Celebrate ‘Thank Your Mentor Day’

National Mentoring Month would not be possible without the efforts of mentors both past and present. To honor those that have gone above and beyond, we are celebrating national Thank Your Mentor Day™ today, Jan. 30.

On this day, we encourage you to reach out to thank or honor those individuals who have and had a lasting impact on your life.

Looking for ways to thank your mentor? Here are a few ideas:

• Contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation.
• Show your gratitude on social media.
• Share your story at www.mentoring.org/stories.
• Pass on the lessons you have learned by becoming a mentor to someone else. Visit bit.ly/BeAMentorIRL.
• Make a financial contribution to a local mentoring program in your mentor’s honor.
• Download an official National Mentoring Month e-card to share with your mentor.

And don’t forget to join the conversation with us on social media by using #PKPMentors and #MentoringMonth.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – January 2020

An avid outdoor enthusiast, ultra-runner, mountain biker, rock climber, surfer, dancer, and yogi, Daniella A. Colombo-Dougovito was initiated at Texas Woman’s University in April 2019 while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture, photography, painting and mixed media. She is also working towards a Master of Arts degree in photography from the Academy of Art University. Daniella earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she was also a member of the women’s rugby football club.

Driven by her physicality as an athlete and love for art, Daniella’s unique perspective has enabled her to harness her creative drive and desire to help others through education. She works to bring awareness to survivors recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder through her art.

In addition to her full-time work as an artist, Daniella has also worked as a 3D design instructor for the sculpture department at Texas Woman's University.

Let’s get to know Daniella!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   During my graduate studies, and for the first time in my life, I was able to focus on my physical achievements as well as my academic achievements, and I was one of the rare graduate students who received an invitation to join the chapter at Texas Woman’s University, Denton. My ultimate decision to join the Society was not solely based on the prestigious members who joined long before me, but to connect with others who put the same importance on the imperative nature of knowledge acquisition, research, and intellectual growth.
2. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
   I was raised by an amazing woman, my mom, Dr. Sandra Ellen Colombo. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and worked at the university for a number of years before passing away. Joining the Society allows me to celebrate my academic and artistic achievements, and connect with my mom because I’m a member just as she was. She impressed the importance of higher education throughout my childhood and taught me that education, integrity, perseverance, courage, honor and drive are essential to academic success. I believe these qualities are embodied within Phi Kappa Phi.
3. Where are you originally from? Where did you grow up?
   I was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and have lived all over the United States and in Costa Rica. I spent my formative years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, growing up in Burns Park, and most summers traveled to New York to visit my Italian family.
4. How do you spend your free time?
   I fill my free time by participating in athletics and sports, creating art, reading books, hanging with friends, and traveling with my partner.
5. If you were an animal, what you would be?
   If I were an animal, I would be a wild mustang or a dolphin. I guess if you combine the two I would be a hippocampus.
6. What advice would you give to anyone starting their career?
   Be as flexible as you can to change, growth, unexpected changes of direction, and never give up.
7. What do you do to relax?
   When it’s time to relax I like to go for a run, swim, bike, do yoga, and sleep.
8. When are you the happiest?
   I’m happiest when I’m working out, in nature, and with my partner.
9. How did you become interested in art?
   Art is a part of me. My earliest memories are of creating with paint, clay, mixed media, metal work, and photography. Creation is how I communicate with the world and competing athletically has always been inexorably linked, and the two are major part of who I am.
10. If you could meet one person from history, who would it be?
    This is a five-way tie between Barbara Kruger, Emily Dickinson, Queen Elizabeth I, Louise Erdrich, and Cleopatra.

To learn more about Daniella 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, and 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 nomination.

Are You Ready for Phi Kappa Phi Week?

Phi Kappa Phi is hosting a weeklong national event, Feb. 3-7, to celebrate the Society, its chapters, and member achievements.

Everyone is encouraged to show their pride in Phi Kappa Phi by participating in chapter activities and wearing Society apparel, pins, and the colors navy and gold.

Chapters can participate in many ways, including:

• Hosting one or more of the events suggested on the Phi Kappa Phi Week page (promotional table session, member social event, volunteer project)
• Handing out Phi Kappa Phi fact sheets and/or award sheets
• Hanging posters and running advertisements on campus for chapter events during the week
• Highlighting member achievements on social media and promoting Phi Kappa Phi using the resources and tips at the bottom of the Phi Kappa Phi Week page

Don’t forget to register your chapter events with the national office by Jan. 31. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Lowery, chapter development director.

Member Tips: How to Stay on Track

It’s the start of a new year, and just about everyone we know has set goals or achievements they would like to accomplish. However, it’s not always easy to stay on track. Life happens fast, and working towards our goals can sometimes feel overwhelming.

We’ve pulled five of the most popular tips our members have shared for how they stay on track. After reading their advice, we invite you to join the conversation in the Phi Kappa Phi community by sharing your tips for staying on top of your goals. Click here to visit the online member community and share your experiences and advice today!

1. Create lists and stick to them.
One of the most popular tips our members have shared is the use of lists—weekly, handwritten lists. It may sound simple, but there have been studies showing that regularly writing down your goals will make you 42% more likely to achieve them.

Our members recommend using a designated notebook, sticky notes, index cards or the notes app of your smartphone. You can even make your lists fun by using colored pens, highlighters or colored sticky notes. One member shared that they add inspirational quotes to their lists to keep a positive outlook.

There is a lot of satisfaction that comes from checking tasks off a list, and this feeling of accomplishment can go a long way in keeping you focused your goals.

2. Make use of a planner—electronic, print or both.
Another very popular tip shared among our members is the use of a planner. One member stated that being on track is not only about documenting tasks, but also recording what you have completed. You get the satisfaction of looking back through your planner to see all that you have accomplished, and the thing I appreciate most about a planner is that they can be referred to as a diary allowing you to look back at life events.

Members say that they also implement the use of colors and reminders in their calendars to add another layer of organization to their tasks. One member shared that their planner even helps to reduce their stress level because they are able to look at their planner to see all they have accomplished and view their progress towards their goals.

3. Don’t get distracted by feeling overwhelmed or getting off track.
Let’s face it, we all veer off course at some point during our journey. However, it’s important that we recognize bumps in the road and have a plan in mind for getting back on the path to our goals. Learning from our setbacks allows us to plan for future challenges, and we can create a system to get focused again quicker.

Turn the inevitable stumbling blocks we will experience throughout our journey into a positive. They can present us with lessons, and these lessons add value to our journey.

4. Check in with a partner to keep both of you on track.
Several members have mentioned that they discuss their goals with a partner to create a sense of accountability, and the process of communicating those goals helps to organize the smaller tasks needed to accomplish the bigger goal. Reporting to a partner also helps to keep the focus on the main goal, and scratching those smaller tasks off your list helps to create a sense satisfaction.

It can be easy to miscalculate our progress when we’re only reporting to ourselves, but when we have a supportive partner to share our progress with, it’s easier to be honest about our accomplishments.

5. Celebrate your accomplishments and make time to enjoy leisure activities between the grind.
Finally, what is the purpose of having goals if we can’t enjoy the journey? It’s easy for us to focus on the exhaustion of the daily grind, but it’s important that we celebrate our accomplishments and make time for fun and relaxation so we can stay motivated to reach our goals. Reset your mind by connecting with friends and family, meditating and getting more sleep.

Are you on track to accomplish your goals? Or, are you struggling? Whether you’re on target, or are just getting started, we want to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts in the Phi Kappa Phi community, where other members will share their experiences and offer advice, support and encouragement.

Note, the community is available to active members only, and your member login will be required. For assistance with your login, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Celebrate International Mentoring Day

Today is International Mentoring Day and to honor those who take on the challenge, we want to hear your stories.

Mentoring provides a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many mentors say they are grateful for the chance to mentor because the experience is more rewarding than they imagined.

Are you a mentor? If so, tell us in the comments below about your experience. Your story may inspire others to get involved and make an impact in the lives of others.

If you’re not yet a mentor, check out the below resources to help you get started:

• Become a Mentor
• National Mentoring Resource Center
• The Mentoring Effect

Don’t forget to join the conversation with us on social media throughout the month by using #PKPMentors and #MentoringWorks.

Learn how to become a mentor today.

Last Call for Board Nominations

The Nominating Committee seeks names of qualified Phi Kappa Phi members who may be interested in serving on the Board of Directors or as Divisional Vice Presidents during the 2020-2022 biennium.

Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 30.

Positions to be elected at the 2020 biennial convention include:

• President-elect
• Vice President for Chapter Development
• Five Directors
• Two student members, one undergraduate and one graduate student
• Five Divisional Vice Presidents
• One member of the Foundation Board of Trustees

The nominations process has changed from previous years. If you would like more information or are interested in nominating a candidate for election, please visit the Call for Nominations page.

Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Awards Program

Phi Kappa Phi is accepting applications for its 2020 awards program including Fellowships, Study Abroad Grants, Literacy Grants, Love of Learning Awards, Scholar/Artist and Distinguished Service Awards. These awards provide funding for graduate study, continuing education, professional development, studies abroad and local, national and international literacy initiatives.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. Nearly $1 million is awarded each year through programs that last year recognized more than 350 individuals.

Programs accepting applications include:

• Fellowships: A total of 58 fellowships are available to members entering their first year of graduate or professional study - 50 Fellowships of $8,500 each, six at $20,000 each, and two at $35,000. Application deadlines vary, so contact your local chapter for more information.
• Study Abroad Grants: 75 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to both members and non-members studying abroad. The deadline to apply is March 15.
• Literacy Grants: Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members seeking funding for literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1.
• Love of Learning Awards: 200 awards, at $500 each, are available to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and professional development for active members. The deadline to apply is June 30.
• Scholar and Artist: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
• Distinguished Service: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

“I'm so grateful to Phi Kappa Phi, not only for giving me the opportunity to start graduate school undistracted by finances, but also giving me the encouragement to pursue my studies knowing that my dream career is in reach and that opportunities are out there,” said Chisom Ogoke, a Phi Kappa Phi award recipient.

For more information including eligibility requirements and application instructions, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

Our Top Tips for National Clean Your Desk Day

The new year is here and it’s time to get organized. And what better day to consider it than today – National Clean Your Desk Day! Not only can a clean desk re-energize you mentally, it can boost productivity, remove distractions, readjust your focus and create a more professional image.

Here are our top tips for getting your desk in order:

• Remove Distractions – First things first: Don’t get distracted. Set aside space in a drawer for items that prevent you from getting your work done. Whether it’s your phone or favorite magazine, out of sight means out of mind. Move them off the top of your desk and leave them there.
• A Place for Everything – Group related items and give everything a home. Utilize organizers, labels and files to corral your supplies. Use walls to hang a cork or dry erase board where things can keep your attention without taking up space. Click here to learn how our members can save up to 80% on these items and more at Office Depot.
• Time Management – Get control over your schedule while you declutter. Find a desk calendar or planner that suits your style and transfer loose sticky notes and random reminders into it. Let Society partner Franklin Planner help you focus your time and achieve your goals with their organizational tools.
• Save to the Cloud – Eliminate paper when possible by saving documents electronically to ditch the clutter. Backup your desktop and store files securely to the cloud with the added bonus of being able to access them from anywhere with a Carbonite computer backup subscription. Find out how members can receive a 10% discount.
• Pin it Down – Got one last stack of paper that needs your attention and can’t be put away just yet? Keep it under control while showing off your Phi Kappa Phi pride with a Society paperweight from Church Hill Classics.
• Daily Diligence – Make time at the end of each day to return your desk to order. Whether it’s cleaning your coffee mug or tossing papers into recycling, spending a few minutes each afternoon can help start your next morning off right.

Don’t Miss Your Chance! Enter the Grad Photo Contest Today

The deadline is almost here! 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.

Phi Kappa Phi Announces 2019-2020 Circle of Excellence Chapters

Phi Kappa Phi today announced the chapters receiving a 2019-2020 Circle of Excellence commendation. The awards—Platinum, Gold, and Silver—are given to the Society’s top chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence on their local campus and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.

The Circle of Excellence distinction was introduced in 2018. This year, the program named 108 chapters with recognition including 32 as Platinum, 37 as Gold, and 39 as Silver.

“The Circle of Excellence program recognizes Phi Kappa Phi chapters that have gone above and beyond to promote academic excellence on their campuses,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

By receiving the Circle of Excellence honor, these chapters are recognized as thriving organizations that hold annual initiations, uphold the Society Bylaws, regularly attend chapter training opportunities and submit a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.

Chapters achieving the Circle of Excellence distinction receive:

• a commendation letter from the Society sent to campus administration
• special recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website
• specially-designed logo for use in chapter communications
• choice of a cash award or event registration grant

Click here to learn more about the Circle of Excellence program and see the full list of 2019-2020 chapters.

Member Benefit Highlights – January 2020

Planners, laptops, notebooks and pens, another semester is here again! Get everything you need to ace the semester when you shop Phi Kappa Phi partners, and make the grade with exclusive savings.

Carbonite
Make sure your reports, term papers and notes are securely backed up to the cloud. Carbonite backup subscriptions allow you to access your files from any device, anytime. As an active Phi Kappa Phi member, you are eligible to receive a 10% discount on any Carbonite subscription, with additional discounts available for multi-year purchase. Visit www.Carbonite.com and enter promo code PKPOFFER10.

Dell
Looking to upgrade your laptop? Shop the Dell Member Purchase Program to get the latest technology and access savings up to 35% on select laptops. Members also have access to special promotions in addition to standard discounts. Visit Dell's Secure Member Purchase Store at www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi. Discounts are automatically calculated in the purchase price and will appear in red at checkout.

Franklin Planner
Let this semester be the end of procrastination and forgetfulness! Franklin Planner can help you stay organized and meet every deadline with their large selection of planners and organizers. Active membership grants you access to a 15% discount on any online purchase at www.FranklinPlanner.com with promo code PKPMember.

Lenovo
Exceed the limits of learning with Lenovo's wide range of PCs and technology, and save up to 50%. Shop the Phi Kappa Phi member store at www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi, and click here to learn more about exclusive monthly offers.

Lumosity
When you need to take a break from studying, play one of Lumosity’s 60+ brain games. Challenge your mind and enjoy a 35% discount on Lumosity’s scientifically designed games. Click here to create a Lumosity account or log in to your existing account and apply the discount to your purchase.

Office Depot
Office Depot is your back-to-school headquarters! Access savings up to 80% on more than 93,000 items. Plus, members receive free next-day delivery on online orders over $50. To shop in-store, click here to print an Office Depot Store Purchasing Card. If you prefer to shop online, click here to register for an online account and visit OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP to start shopping.

Phi Kappa Phi Store
Return to campus in style and show your Phi Kappa Phi pride with Society-branded gear! Shop apparel, backpacks, accessories and more at www.PhiKappaPhiStore.org. Members are eligible for free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

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

Phi Kappa Phi Celebrates National Mentoring Month

As a Phi Kappa Phi member, you’ve made great achievements in your academic career. When you look back over your journey, who comes to mind? Was it a science or math teacher who encouraged you to work hard? Was it a professor or faculty member who empowered you to pursue your dream? Most likely, you were lucky enough to have a mentor who inspired and challenged you to be where you are today.

January marks the 19th annual National Mentoring Month—a month dedicated to celebrating mentors and encouraging the public to become involved.

This impact is evident in research that shows when matched through a quality mentoring program, mentors can play a powerful role in providing students with the tools to stay focused and engaged in school. According to The National Mentoring Partnership, young adults who have mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college.

Join us throughout January as we celebrate the benefits of mentoring as well as the mentors who make a difference in students’ lives each day.

To share your mentoring story, email news@phikappaphi.org, and join the conversation on social media by using #PKPMentors and #MentoringMonth.

Chapter Update – January 2020

By Michelle Lowery
Chapter Development Director

A Season of Service Continues

This month’s Chapter Update continues to focus on service and includes highlights from three initiatives completed by chapters in Kentucky, New York and North Carolina 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!

AU Visits Humane Society

Chapter 117 at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, partnered with Tau Beta Pi – The Engineering Honor Society, to visit the Hornell Area Humane Society on Oct. 26.

HAHS has been taking care of animals for over 100 years and is committed to a no-kill philosophy while reducing animal cruelty and advancing the highest standards of animal welfare through education and advocacy. The shelter has 16 dog runs with inside/outside access, a meet and greet room and training room for dogs, a free-roaming room for up to 12 cats, additional space for individually housed cats and an isolation room for sick and injured cats.

Phi Kappa Phi members provided support for the shelter by cleaning, feeding and playing with the animals. Caring for the animals also provided a mental break for the five students who visited the shelter.

“There was a noticeable change in the entire group’s mood almost immediately upon entering the facility. After spending some time with the animals, students were more calm, relaxed, and smiley,” said Natalie Turco, student vice president.

Members also learned about services provided by the staff and future renovations due to a grant awarded to HAHS by the Companion Animal Capital Fund.

MU Hosts Book Drive

Chapter 342 at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, hosted a book drive during the month of October to promote literacy and a love of learning at the Margaret Willis Elementary School.

The chapter also partnered with MU to send students to deliver the 238 books donated and help the children at Margaret Willis learn to read. The books were stamped with the Phi Kappa Phi emblem, and children are allowed to take the books home to read at their leisure.

MSU Hosts Engineering Day for Girl Scouts

Chapter 302 at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, partnered with their University Libraries to participate in Engineering Day, a one-day event for Girl Scouts on Oct. 26.

The chapter’s goal was to promote the value of learning and the role organizations like Phi Kappa Phi play in academic development.

Chapter members served as volunteers for the event, staffed an information table with Phi Kappa Phi materials, and discussed the importance of research and scholarly inquiry with over 150 girls whose ages ranged from 10 to 17 years old.

Top photo by the Hornell Area Humane Society – Participants are, from left, Erin Congdon; Natalie Turco, student vice president; Carissa Dopman; Amber Smith; and Ben Sennett.

Bottom photo by Melony Shemberger – Ashley Ireland, far right, standing, dean of Murray State Libraries and president-elect of Phi Kappa Phi, talks through the virtual reality rhythm video game, “Beat Saber,” with a player.