to receive a 5% discount on Enterprise's standard, undiscounted daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Click here to book your reservation. The discount is automatically applied to the internet best rate.

ΦΚΦ Travel Discount Program
Phi Kappa Phi members, friends and family can access a worldwide inventory of hotels and rental cars at exclusive discounted rates. Take advantage of huge savings up to 50% for hotels and 35% for car rentals at locations worldwide. Plus, if you book a hotel or car rental through the Society’s Travel Discount Program before March 31, 2019, you will be entered to win your booking for free! Click here to book today.

National Car Rental
Phi Kappa Phi members can receive a 10% discount on National's standard, undiscounted daily, weekly and monthly rates. Click here to book your reservation. The discount is automatically applied to the internet best rate.

The Parking Spot
Members can join the Spot Club Exec program to access a 15% discount at all full-service Parking Spot locations and a 10% discount at all Spot locations nationwide. Click here to order your Phi Kappa Phi Spot Club Exec card, view discounted rates, get directions and make reservations.

Please note, travel discounts are available to active members and your member login will be required to access many of the webpages listed above. If you need assistance with your login credentials, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 1.800.804.9880, ext. 217.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

A Reason ‘Tue’ Give

Giving Tuesday is a few weeks away! On November 27, Phi Kappa Phi will join communities, charities, businesses and individuals across the globe to celebrate a global day of philanthropy dedicated to giving back.

Gifts made to the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation on Giving Tuesday will support the Society’s award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to deserving students and members. These programs—made possible by supporters like you—help students realize their educational and career goals, from study abroad to graduate school to lifelong learning.

Want to know firsthand how your donations can make a difference? Read the below testimonials from Phi Kappa Phi award recipients:

“It is an honor to receive the Dissertation Fellowship from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. The ABD finish line is challenging and the fellowship will allow me to work towards completing my doctoral journey successfully. Beyond the financial assistance, the fellowship provides doctoral students like me, the motivation and the reassurance of the importance of the work we do.” —Malinee Neelamegam, Dissertation Fellow






“The Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship will allow me to worry less about the financial burden of attending graduate school and focus more on my specific academic interests. I hope to pay this generosity forward by investing in future generations of students and working to eliminate health inequities as a physician leader. Alleviating the financial stresses associated with pursuing further education provides the opportunity to hone in on the problem I am most passionate about solving: optimizing health care markets for the patients they aim to serve.” —Michael Waitus Denham, Phi Kappa Phi Fellow




“I am grateful for receiving the Love of Learning Award. This award will not only help me continue my education but also allow me to begin the next steps in my career path. More than the funds, the real honor is the continual service with a dedicated organization. Phi Kappa Phi truly encourages scholarship and success.” —Etenia Mullins, Love of Learning Award recipient






“If you were presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a summer term studying your passion at one of the world's most prestigious non-American universities, would you? And what if it came with a steep price tag? Well, that's exactly the dilemma I was presented with my junior year of college. Phi Kappa Phi's Study Abroad Grant helped me bridge the difference between my current resources and my dreams. I will always be grateful for those who provide this type of funding for purpose-driven, highly-motivated students to pursue targeted international experience.” —Ian McLaughlin, Study Abroad Grant recipient




Want to join the giving movement on November 27? Mark the date on your calendar (Outlook, iCal, Google Calendar) and follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

A Global Day of Giving


November is here, which means the giving season is right around the corner. We have a day for giving thanks. We have a day for getting deals. And now we have Giving Tuesday—a global day of philanthropy dedicated to giving back through the support of nonprofit organizations.

On November 27, Phi Kappa Phi will join organizations across the world to celebrate Giving Tuesday. It's a day when communities, charities, businesses and individuals come together to transform the way we think about and participate in the giving season.

With your help on this special day, we can continue to open doors of opportunity to members both near and far. Your donations, no matter the size, will help deserving students and members realize their educational and career goals, from study abroad to graduate school to lifelong learning.

Want to join the giving movement on November 27? Mark the date on your calendar (Outlook, iCal, Google Calendar) and follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Member Benefits Highlights – November 2018


Fall savings are in the air! Don’t miss these special offers and promotions available throughout November!

Brooks Brothers
Mark your calendars for the Brooks Brothers One-Day Sale on Tuesday, November 13. Save 25% on full-priced merchandise in retail stores, online, and by phone when using your Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card.

To sign up for a complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card, visit Membership.BrooksBrothers.com and reference organization ID 11755 and pin code 61431. To receive the discount online, members must create a separate Brooks Brothers Corporate Member profile, even if you already have an existing Brooks Brothers profile. Please allow 20 minutes after you receive your email confirmation before creating your online Corporate Member profile. Register for your separate Corporate Member profile here.

Lenovo
Shop the best deals on laptops, tablets and much more throughout November! Lenovo will add new deals all month long, but you can click here to view sale dates and mark your calendars now. Check back often to browse their Black Friday offers to find the perfect gift for the whole family, and click here to access even more monthly specials!

Mercer
Members can access flexible and affordable health insurance plans using the Mercer Marketplace, powered by GetInsured. The GetInsured platform allows you to shop and compare health insurance plans to meet your needs, and provides an easy, convenient and hassle-free way of shopping. The flexible plan options allow you to select a medical package that works best for you and your family. Plus, it can help you make sure your coverage is ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant and determine if you might be eligible for tax credits. If you don’t have coverage in place for 2018, and you would like to compare plans for you and your family, click here or call 844.654.4746. Enroll now before enrollment ends on December 15!

Phi Kappa Phi Gear and Graduation Regalia
Show your Phi Kappa Phi pride with Society-branded gear, graduation regalia and more! Shop our online store at www.PhiKappaPhiStore.org to see all of the items currently available. You’ll find Society-branded items such as honor cords and stoles, T-shirts, backpacks, license plate frames, mugs and more. Free ground shipping is available for orders totaling $50 or more.

Phi Kappa Phi Travel Discount Program
Phi Kappa Phi members, friends and family can access a worldwide inventory of hotels and rental cars at exclusive discounted rates. Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, individually or in a group, domestically or abroad, take advantage of huge savings up to 50% for hotels and 35% for car rentals at locations worldwide. Plus, if you book a hotel or car rental through the Society’s Travel Discount Program before March 31, 2019, you will be entered to win your booking for free! Click here to book today.

Phi Kappa Phi Rewards Visa®Show your Phi Kappa Phi pride everywhere you shop, dine and travel this holiday season! The Phi Kappa Phi Rewards Visa® gives cardholders cash back on everyday purchases and offers extra points on special categories such as groceries and gas. Traveling soon? You can also receive special perks on travel. Other benefits include extra peace of mind and protection with travel accident insurance and emergency assistance services. Visit www.CommerceBank.com/PhiKappaPhi to learn more about the card and apply today!

Want to access even more savings year-round? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts to view all of the discounts available to members. Please note, discounts are reserved for active members and your member login will be required to access many of the webpages listed above. If you need assistance with your login credentials, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Questions about member benefits? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800.804.9880, ext. 217.