The Black Friday Deals Are In!

Shop till you drop this Black Friday with deals from these Phi Kappa Phi partners!

Lenovo PCs Starting At Just $99
Let Lenovo be your one-stop shop during their biggest savings event of the season! Shop their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals Nov. 28 through Dec. 8, and save on all their favorite smart devices. Plus, you won’t want to miss PCs starting at just $99!

You can also earn double points on doorbuster deals with MyLenovo Rewards. Click here to view their Black Friday flyer and visit www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to learn more about rewards and shop today!

MemberDeals Has Savings up to 50%
Save up to 50% when you shop MemberDeals’ exclusive Black Friday sale! Shop Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens Christmas Town, Madame Tussauds and more. Click here to view their Black Friday flyer and here to save on your next adventure today!

Save up to 20% on Collette Guided Travel
Don’t miss Collette’s biggest sale of the year! Save up to 20% during their Black Friday sale. Over 160 tours going to Europe, Australia, Asia and more are on sale. Don’t wait to book your trip of a lifetime!

Browse all destinations and deals at www.Collette.com/PhiKappaPhi and use offer code SocietySave. Members can also save an additional $50-$100 per person! Note, restrictions apply, and this offer expires Dec. 3.

To learn more about the discounts available through active membership, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – November 2019

Robert (Rob) Gates was initiated at Virginia Tech in 2003 while pursuing a Ph.D. in public administration. Rob also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the Virginia Military Institute, a Master of Arts degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a Master of Engineering degree in engineering science from Pennsylvania State University. He is also a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College.

Currently retired, Rob worked for many years as a physicist and executive in the U.S. Navy laboratory system. He was also an adjunct professor at the University of Mary Washington and the U.S. Naval War College. He enjoys serving groups that promote STEM education and the preservation of the history of Navy laboratories. He is the President of the Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation board and Vice-President of the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation.

Get to know Rob!

1. What do you find most valuable about membership in Phi Kappa Phi?
   I look forward to reading the "Forum" magazine. I especially like the discussions in the members’ network, Link.
2. What has Phi Kappa Phi membership meant to you both personally and professionally?
   Membership is an acknowledgement of an accomplishment—completing my doctorate while working full time and succeeding at a high enough level to be invited by the faculty to join the Society. It’s also given me the means to stay connected with the academic community.​
3. Who inspired you most in your life?
   My father and grandfather were my first inspirations but there have been many in succeeding years. These have included various supervisors and professors. I have always enjoyed reading history and have been inspired by historical figures such as General George C. Marshall.
4. What was the greatest challenge in your career?
   The biggest challenge came at the end of my career. The Navy moved me from the lab where I had spent my career to be the technical director of another Navy lab. The challenge was that I moved in at the top of the organization but didn’t know the people or the facility and, most importantly, my technical expertise didn’t line up with the work that the lab did. I had many similar challenges during my career but none of this magnitude. Those lesser challenges (and a good mentor) prepared me to deal with the biggest one.
5. If you had not chosen physics as a career path, what path would you have taken?
   That’s hard to say since I’ve wanted be an engineer and work on missiles since I was a teenager. I’ve always told people that if I hadn’t majored in physics I would have been a history professor.
6. What would people never guess you do in your time off?
   Most of the people who knew me as a department head or technical director never knew that I sing in the church choir. They were also surprised when my wife and I started riding horses. They never suspected that was an interest.
7. Where is your favorite place to eat?
   My favorite meal is breakfast, and there’s a little local restaurant that we go to regularly. I also like Mexican food, and there’re a couple of decent Mexican restaurants near us.
8. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
   It’s probably a tossup between snails and a ham and egg loaf that I had in a pub in England. The ham and egg loaf turned out to be hard boiled eggs stuck inside what was essentially a loaf of Spam.
9. What is on your bucket list?
   I don’t really have a bucket list but there are a number of places that I’d like to visit.
10. What are your top three life highlights?
    Getting married, the birth of our son, and having a paper published in a refereed history journal are the personal highlights. There are numerous professional highlights as well. Being selected for the Navy Senior Executive Service, completing my Ph.D., and being invited to join Phi Kappa Phi are at the top of that list.

To learn more about Rob and connect, visit his member profile within the Phi Kappa Phi online community here.

The ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight gives members the opportunity to share more about themselves and how they have benefited from membership in the Society. The spotlight is a great way for members to learn about each other and connect with others who have common interests and goals.

Would you like to be featured, or is there someone you would like see in the spotlight? If so, email Jamie Chapman, membership director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org. Be sure to include basic information for the nomination.

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 Dec. 3. 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.

Update Your Facebook Profile Photo

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?

Get Social

Help us make the biggest impact possible by spreading the word on social media! Follow, share, and repost Phi Kappa Phi’s #GivingTuesday updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Share our posts or create your own! Click here to get customized social media images to show the world that you made an impact by supporting the Society.

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!

Don’t Miss the Event!
Head over to Facebook to check out our Giving Tuesday event. When you join the event and share on your feed, you help spread the word to Phi Kappa Phi members far and wide.

An Attitude of Gratitude: Members Share Why They're Thankful

“The relationship between joy and gratitude was one of the most important things I found in my research,” Phi Kappa Phi member Brené Brown (University of Houston) shared in an interview with Global Leadership Network “Practicing gratitude invites joy into our lives.”

Other Society members recently shared what they were thankful for in a discussion in our member-exclusive Link community.

Anastasia Tunstall Fernandez 
The University of Texas at Arlington

“Our home was hit by a tornado during Hurricane Harvey. I am so thankful we were not hurt, and that none of our neighbors were injured.”

Gustavo Eidji Camarinha Fujiwara 
The University of Washington

“I am deeply thankful to my family, friends, and mentors who contributed to my education and inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree.”

Budimka Uskokovic
The Ohio State University

“I am grateful for the opportunity to complete my Ph.D. degree at The Ohio State University and for all the good professors I have met in my life.”

Shannon Murphy 
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

“I'm grateful for all the opportunities that this year has brought me! I've reached a lot of my goals, and I'm grateful that I got those chances to better myself this year!”

Ashley Farrow 
The University of Kansas

“This community has consistently been pushing me forward towards my goals. I could not be more thankful for this society and all the opportunities that come with it.”

Tahereh Granpayehvaghe 
The University of Texas at Arlington

“I surely am grateful for my health, my loved ones' health and happiness, and also the beauties of life!”





Why are you thankful? Click here and log in using your Phi Kappa Phi credentials to join the conversation.

For assistance navigating the community, click here for helpful step-by-step guides. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Deck the Walls with Your Membership Certificate

Receiving an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi is an outstanding academic achievement—you should be proud. Why not show off your pride by showcasing your membership certificate?

Society partner, Church Hill Classics, produces custom-designed certificate frames that incorporate the Phi Kappa Phi logo and colors. Create your one-of-a-kind frame by choosing from a variety of frame mouldings, mat colors and materials to create a frame that complements your home or office decor.

Now through Dec. 2, you can save up to $50 on all frames with promo code SAVEBIG19.

You can also customize a frame to showcase your medallion, stole, and Phi Kappa Phi photos and shop other commemorative items such as a gold engraved medallion paperweight.

Click here to browse and start designing your custom frame today! You worked hard and your membership in the Society is a true accomplishment representing time, energy, sacrifice, money, and dedication. You earned it, frame it!

Questions? Contact Church Hill Classics Customer Service at info@diplomaframe.com or call 800-477-9005.

Our Top Tips to Study Smarter, Not Harder

As a member of Phi Kappa Phi, developing great study skills along the way was surely a part of your success. Members of our Link community shared their advice for studying and we’ve compiled their top tips here.

Find study partners. From the first day in class, connect with peers to support each other along the way. Classmates can help by quizzing each other, comparing notes, and dividing up tasks. Bonus for you: When you explain concepts to someone else, it reinforces your own understanding.

Perfect your note-taking skills. Many students benefit from handwriting notes in class and rewriting or typing them later. This provides instant review and gives you a chance to organize the material and fill in gaps while it’s still fresh. Add in color coding – of your notes or your book highlights – and you’ll tap into your brain’s visual learning.

Create an ideal environment. Get comfortable. Have a snack. Choose some soft music. Put away your phone. Identify and remove distractions so you can give 100% to the task at hand. Having the right surroundings while you work will do wonders to improve your focus.

Say it out loud. When we talk, we get the double benefit of speaking the words and hearing the words at the same time. Read your notes out loud or pretend you’re the one giving the lecture. This method helps embed the information in your brain’s long-term memory.

Master time management. Set a routine and stick to it. Block off study time and don’t procrastinate. Go to class and review the material daily. Got a commute? Use the time to listen to audiobooks or recorded lectures. Proper time management helps you accomplish more and lowers your stress.

Take advantage of technology. The web is a treasure trove of academic support. Use apps like Quizlet to create your own personalized tests. Search YouTube to find your own personal tutor right at home. Channels like Khan Academy and Crash Course can explain difficult concepts when you’re in a bind.

Give yourself a break. Set a timer and walk away. Whether it’s to walk the dog or grab a snack, your brain will perform better with an occasional reboot. Breaks can increase your performance and help retain information.

Got more ideas to share? Click here and log in using your Phi Kappa Phi credentials and join the conversation.

If you need assistance navigating the community, click here for helpful step-by-step guides. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Order Your ΦΚΦ Graduation Regalia Today!

Is your graduation ceremony fast approaching? Don’t forget to place your order for Phi Kappa Phi branded graduation gear before it’s too late!

Honor cords, stoles and the Phi Kappa Phi medallion are available for individual purchase, or buy all three items in the recognition bundle and receive a free tassel with ΦΚΦ charm (valued at $10)!

Click here to shop now. As always, members can take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Graduation recognition items are available for members only, and you will be asked to enter your 8-digit member ID to validate your purchase. Your member ID can be found on your membership card, in the top right corner of the monthly Focus email, or above your mailing address on the back cover of the Forum magazine.

Protocol for wearing graduation recognition items varies from school to school, and we recommend checking with your college or university before ordering.

Questions about ordering or shipment time frames? Call Customer Service at 888-502-0635 or email pkpstore@egroupengage.com.

Application Deadline Near for Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship Program

Phi Kappa Phi is currently accepting applications for its Dissertation Fellowship Program until Nov. 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 Nov. 30 deadline including approval of the dissertation proposal.

“I am extremely honored and grateful to be selected to receive the Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship,” said Rachel Fenske, a 2019 Dissertation Fellow. “As I prepare to complete my thesis, I am all the more confident I will be able to do so with the assistance of the dissertation fellowship. Phi Kappa Phi has been a foundation of beneficial resources for me throughout my doctoral journey. I find it incredibly humbling that they will be able to support me through this final stretch to my defense by way of a dissertation fellowship.”

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 give 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.

The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 30, and recipients will be notified by March 1, 2020. For full eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation.

Application Deadline Near for Excellence in Innovation Award

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, is accepting applications for its 2020 Excellence in Innovation Award. The deadline for interested institutions to apply for the $100,000 award is Dec. 11.

Awarded each biennium, the Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes one college or university for achievement in finding powerful substantive solutions to improve the lives of others and create systematic large-scale change. The recipient institution will receive $100,000 in tangible recognition of its best practice in response to the changes and challenges facing higher education in the 21st century.

“We have been gratified by the interest we’ve received from a diversity of institutions of higher learning in our innovation award competitions. Created to lift up and affirm the innovations for which colleges and universities are known — whether on their campuses, in their communities or beyond — the award serves to extend Phi Kappa Phi’s mission to recognize and advance excellence,” said Dr. Mary Todd, the Society’s executive director.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi has awarded fellowships and grants to members and students on its chapter campuses. Currently, nearly $1 million is awarded annually through programs that last year recognized over 355 individuals. The Excellence in Innovation Award, first awarded in 2016 to Tulane University, is the Society’s only award for institutions.

The application period for colleges and universities to apply for the Excellence in Innovation Award is open until Dec. 11. For more information including award criteria, eligibility, and timeline details, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Innovation.

Three Ways to Save on Holiday Travel

Holiday season is upon us, and that means traveling to visit family and friends for many of you. Don’t let holiday travel drain your pockets this year. After all, less money spent on travel arrangements means more money for that perfect gift! Save with these three tips:

1. Taking a road trip to spend the holidays with loved ones? Save up to 25% when you rent a car through one of Phi Kappa Phi’s partners. You can even access coupons for free upgrades, free weekend days and more! Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Car-Rentals to find your perfect deal today.


2. Is your family staying under one roof for the holidays? Things can get crowded quickly! Book a hotel room through the Phi Kappa Phi Travel Discount Program, and enjoy the silence when you retreat after a day full of family. Access a worldwide inventory of hotels at discounted rates that may exceed 50%. Click here to browse availability based on location, hotel name and price. Average savings for Phi Kappa Phi members is $43.98!


3. Catching a flight? Navigating the airport during the holiday season is always stressful, but making sure your car is safe while you’re out of town doesn’t have to be. Located at 23 major airports across the country, The Parking Spot offers convenient and safe long-term parking facilities with all-day shuttle service. You can join the Phi Kappa Phi Spot Club and save 15% on parking at all locations nationwide. Click here to order your card, view discounted rates, get directions and make reservations.

We hope you find these tips helpful and save money this holiday season. Remember, traveling and the holidays are always smoother with a plan. So, start planning with our partners today!

Please note, your member login will be required to access the webpages mentioned above. For assistance with your login, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org. Questions about savings can be directed to Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

A Reason “Tue” Give

Giving Tuesday is a few weeks away! On Dec. 3, 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 these testimonials from Phi Kappa Phi award recipients:

“Phi Kappa Phi encourages students to apply for many different kinds of awards for professional and career development activities. I really encourage students to avail this opportunity. I am very thankful to the organization in supporting me during this critical period of my thesis writing.” – Vinit C. Shanbhag, Dissertation Fellow

“I am grateful for the support of Phi Kappa Phi as I enter the next eight years of my professional training. The fellowship will help me pursue my goal of becoming a physician scientist through the Baylor College of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program. Although I believe that the combination of the M.D. and the Ph.D. will provide me with the training I need to become a practicing oncologist and a cancer researcher, the length of training can create a financial burden that the fellowship will help relieve.” – Sarah Waldvogel, Marcus L. Urann Fellow

“I am incredibly grateful for this generous award from Phi Kappa Phi that will enable me to take even more advantage of my study abroad experience by providing me the chance to travel as I work on my research for my thesis through the Croft Institute for International Studies at the University of Mississippi. Study abroad is such a fantastic and enriching academic experience, and this grant will enable me to leave no stone unturned during my time abroad.” – Ragan Ketrow, Study Abroad Grant Recipient

“Phi Kappa Phi graciously provided support funds for my travel to the Annual Nutrition Science Meeting in Boston via the Love of Learning award. I am especially grateful for this career development opportunity as I will be able to share my research, learn from others, and network with other students and professionals in my field.” – Babajide A. Ojo, Love of Learning Award Recipient



Want to join the giving movement on Dec. 3? Mark the date on your calendar (Outlook, iCal, Google Calendar) and follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.

Ernest Gaines, Award-Winning Author, Dies at Age 86

Ernest James Gaines (University of Louisiana at Lafayette), educator and award-winning author, died Nov. 5. He was 86.

Born Jan. 15, 1933, on River Lake Plantation in Pointe Coupee Parish in Louisiana, Gaines was the oldest of twelve children. His parents worked as sharecroppers on the plantation where his ancestors had once been slaves, and he, too, spent time working in the fields in his youth.

When Gaines was fifteen years old, he joined his mother and stepfather in California because there was no longer a high school for African Americans in his parish. There he attended Vallejo Junior College before serving two years in the United States Army. Upon discharge, he returned to his education by attending San Francisco State College (now University).

The short stories Gaines wrote in college garnered attention, with his first one, The Turtles, being published in the school’s magazine in 1956. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1957 and continued his education at Stanford University.

Gaines’ first novel, Catherine Carmier, was published in 1964. The rewrite of a previously destroyed earlier version of the manuscript tells a love story set in the Louisiana countryside. Despite years spent living in the San Francisco area, all of Gaines’ work is set in the location he knew best – the South.

“In the beginning, I tried to be a more cosmopolitan writer, but I realized that I was a country boy and I had to deal with things I knew about and where I came from,” he once shared.

In 1981, Gaines joined the teaching staff at University of Louisiana at Lafayette and served as Writer-in-Residence. During his time there, he published A Gathering of Old Men and A Lesson Before Dying, both of which had film versions of the novels created later. The university’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi inducted Gaines into the Society in 1984.

A Lesson Before Dying was selected by the National Endowment for the Arts as the NEA Big Read, an annual program that encouraged entire communities to read and discuss one book together. Gaines’ other honors and awards include the Louisiana Humanist of the Year, the National Humanities Medal, a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and a nomination for a Pulitzer Prize.

State Librarian of Louisiana Rebecca Hamilton worked with Gaines as part of the Louisiana Book Festival. She shared, “He was one of the most special people we’ve ever known. He gave us his full measure of devotion each time he was with us. He was the first recipient of the Louisiana Writer Award in 2000 and each year in the House Chamber when I present this award, I call out his name. We will miss him more than we can say.”

What Benefits Do Our Members Value?

A recent discussion in our member-exclusive Link community posed the question, “Which member benefit do you value the most?” Well, we asked, and you answered! From the Society's award programs totaling nearly $1 million each year to exclusive discounts, members reap the rewards. Here’s what you love:

Aine Norris 

Virginia Commonwealth University 

“The discounts have been the most beneficial to me, monetarily. I've saved on hotels and car rentals when traveling to conferences and am so thankful for it!”

Dr. Lesley Casarez 

Angelo State University 

“The award opportunities offered by Phi Kappa Phi are phenomenal. Although they are competitive, they are not so out of reach that members cannot participate.”

Nishma Maskey 

Southeastern Louisiana University 

“I definitely think the academic recognition has the great value to our career development and job search. It helps us stand out from the crowd.”

Dr. Ron Tulley 

University of Findlay 

“No matter the activity I have been privileged to be a part of through Phi Kappa Phi, the dedication of like-minded folks to the unyielding pursuit of knowledge and education shines through.”

Raymond Pun 

California State University, Fresno 

“I appreciate the academic resources since it has really benefited my own research and support going forward as a first-generation college/grad student.”

Stevie Sheppard 

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 

“I searched for years for a magazine that wasn't littered with boring gossip columns and pages upon pages of advertisements. The Forum delivers a bit of brain power to my mailbox.”




Questions about member benefits? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217, with all of your member benefit inquiries.

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 Dec. 3, 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. And as a special thank you this year, donors of $60 or more will have the option to receive a customized Phi Kappa Phi travel mug.

Want to join the giving movement on Dec. 3? Mark the date on your calendar (Outlook, iCal, Google Calendar) and follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.

Member Benefits Highlights – November 2019

Are you thinking about holiday shopping yet? We are! And our partners can help you save on all of your purchases with these exclusive discounts and promotions.

AmazonSmile

Planning to shop on Amazon this year? If so, click here to shop through the Phi Kappa Phi AmazonSmile site and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Society. These donations help to support the Society’s mission through our award programs.

It’s a simple and automatic way for you to support the Society every time you shop, at no cost to you. You can even use your existing Amazon account when shopping! Click here to start shopping now!

Brooks Brothers

Gift yourself a little something special or shop for the family and save 15% on regularly priced Brooks Brothers merchandise. First, click here to sign up for a complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card with organization ID 11755 and PIN 61431. Then, simply present your membership card at time of purchase to receive the discount. To shop online, visit www.BrooksBrothers.com to create an online account and be sure to enter the Brooks Brothers membership number that you received upon enrolling for your card.

Carbonite

Purchasing a new computer or laptop for a loved one this holiday season? Be sure to secure all of their irreplaceable computer files with a backup plan from Carbonite and save 10%. Visit www.Carbonite.com and use promo code PKPOFFER10. Your loved ones files will be securely and automatically backed up to the cloud, allowing them access from any device.

HP

New technology is always a popular gift and you can save up to 35% on your HP purchase this holiday season! Shop a broad line of notebooks, desktops, printers, accessories and more at www.HPDirect.com/Member/Phi_Kappa_Phi. Note, members must register for a new HP account at by clicking the blue Register button before shopping. Discounts are automatically applied and no promo codes are required unless you opt in to receive the weekly HP emails which may have special offers requiring a coupon code at checkout.

MemberDeals

Give your family and friends the gift of adventure this holiday season! Access huge savings on tickets to Universal Orlando Resort with a special offer to get the third park free when you buy select promo tickets. Click here to shop now. Note, tickets must be purchased by Dec. 2 and must be used by May 22, 2020. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Phi Kappa Phi Rewards Visa® Credit Card

Show your Phi Kappa Phi pride when you’re shopping this holiday season with the Society-branded Rewards Visa® credit card. Cardholder benefits include a low introductory rate, no annual fee and unlimited cash back with no point caps and no opt-in. Plus, each time you use the card you help support the Society's award programs. Visit www.CommerceBank.com/PhiKappaPhi to apply today!

Questions about member benefits? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or (800) 804-9880, ext. 217, with all of your member benefit inquiries.

Chapter Update – November 2019

By Michelle Lowery

Chapter Development Director

CofC Creates Student Lecture Series

Chapter 184 at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, partnered with the campus Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities program to host a student lecture series featuring seven students called the Summit of Scholars on Oct. 26.

The CofC chapter collaborated on the series in order to host an academically focused event for students beyond initiation. Creating a lecture series helped the chapter increase interest in Phi Kappa Phi, and partnering with the URCA provided more awareness of the chapter in the honors and academic community on campus.

TAMU Creates Partnership for Gathright and Dean’s Excellence Awards

Over the past two years, chapter 53 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, has worked with the Association of Former Students and LAUNCH – a campus department that supports high-impact educational experiences for students – to create a more holistic process to identify and recognize top students on campus.

Dr. Jonathan Kotinek, director for honors at Texas A&M and treasurer for the school’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, worked with representatives from the Association of Former Students, Student Affairs, LAUNCH and chapter officers to eliminate redundancies in campus student recognition by merging existing sophomore and junior award processes and creating a freshman award rather than senior since LAUNCH was already managing a top senior award. The merge also addressed a need to increase awareness of the Society’s prestige so that invited students are more likely to accept.

Up to two freshman and sophomore students in each college can be selected for recognition; the top student is recognized with the Gathright Dean’s Excellence Award and the second with the Dean’s Excellence Award. Up to two additional students in each classification in each college can be selected for honorable mention. Recognized students are invited to visit with Phi Kappa Phi officers and their college dean at a special breakfast each fall. The top junior in each college is selected by their dean as the Phi Kappa Phi Gathright Oustanding Junior, and then a University Outstanding Junior is selected from this group based on an interview process with chapter officers.

“We are excited to have completed our first round of recognizing the top freshman, sophomore and junior students at Texas A&M through the Gathright Award process. We look forward to strengthening the collaboration between Phi Kappa Phi, LAUNCH and The Association of Former Students moving forward. We also look forward to seeing what kind of impact this award has on Phi Kappa Phi membership in the coming years,” said Kotinek.

The list of 2019 Gathright Outstanding Juniors was announced last Spring. The 2019 cohort of freshman and sophomore Gathright and Dean’s Excellence Award winners were announced earlier this fall. To see the full list of freshman and sophomore recipients, click here.

UNG Receives Blue and Gold Award

Chapter 172 at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia, received a Blue and Gold Award from the UNG Office of Student Involvement for Outstanding Service to the Campus/Community during the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Blue and Gold Awards began in 2017 to recognize outstanding student organizations and student leaders on campus. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of staff and students, and the winners are presented at the Blue and Gold Award event each April.

The UNG chapter received the award for their community service project that focused on increasing childhood literacy. The chapter partnered with the Woody Gap School, one of the smallest K-12 schools in the mountains of Georgia, to provide books that students wished for last year. Chapter officers and members drove to Suches, Georgia, to deliver books and meet the children at the school.

“Phi Kappa Phi executed the delivery of just over 50 books to the children at Woody Gap. Now, those children at Woody Gap School will have a memory as they approach the time in life for considering post-secondary education that is positive and welcoming when they think of UNG,” said Brenda Bishop, past president.

Share Your Chapter’s Events, Resources and Practices

Please share your chapter news and events with Michelle Lowery, chapter development director, to be included in future chapter updates and social media. Pictures are encouraged!

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Top photo by Sarah Kell – The 2019 student lecturers for the Summit of Scholars gather at College of Charleston.

Middle photo by Royal Petrie – The 2019 Gathright Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Juniors were honored at the Texas A&M University chapter’s induction ceremony. They are joined by chapter officers and Porter Garner III. Garner, president and CEO of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, was the ceremony’s speaker and was honored with Society membership as an outstanding alumnus.

Bottom photo by Brittaney Dyer – Officers from the University of North Georgia chapter during the 2018-2019 Blue and Gold Awards Ceremony include, from left, Brittaney Dyer, student vice president; Brenda Bishop, past president; Charlotte Wade, president; and Danielle Hartsfield, secretary.