Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Phi Kappa Phi Members Among Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Forbes recently announced its 30 Under 30 list for 2020 highlighting young entrepreneurs who they say “are proof positive that the future will be new, exciting and profoundly different.”

“These entrepreneurs are teaching viruses to fight cancer, developing technology to help astronauts breathe on Mars and creating strings of hit songs that fuel our daily playlists,” according to Forbes.

An expert community narrowed more than 15,000 nominees down to the final 2020 list. Among those selected were five honorees we are proud to call Phi Kappa Phi members.

Karthik Ganapathy (Fordham University) – Partner, mvmt communications
Ganapathy cofounded mvmt after working on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. The communications company supports progressive Democratic candidates.

Sterling Jones (Brigham Young University) – President, JOJO’s Chocolate
During a battle with cancer, Jones’ mom created no-sugar sweets to indulge her sugar cravings. Jones joined her to build the business which now retails in more than 500 stores.

Deanna Pan (The Ohio State University) – Reporter, Boston Globe
Pan is a reporter on the Globe’s Express Desk. She was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in feature writing for her series examining the wrongful murder conviction of a 14-year-old black boy.

Spencer Perreault (California State University, Los Angeles) – Principal Software Engineer, Microsoft
After graduating from Cal State LA, Perreault earned his master’s at Cornell University at the age of 18. He’s noted for his work with Xbox One’s backwards compatibility with original Xbox games.

Sabih Bin Wasi (Carnegie Mellon University) – Cofounder, Stellic
Stellic is an AI-driven platform that helps students create customized graduation plans while advisers and administrators can identify at-risk students and predict course demand.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – December 2019

Hailing from The Big Easy—New Orleans, Louisiana—Michelle Ducre was initiated at Pittsburg University in April 2012 while pursuing a Master of Science degree in human resources development. She previously earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree from Louisiana State University in 1992.

Michelle currently resides in Pittsburg, Kansas, where she serves as the human resources manager for the city. Her career has been devoted to the public sector, government and nonprofit, and she has spent more than seven years working in human resources. She also serves in officer roles on the boards of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Estate Planning Council and Tristate Human Resources Association.

Let’s get to know Michelle!
  1. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
    Phi Kappa Phi means having the opportunity to continue learning, growing and exchanging knowledge with like-minded professionals.
  2. Why should students accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
    Students who accept the Society’s invitation get exposed to life changing ideas and experiences beyond the classroom that can help fast track life and work lessons and help them make a faster impact in life.
  3. What was your favorite toy as a child?
    My favorite childhood toys were Barbie dolls.
  4. If you could meet one person from history, who would it be?
    If I could meet one person from history it would be Jesus.
  5. What is your biggest pet peeve?
    My biggest pet peeves are peeling nail polish and people staying stuck in bad patterns without finding solutions to improve their lives.
  6. What is your family like?
    We're all so different. I'm the only female with three guys. We all do our own thing: music, crafting, running but we love LSU football and movies.
  7. If you were an animal, what you would be?
    If I were an animal, I’d be an eagle—majestic beauty, confidence, and soaring.
  8. What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned? The most important life lesson I’ve learned to date is that I don't have to save everybody.
  9. What do you do for fun?
    I enjoy attending theatrical and dance performances, making jewelry, art crafting, writing music and poetry.
  10. If you met a genie, what would your three wishes be? My three wishes for a genie would be endless money flow, no child or animal abuse and to be the travel channel girl.
To learn more about Michelle and connect, visit her 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.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Phi Kappa Phi Foundation Marks 50th Anniversary

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today marks the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1969 to help provide financial support for Phi Kappa Phi’s mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others. Among other things, the Foundation helps support Society award programs through donations.

Because of the generosity of donors, more than $17 million dollars in awards have been distributed to students, Society members, chapters and institutions around the world. Distributions to date include:
  • Fellowships - $14,058,254 has provided funding to first-year graduate students who are pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees.
  • Study Abroad Grants - $919,000 has supported undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.
  • Love of Learning Awards - $835,000 has funded post-baccalaureate professional development.
  • Literacy Grants - $432,919 has funded ongoing literacy projects or created new initiatives.
  • Dissertation Fellowships - $340,000 has supported students in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study
  • Excellence in Innovation Award - $200,000 has provided funding to colleges and universities for their achievements of innovation in higher education.
  • Scholar, Artist and Service Awards - $78,000 has honored individuals who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
  • Graduate Research Grant Pilot Program - $15,000 has helped members traveling to conduct or present graduate research.
  • Other Awards - $204,190

“Phi Kappa Phi has provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime by helping aid the cost of study abroad,” shared award recipient Landry Smith. “As a result of this grant, I will be able to focus more on my academics and the culture of Europe, not the financial strain that the cost of study abroad places on a family. I could not be more grateful for how much Phi Kappa Phi cares for and invests in their scholars.”

To learn more about Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program, visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Apply Now! 2020 Phi Kappa Phi Awards

Applications are now available for the 2020 Phi Kappa Phi award programs. Each year, the Society awards nearly $1 million to outstanding students and members through its awards program. The awards provide everything from $35,000 Fellowships for graduate study to $500 Love of Learning awards for continuing education and professional development.

To learn more about each program and how to apply, follow the links below or click here to download a single-page awards fact sheet. Applications must be received by the following deadlines:

Study Abroad Grants
Deadline: March 15, 2020
Apply here.

Literacy Grants
Deadline: April 1, 2020
Apply here.

Fellowships
Contact your chapter for local due date.
Application information

Love of Learning Awards
Deadline: June 30, 2020
Apply here.

Scholar & Artist
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2020
Apply here.

Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2020
Apply here.

Click here to learn more about the Society’s award programs. If you have questions, contact Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

How to Highlight Your Membership

You received an invitation to join the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society–Phi Kappa Phi. You accepted and are now a member. But what does that mean? How can you tell your friends, family, program administrators, employers and others of this prestigious achievement? We’re here to help!

Announce your membership to your community with a personalized press release. After the initiation ceremony, the Society will send a press release on behalf of each new initiate to announce their achievement through Merit. Merit is a platform that allows press releases to be submitted electronically to your hometown newspapers. You can also easily share your personalized Merit story with family and friends on social media! Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Merit to learn more and access your Merit profile today!

Show your smarts at graduation. Honor stoles, cords, tassels and the Phi Kappa Phi medallion are available for purchase in the Phi Kappa Phi online store. Items are sold individually or can be purchased in a bundle at a reduced price. Members can also take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Visit www.PhiKappaPhiStore.org to shop graduation regalia for your upcoming commencement.

Display your membership certificate in your home or office. Society partner Church Hill Classics offers customizable certificate and diploma frames that incorporate the Phi Kappa Phi logo and come in a variety of frame mouldings, mat colors and materials to complement your home or office décor. Visit www.DiplomaFrame.com/PKP to create your one-of-a-kind frame today!

Show your pride with Phi Kappa Phi gear. The Society’s online store features a large selection of products from dressy polos to tech accessories and everything in between, allowing you to show your Phi Kappa Phi pride everywhere you go! Members can also take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Click here to check out the latest gear today!

Add your membership to your résumé. Include an official Society logo on your résumé to let prospective employers know of your achievement. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Logos to download Society logos in different formats and styles.

Verify your membership with a personalized membership verification letter. If you will be interviewing for a job or applying to a graduate program, don’t forget to download your personalized membership verification letter to include with your application. Your letter will be signed by the Society Executive Director and is available in the membership documents tab of your member profile here.

Congratulations on achieving membership in Phi Kappa Phi! We hope you will take advantage of these resources and find them helpful. Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

GS Level Upgrade for Federal Employees

According to the Office of Personnel Management, Phi Kappa Phi members may be eligible for a GS Level Upgrade under the Superior Academic Achievement qualification.

The General Schedule Qualifications Policies (Section 4. f. 3.) state that election to membership in a national scholastic honor society may qualify federal employees for a GS level upgrade. Other provisions and requirements are based on class standing and grade point average and may translate to a higher level of pay.

It’s important to note that applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in a national honor society that meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies. Phi Kappa Phi does meet the minimum requirements of the ACHS, and our members do qualify for the upgrade.

Please keep in mind, the GS level upgrade benefit is not managed by Phi Kappa Phi—it is a federal policy applying to individuals who can prove membership in the Society. All final decisions regarding GS level and step increases are determined by the federal employer or prospective employer. Questions regarding the policy should be directed to the human resources department within the agency of employment.

For more information, review the General Schedule Qualification Policies necessary to be eligible for the upgrade.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Executive Director's Blog - Belonging

From the Executive Director
Forum, Fall 2019

“Welcome home” is the ubiquitous greeting alumni hear when returning to campus for homecoming reunions. I’ll admit it felt odd to hear that when I returned to my undergraduate campus recently. It didn’t feel like home when I was a student — perhaps at best a home away from home? — and it certainly didn’t feel like home so many years later. And yet I have roots in that place, strongly influenced by the ethos of the university as epitomized in the honor code we wrote out and signed on every paper, quiz, and exam.

Judging from the popularity of home genetic tests and genealogy programs, people of all generations seem to be engaged in searching for their roots of late. Whether by subscribing to an online service or tracking down records tucked in a family Bible, the quest to learn more about who we are and where we came from is a compelling feature of the human journey.

While I leave the family tree research to my son, some of the books I’ve been drawn to this year have a personal connection, not only to my scholarly interests but to my roots. I stumbled upon the work of Professor Nora Krug, of The New School, while watching the National Book Critics Circle Awards on Book TV. Winner of the 2018 award in autobiography, Krug’s graphic memoir Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home (Scribner, 2018) narrates a young German woman’s quest to understand her cultural connection to the horror of the Holocaust amid her family’s silence about a war her grandparents lived through. In German, the title of Krug’s book is Heimat, which means home, or place that first forms us. Turning the pages of this remarkable book feels like being invited into a scrapbook whose compiler searches for answers about her family’s past, her roots, herself.

My resonance with Krug’s work mirrored the origins of my own study of the Holocaust, as it was my ethnic identity as a German-American that first drew me to the subject. While conducting research in graduate school, a Jewish survivor confronted me with a question that still haunts me as we concluded an interview: “Why are you doing this?” I could only respond that I needed to understand. Though I had never visited the country from which my grandparents emigrated, my roots were there. And that country’s government had for a time committed horrific crimes against humanity. Why indeed.

Phi Kappa Phi traces its roots to Coburn Hall on the campus of the University of Maine, where one day in 1897 a student proposed to his professor that scholars (“bookworms,” he called them) deserved the same type of recognition and respect that college athletes were shown. That conversation launched an organization that has grown exponentially but has never lost its original vision to recognize academic excellence. In the years since, we have planted our roots on a multitude of college and university campuses across the country. They have borne fruit, and they are deep.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Holiday Deals and Gift Guides

Are you still looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Finding the perfect gift isn’t always easy, but we’re here to help!

You’ll find the perfect present for your techie best friend or thrill seeker who keeps life interesting. Check out the best deals from our partners and their 2019 gift guides.

Gadgets for the Techie | Shop Dell’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide to get the techie in your life the latest and greatest in technology! From wireless headphones to sleek laptops, Dell has everything you need to check off the techie on your list! And, you can save up to 35% or more when you shop the Dell Member Purchase Store at www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi.

Make memories and inspire imagination with great gifts from HP! Click here to shop their holiday gift guide and browse deals on everything from stocking stuffers to laptops and more! Be sure to make your purchase through the Phi Kappa Phi HP member store to save even more! Shop at www.HPDirect.com/Member/Phi_Kappa_Phi.

Let Lenovo’s Christmas gift guide help you choose the perfect gift. Shop their technology at www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to save even more on your purchase! From laptops to desktops, tablets to accessories, Lenovo can help you find the perfect gift this holiday season!

Adventures for the Thrill Seeker | Give the gift of the perfect snow-filled vacation with crisp mountain air, beautiful surroundings and action-packed fun. MemberDeals has exclusive relationships with ski resorts and rentals, allowing them to bring savings up to 50% to members in the winter season. Click here to browse deals at Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Killington Resort and many more!

MemberDeals also offers savings to theme parks across the country, including Walt Disney World, Universal Hollywood, Six Flags, Busch Gardens and many more! Gift a thrilling visit to one of these parks this year. Click here to shop now!

Trips for the Traveler | Surprise the traveler in your life with a vacation booked through the Phi Kappa Phi Travel Discount Program and access savings up to 50% on hotels worldwide! Browse travel deals now!

Giving the gift of a road trip? Save up to 25% when you make your car rental reservation through one of our partners—Avis, Budget, Enterprise and National. Click here to shop now!

Accessories for the Professional | Check out the 2019 Brooks Brothers Holiday Gift Guide and find stylish presents that will bring a smile to the sophisticated dresser on your list! Plus, when you sign up for a Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card, you’ll receive even more savings! Learn more at www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Brooks-Brothers.

We all have that one person on our list that gets a lot of joy out of being organized, so why not help them get a head start in the new year? Shop Franklin Planner's Holiday Gift Guide for planners, organizers, journals and more! Don’t forget to use promo code PKPMEMBER to save 15% on your purchase!

Office Depot compiled a few of their favorite things in their 2019 Nifty Gifty Guide. They’ve even made gifting easy by organizing gift ideas by price point. Playing a gift-giving game at the office? Check out their white elephant deals to find the perfect gift for your coworkers! Be sure to shop at OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP to save on your order and receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more!

Recognition for the Phi Kappa Phi Member | Make the holidays merry and bright by choosing handcrafted holiday gifts for the Phi Kappa Phi member in your life from Church Hill Classics. Click here to browse the best gifts this holiday season, including customizable certificate and diploma frames, photo frames and more! Visit www.DiplomaFrame.com/PKP to choose from a variety of frame mouldings and mat colors, and you can even incorporate the Society logo.

Shop the Phi Kappa Phi Online Store for a large selection of Society-branded products from dressy polos to technology accessories and everything in between. A Phi Kappa Phi store gift card also makes the perfect gift, and they can be purchased in increments of $25!

Tools for the Lifelong Learner | Give the gift of language learning this holiday season with Fluenz! Save 20% on interactive language learning software for Spanish (Latin American), French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and more with promo code PKPOFFER20 at Fluenz.com.

The best present is being present. Give the gift of relaxation and focus to your loved ones with a Lumosity gift subscription—they are easy to give and great to receive! Click here to learn more about giving the gift of Lumosity and enjoy a 35% discount on Lumosity's scientifically designed brain-training games, customized workouts and personalized insights. Click here to automatically apply the discount to your gift purchase.

Don’t forget! Amazon gives a portion of their proceeds back to the Society in support of our award programs when you shop AmazonSmile and select Phi Kappa Phi as the charity you would like to support. You can feel good about giving a gift that gives back to the Society! Click here to support Phi Kappa Phi through Amazon.

We wish you and your loved ones a very merry holiday season and hope you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Have questions about member discounts? Email jchapman@phikappaphi.org or call 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Member Benefits Highlights – December 2019

Light up your holiday with savings from our partners all December long! Active members can access exclusive deals and promotions to make their holiday a little brighter.

AT&T
Get the best gift ever from AT&T this holiday season—a 15% discount on your qualified wireless plan! Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/ATT to learn how to add the discount to your existing AT&T account, start new service or transfer a line. And let AT&T help you be the best gift giver ever! Click here to check everyone off your list with their holiday gift guide!

Church Hill Classics
Buy a customized frame for Dasher, Dancer and Prancer to save up to $60 on your membership certificate or diploma frame order. Hurry, this sale ends Dec. 9! Use code Holidays19 at checkout to save. Shop customizable Phi Kappa Phi frames at www.DiplomaFrame.com/PKP.

Dell
Dell is offering some of their lowest member pricing ever this holiday season! Don’t miss exclusive doorbusters all month long, including Green Monday sales on Dec. 9. Shop online through the Dell Secure Member Purchase Store at www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi.

GEICO
Get more this holiday season—more savings! As a Phi Kappa Phi member, you could save up to 8% on auto insurance. Visit www.GEICO.com/PhiKappaPhi to get your free quote and learn exactly how much your membership could save you! If you are an existing GEICO policyholder you may also be eligible for a discount. Call 800-368-2734 to speak with a GEICO representative and ask if you qualify for a member discount through The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Lenovo
The holiday deals have arrived at Lenovo! Get ready to shop the best deals of the year on laptops, tablets and much more. Don’t forget to mark your calendars to shop some of their hottest deals on Green Monday on Dec. 9. Visit www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to shop online today!

MemberDeals
It’s time to dust off those skis! Plan the perfect snow-filled vacation with crisp mountain air, beautiful surroundings and action-packed fun. MemberDeals’ exclusive relationships with ski resorts and rentals allow them to bring savings of up to 50% to members in the winter season. Click here to book your ski vacation 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.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Submit Your Graduation Photo for a Chance to Win!

Calling all graduates! Did you wear your Phi Kappa Phi stole, medallion or honor cords at your recent graduation? If you have commencement photos showing your Phi Kappa Phi pride, share them with us for a chance to win an Amazon gift card and be featured in Society materials.

To enter, click here to submit your photo(s) by Jan. 31. Please limit your submission to no more than five photos. High resolution images (JPEG or PNG) are preferred.

The first place winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, second place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and third place will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Click here for more details including official rules and submissions from previous graduation photo contests.

If you have questions about the contest, contact Alyssa Perez at aperez@phikappaphi.org.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Executive Director's Blog - Abundant Gratitude on #GivingTuesday

From the Executive Director
Giving Tuesday, 2019

One of the words I’ve seen often lately is the word gratitude. In addition to blogs and books on the subject are regular reminders that it’s good for us to stop and remember those people and things for which we are grateful.

On this #GivingTuesday, let me start by saying how grateful I am for you, our members. One of the benefits of my position is meeting Phi Kappa Phi members, whether in person or through correspondence or calls. Our membership is multidisciplinary, multigenerational, and multitalented, spread across the United States and beyond, yet what we hold in common is a commitment to the love of learning. We are proud that you are part of this community of scholars.

I am also grateful for those of you who have become donors. Through your gifts you make your commitment to lifelong learning tangible, as your contributions to the Foundation make possible our multifaceted awards program. Phi Kappa Phi awards, now totaling nearly $1 million annually, support learning at different levels, from undergraduate study abroad to the popular Love of Learning grants to dissertation fellowships, all possible due to the generosity of our donors.

I’m also grateful for the staff here at the national office, who sustain the work of the Society on a daily basis. #Giving Tuesday is a day of philanthropy when those who are able share with nonprofit organizations to extend their work and mission. Each year I invite the staff to join me in making a donation to the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation in support of the love of learning. Won’t you consider joining us? Just one click on the Donate button will allow you to direct your gift as you wish. We’re offering a special premium this year: for a gift of $60 or more, you will receive a handsome ΦKΦ travel mug . . . and our gratitude.


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

Your gift could make the difference—it could determine the path a student chooses after graduation, 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, Dec. 3, 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.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Chapter Update – December 2019

By Michelle Lowery
Chapter Development Director

A Season of Service

The next few Chapter Updates will include chapter events focused on service. This month will include highlights from three initiatives completed recently by chapters in Alabama, Florida and Kentucky who participated in the Fall Service Project.

Please share your chapter news, events and service projects with Michelle Lowery, chapter development director, so they can be included in future chapter updates and shared on social media. Pictures with members are encouraged!

Florida Tech Participates in Living Docks Program

Chapter 308 at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, partnered with the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute to aid in their Living Docks program.

The IRLRI is made up of engineers, scientists, contractors and students who are working and researching in the field of coastal water quality remediation and restoration. Together with local community groups they have created Living Docks, which promote the growth of filter feeders at private and public locations along the Indian River Lagoon.

Phi Kappa Phi members along with students and community members who participated in the service project learned about the detriments that humans have caused the IRL through the years and ways they can reduce their impact. In addition, participants created oyster mats out of oyster shells and mesh which were then deployed on local dock pilings in early November to propagate oyster larvae and other filter feeders that remove impurities from the water naturally.

UK Hosts Tech Talk at Ashland Terrace

Chapter 306 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, visited Ashland Terrace Retirement Home to provide assistance with basic technology and cyber security. Ashland Terrace is a community-based, independent retirement center for older women that has met its mission by providing housing to those in need since 1849.

Ten Phi Kappa Phi members interacted with 12 women that live in the home and recorded the types of assistance provided to each resident such as setting up an iPad or learning how to block phone numbers. They also provided a pamphlet with tips on how to deal with potential scams, robocalls, mortgage scams, IRS scams, fake emails, and free or cheap product offers for medicine and electronics.

Residents were also given a six-question group quiz that included different scenarios and discussion on how to respond to each scenario in order to protect personal information. Retirement home staff also reported that participation for this program was higher than previous activities.

USA Raises Funds with Mega Musical Chairs

Chapter 194 at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, collaborated with a multitude of organizations to host Mega Musical Chairs on Oct. 4.

The event was coordinated by Alpha Epsilon Delta in collaboration with Phi Kappa Phi and other project partners including Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, Indian Student Association, Panhellenic Sororities, IFC fraternities, NPHC sororities and more. Academic colleges and departments also participated in the event along with 20 nonprofit organizations that hosted booths with activities. Local restaurants also sold food to support the event.

The goal was to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, education and improved literacy for multiple causes. Over 450 people participated, and players were encouraged to talk to the person next to them about the cause they were representing, which included over 68 nonprofit organizations.

Organizers said moving the event from campus to The Grounds in Mobile provided more access to the community and a more than 100% increase in ticket sales (695 tickets sold). Almost $9,500 was raised for charity, and over 100 volunteers were recruited to work the event. The winner of the 2019 Mega Musical Chairs competition chose to donate the funds to the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of South Alabama Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

Top photo provided by Angelica Zamora-Duran – Officers from the Florida Institute of Technology chapter at the Living Docks service project in November include, from left, Caglar Erdogan, student vice president; Ryan Fink, student vice president; Dr. Heidi Hatfield Edwards, president; Donovan Southwell, student vice president; and Angelica Zamora-Duran, student vice president.

Bottom photo by Breahna Crosslin – Members of Phi Kappa Phi participate in Mega Musical Chairs at the University of South Alabama.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Why Shop AmazonSmile this Holiday Season?

Everyone knows they can find the season's hottest deals by shopping Amazon, but did you know when you shop through the Phi Kappa Phi AmazonSmile link you also help support the Society? That’s right!
This holiday season, we invite you to support the Society by shopping through our dedicated AmazonSmile link. You’ll find great deals on gifts for your friends and family, or yourself! So get cozy and start shopping today!
Use our guide below to learn why you should shop AmazonSmile this holiday season!
Shop the Cyber Monday Deals page for significant savings. Amazon offers major discounts throughout the site on Cyber Monday. To shop the hottest deals from every department, visit www.Amazon.com/Cyber-Monday and check off your list!
Find the deals you want with Alexa. Simply ask, "Alexa, what are your deals?" You will hear the current deals to make saving this holiday season an easy task.
Let your friends and family know what you want. Create lists within your Amazon account, and add items you are interested in. Then, share with friends and family to get exactly what you want this holiday season!
Receive daily deal notifications. Sign up to receive daily deal emails through your Amazon account, follow @amazondeals on Twitter, like Amazon on Facebook, or install the Amazon mobile app. You can adjust your settings to your preferences and never miss a deal all season long!
Use waitlists to be notified when items become available. Did Amazon sell out of an item you wanted? Join a waitlist to be notified when the item you want is available again. Simply click the "Join Waitlist" button on the product page, and if that item becomes available you'll receive a notification.
Watch deals you are interested in. Never miss a deal this holiday season! Browse the Upcoming section of the deals page to view all upcoming deals, then click "Watch this Deal" to be notified when the deal begins.
Shopping AmazonSmile is easy. Click here to log in to your existing Amazon account or create a new one. After logging in, you will see Supporting: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi in the top left corner near the AmazonSmile logo, and you’re all set to shop!
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Society, and those donations help to support the Society's mission to promote excellence through our awards program.