Save on Your Next Adventure with Road Scholar

Calling all lifelong learners! Phi Kappa Phi is partnered with Road Scholar to offer our members exclusive savings on worldwide guided travel. Choose a destination from San Francisco to Siberia, and head out for an in-depth learning experience. All of Road Scholar’s programs provide exceptional educational opportunities led by instructors who are experts in their fields. With 5,500 options covering 150 countries and all 50 states, you’re sure to find a perfect destination. Plus as a Phi Kappa Phi member, you’ll receive $100 off your first adventure when you sign up for a free catalog,

Who is it for? Baby boomers and beyond can book the trip of a lifetime. Whether solo travelers or couples, Road Scholars are passionate lifelong learners, usually over the age of 50.

What’s included? The programs are all-inclusive. Lectures, field trips, lodging, most meals, gratuities, and group transportation—all the details and all the costs are included. International trips can incorporate airfare, too, through specially negotiated fares.

What if there’s a problem? Every program includes The Road Scholar Assurance Plan at no extra cost, which provides 24-hour assistance in the unlikely case of an emergency. Some items covered include emergency medical evacuation, medical escort if necessary, assistance with lost or delayed baggage and more.

Is financial assistance available? Road Scholar offers scholarships on their U.S. programs for those who don’t have the resources to take part in a learning adventure. Thanks to donor generosity, more than 300 scholarships are awarded each year.

How do I enroll? Visit www.RoadScholar.org/HSPKP to browse destinations, view dates and get pricing information. Choose your program, and let Road Scholar walk you through all the details.

Questions? Call 800-454-5768 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST for assistance or to enroll by phone.

Literacy Grant Spotlight: The Student Success Center

Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards Literacy Grants of up to $2,500 to active members and chapters. The grants help fund projects ranging from traditional reading initiatives to those fostering learning in cultural, digital, financial, health, historical literacy and beyond. For 2019 grant recipient Liberatus Rwebugisa, that financial support helped his ongoing efforts to improve literacy through The Student Success Center in Tanzania.

For Rwebugisa, a co-founder of Advocacy Tanzania, the purpose of the SSC project is to build and sustain strong, fundamental academic skills by providing books, tutoring and mentoring to students in a rural area of the African country. “Bukoki village and other five neighboring villages have a total of eleven public schools, none of which have a library/tutoring center,” he shared. While poor test performance and high dropout rates were often improved with private tutoring, many rural families found this to be an unaffordable option.

With the support of Phi Kappa Phi and Tanzanian volunteers, the grant money was directed toward renovating a room to be used as a library, as well as purchasing books and building shelves. Local masons and carpenters volunteered their time for the renovation, and students and adults alike helped bring the library to life.

“This grant is an important milestone towards the dream of Advocacy Tanzania of establishing a Center for Community Building with a central library and other communitywide educational services including tutoring and mentoring services for both children and adults,” shared Rwebugisa.

Visit www.phikappaphi.org/literacy to learn more about all of the 2019 Literacy Grant recipients or to start your grant application. Deadline for applications is April 1, 2020.

Photos provided by Liberatus Rwebugisa – A before and after comparison of the renovation work in a Tanzanian library project funded by a Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grant.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – February 2020

Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia, David Blekhman moved to the United States in 1995. During his first year in the U.S., he worked as a carpet cutter and learned the English language. While dressed as a tradesman with a knife and measuring tape on his belt, David shared with customers that he would be starting graduate school within the next year. Most would smile and nod in disbelief.

Having already earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in thermal physics and engineering from St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University in Russia, David began his doctoral studies in the fall of 1996 at The State University of New York at Buffalo. By the time he graduated in 2002 with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, David was focused on becoming a professor.

His first job was at Grand Valley State University in Michigan and, in 2007, he moved to California State University, Los Angeles, where he currently serves as a Professor of Technology, among many other titles. In 2011, David was awarded his first Fulbright grant to teach and conduct fuel cell and hydrogen research in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and he went on to be selected as a Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Alternative Energy Technology at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, in 2019. David delivered his Fulbright inaugural lecture on Nov. 8, 2019, and attended the 2019 Nobel Prize Ceremony, both highlights of his experience through the Swedish Fulbright program.

Let’s get to know David!

1. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
   In addition to the internal feeling of success, being invited to join Phi Kappa Phi is an external reaffirmation of achievement. But certainly on a deeper level, it is an organization of people who work hard and are driven by their internal leadership toward higher goals.


2. How do you define success?
   I have been truly enjoying developing the Sustainable Energy and Transportation program through new classes, research projects, and collaboration with colleagues and industry. Being able to set challenging goals and accomplish most of them brings a great feeling of achievement.


3. Where do you usually go when you have time off?
   When I get sufficient time off, I like to travel back to my country home in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg. It stirs up the carefree memories of my childhood, riding a bicycle through the woods or to the lake. Saint Petersburg, of course, is one of the most beautiful and history rich cities in the world.


4. Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?
   Stephen Hawking has impressed me with what he has been able to accomplish despite his physical challenges in life. He was a brilliant scientist with the inspirational will of not giving up.


5. What is one of the most interesting vacations you’ve taken?
   One of the more interesting vacations I have been on was a trip to Paris that I won in a raffle at a conference. It was a trip for two for five days, with all expenses paid, to discover the mysteries and historic sites from "The Da Vinci Code" movie.


6. What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
   One of the hardest lessons I have learned is that the best and worst human qualities appear in the most challenging circumstances.


7. What’s your dream car?
   A Lamborghini, of course. My friend used to have a poster of one on his wall when I was a teenager.


8. What do you regret not doing or starting when you were younger?
   When I was younger, I stopped training after four years of judo. During those years, I learned perseverance and staying focused when needed. However, I regret not continuing for a few more years.


9. Who is your hero?
   My parents and grandfathers. My parents survived the WWII evacuation when they were only three years old and both of my grandfathers fought against the Nazis.


10. What’s your favorite drink?
    A glass of water from a hydrogen car. My students and I have recently developed a device that collects exhaust water from a fuel cell car. On a hot muggy night, however, a mojito would sound pretty refreshing.

To learn more about David 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, 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.

Announcing the Graduation Photo Contest Winners

Drumroll, please!

Phi Kappa Phi is excited to announce the winners of the Fall 2019 Graduation Photo Contest. The top 10 photos received 600 votes in total!

Congratulations to Adrianna Tennison, from University of Florida, who was selected as the first-place winner. As the first-place recipient, Tennison received a $100 Amazon gift card. January Kim, from The Ohio State University, was awarded second place and a $50 Amazon gift card. Third went to Debrath Banerjee, from Arkansas State University, who received a $25 Amazon gift card.

Watch for the winning entries, along with other submissions, to appear in various Phi Kappa Phi marketing and promotional materials. And stay tuned for details about the Spring Graduation Photo Contest, which will open in May.

To see all photos entered into the contest, visit our Flickr page.

Applying for Our Awards? Don’t Miss These Helpful Tips

At Phi Kappa Phi, spring is award season, and we want prepare you to turn in a winning application! Wherever you are in your academic or professional career, you can find an award that’s right for you. Let these tips guide you toward completing an award-winning application.

Overall Application Tips

1. Make sure you’re eligible! If membership is required for the award, click here to log in and check your membership expiration. Visit www.phikappaphi.org/renew if it’s time to renew.
2. Apply early – and keep applying! If you aren’t selected, try again next time. Funds are limited so not getting chosen doesn’t mean your application wasn’t competitive.
3. Get personal. Your personal statement tells a story. This article offers advice to give your application a voice and help it stand out from the crowd.
4. Choose letter writers wisely. Select professors and mentors who know you well.
5. Don’t pad it or wing it. Take time to submit your best effort, but be honest about your accomplishments. If portions feel less than stellar, explain how you plan to improve in the future.
6. Proofread. Then proofread again.

Study Abroad – Deadline March 15

1. All are welcome! Non-members can apply to Study Abroad.
2. Don’t delay. You can apply while awaiting acceptance into a program.
3. Connect the dots. Explain how the travel will impact your future career plans.

Literacy – Deadline April 1

1. Think beyond books. Projects focusing on all facets of literacy are welcome to apply.
2. Do your research. Check out the samples of winning proposals online.
3. Plan ahead. Provide a clear budget for your project and include other external funding.

Fellowship – National deadline April 15; chapter deadlines vary

1. Give us six minutes. Watch our “Advice for Applicants” video.
2. Know the top tips. Did you catch this blog? This expanded advice can help applicants and chapters alike.
3. Fill in the gaps. Visit our Fellowship FAQ for more info and resources.

Love of Learning – Deadline June 30

1. Describe the impact. Share how the proposed activity will help your future goals.
2. Follow these leads. Look at past winning proposals on our website.
3. Mind your money. Provide an itemized budget showing how the award will be spent.

Click here to learn more about all of our awards or visit our online application portal to get started today.

Member Mentions – February 2020

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi's international community is a unique blend of students, academicians, and corporate and civic leaders from all fields of endeavor. Membership in Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and rewards academic success. That recognition doesn’t end after initiation. From their time in school to their professional career, Society members’ hard work continues to pay off and be acknowledged.

Phi Kappa Phi would like to congratulate these members on their recent achievements:

Natasha George (Nazareth College) is one of three Nazareth students selected to attend the 12th Annual Clinton Global Initiative University at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in April. George’s CGI U Commitment to Action focuses on acquiring resources to create a recycling project in Rochester, New York. George is an international studies major with a focus on the environment and climate change.

Kathryn Jablokow (Pennsylvania State University) will serve a two-year term as program director for the National Science Foundation's Engineering Design and Systems Engineering program in Alexandria, Virginia. While there, Jablokow will collaborate with others on U.S. and international science, engineering and education while retaining ties with Penn State and returning to them with new insights and experience.

Emma Mansberg (University of Alabama) was honored with the Horizon Award at the 12th annual Realizing the Dream Legacy Banquet in January. According to the University of Alabama, “The award goes to a young person who demonstrates outstanding vision and hope in promoting social justice, equality and peace.” Mansberg is a political science major and will graduate in May.

Brett Ranon Nachman (University of Wisconsin-Madison) has been named as a recipient of the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The award recognizes doctoral-level graduate students who show promise as future leaders of higher education. He is one of seven chosen from nominees across the country.

Judith Zaffirini (Texas A&M International University) has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens Council 12 in Laredo, Texas, for her work ethic and public service. As a member of the Texas State Senate, she has passed more bills than any other legislator in the history of the state of Texas.

Do you have an accomplishment you’d like to share? Email your member news to news@phikappaphi.org to be considered for inclusion.

Scholarships Available for DC-Based Internships

Are you interested in a DC-based internship? Through a partnership with The Fund for American Studies, Phi Kappa Phi members are invited to apply for a $2,500 scholarship towards an academic internship experience in the nation’s capital.

TFAS brings together top students from across the globe for an intensive and comprehensive program that includes academic credit through George Mason University, internship placement, furnished housing, site briefings, guest lectures and networking opportunities. Three scholarships in the amount of $2,500 have been reserved for members of Phi Kappa Phi. Members not selected for one of these scholarships will be reviewed for awards from The Fund for American Studies' general scholarship fund. Members must denote their Society membership in their online application materials.

The programs include multiple tracks offered each summer, as well as one program each fall and spring semester. Click on the boxes below for detailed information on each one. Currently accepting applications are:

Summer Programs

Deadline March 10

Fall Capital Semester Program
Early Deadline March 1; Priority Scholarship Deadline April 15; Final Deadline June 1

Internship scholarship opportunities are available to active Society members only. Not active? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Renew to renew your membership today.

Visit DCInternships.org for more information on the programs and application information. Questions may be directed to Mary Stankus, Recruitment and Admissions Director, at mstankus@tfas.org or 202-986-0384.

Our Top Tips for Fellowship Applicants

Phi Kappa Phi will soon award a total of $615,000 to Fellowship recipients for 2020 – including 50 awards of $8,500 each, six at $20,000 each, and two at $35,000. The program provides funding to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study across all academic disciplines.

Applicants are invited to apply through their local chapter. Each active Phi Kappa Phi chapter may select one candidate from among the local applicants to compete for the Society-wide awards.

Does the task seem daunting? Seth Flynn, a 2019 Fellowship recipient, offers a bit of advice. Despite his personal doubts, the advisers at his chapter provided encouragement and guidance. ”My advice to anyone wavering in their decision to send in an application is to absolutely give it a shot,” Flynn shared. “Writing the personal statement, showcasing a sample of my academic writing, and telling the story of my interest in geriatrics was a therapeutic introspective exercise that helped me articulate my personal convictions and professional goals. You owe it to yourself to apply for these awards!”

Here are a few Fellowship tips:

1. Stay active – Since only active members of Phi Kappa Phi are eligible, be sure your dues are paid by the April 15 deadline (or you have accepted membership by June 30). Click here to log in and check your membership expiration date. Click here to renew.
2. Time it right – You can apply while awaiting acceptance into your graduate program. And the award isn’t just for seniors—you can apply after receiving a bachelor’s degree, as long as you have not earned 10+ hours of graduate credit.
3. Toot your own horn – Give descriptions of honors and awards, but don’t pad the application. Distinguish between paid and volunteer work, but list both.
4. Choose wisely – When asking for recommendation letters, select professors/mentors that know you well. Be clear about what you’re applying for, give them plenty of time, and provide them with any information they need.
5. Gather the goods – Don’t let a missed item prevent your success. You must include the application (complete online, download and print), official transcripts, two recommendation letters, standardized test scores (if applicable), and a work sample.
6. Beat the deadline – While the national deadline for chapters to submit is April 15, local deadlines for student submissions will be earlier and will vary. Make sure you check with your local chapter for their cutoff date. To find a list of officers at your chapter, click here.

Want more tips? These links can help:

• Fellowship FAQ – Includes examples of personal statements and work samples
• Advice for Applicants (PDF)
• Advice for Applicants (Video)

Are you a past award recipient? We want to hear your stories and application advice! Join the conversation in our exclusive, member-only community, Link.

Red, White and Blue Savings for You from Lenovo

This month may be small but these bargains are big! Don’t let February slip by and miss out on presidential savings up to 67% on Lenovo products! Phi Kappa Phi members, friends and family can cash in on fantastic deals on Lenovo’s extensive selection of PCs and tech while supplies last throughout the month.

Lenovo's product lines include the legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones.

Are you a student wanting to upgrade your laptop or a professional who wants the latest technology to keep your business running smoothly? February’s exclusive deals include savings up to 52% on IdeaPad and Flex laptops, 67% on ThinkPad laptops, 50% on accessories and tech and 31% on Legion gaming desktops.

Special financing is available for many purchases with the flexibility to pay over time. Plus, there’s always free shipping for members!

Visit www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to shop online, and click here to learn more about exclusive monthly offers. Visit often—special offers change frequently.

Save on Insurance with Your Phi Kappa Phi Membership

Protect yourself and your family in both your personal and professional life by taking advantage of insurance products by Mercer Consumer, a service of Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC. Mercer has partnered with Phi Kappa Phi to provide an exclusive and comprehensive set of insurance offerings to Society members including life, health, dental, vision, pet and more.

Secure essential insurance protection with Mercer today! You and your family can enjoy special rates, as applicable, and Mercer will give you the tools you need to make informed decisions about coverage.

These cost-effective solutions can be an ideal answer for the self-employed entrepreneur, the budget-conscious student, or a smart way to fill the gaps in an employer benefit program. Coverage options include:

Life Insurance

Group Term Life Insurance – Life insurance is one of the cornerstones of financial planning. Make sure your loved ones are taken care of if something happens to you.
Group 10-Year Level Term Life Insurance – Protect your family – and your finances – by locking in your rates and benefits for 10 years.

Personal Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance – Put your worry aside, and let Mercer find the right long-term care insurance for you.

Travel Assistance – AssistPlus – Emergencies while traveling are an unwelcome challenge, but AssistPlus can come to your rescue. AssistPlus provides you with access to medical and travel assistance benefits that are not covered by your basic health or travel insurance plan.
Pet Insurance – Pets are family, too, and their care can be expensive. Get peace of mind knowing you can get help with some of the bills including surgeries, lab fees, X-rays, prescriptions and more.

Health Insurance

Major Medical Insurance – Simplify your health insurance! Choose from a wide variety of plans to find an affordable, comprehensive solution that’s easy to understand.

ACA Health Insurance – When you’re ready to shop for an Affordable Care Act compliant health plan, GetInsured makes it easy. It will walk you through the process and give you personalized recommendations for health plans.
Short Term Medical Insurance – If you're facing a gap in health insurance, a temporary plan can provide affordable coverage and give you peace of mind.
Health Savers Benefit Card – Save on dental powered by Aetna Dental Access®, Coast To Coast Vision™, pharmacy costs and Health Advocate™ Solutions services.

To learn more about available plan options and enrollment information, visit https://pkp.alumniplans.com. If you would prefer to speak with a Mercer representative, call 888-560-ALUM (2586) and be sure to mention your membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Travel Tales: Taylor Johnson

Each year, Phi Kappa Phi distributes seventy-five $1,000 Study Abroad Grants to undergraduate students participating in international travel programs. The grants are designed to support students as they gain experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. For many students like Taylor Johnson at Brigham Young University, it can be a life-changing opportunity to reach their future goals.

As a neuroscience major, Johnson’s participation in BYU’s Society, Behavior, and Health study abroad program gave him the opportunity to visit several areas of the world where people live longer, healthier lives. The goal was to immerse himself “in the local culture in order to gain insights concerning the physical, social, and emotional aspects of longevity and fulfillment,” he shared.

“We visited three Blue Zones, or areas of the world in which the population has an exceptionally high proportion of centenarians,” said Johnson. The program, held last summer, took him to Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; and Okinawa, Japan. “My role was to observe and immerse myself in the local lifestyles that seem to promote good health and longevity.”

During their travels, participants met centenarians, enjoyed local traditions, learned about cuisine and food preparation, and studied possible mechanisms of longevity. “I also observed very close social relationships within these communities and saw how that positively impacts health tremendously,” he added.

The grants, available to members and non-members on campuses with active Phi Kappa Phi chapters, can turn a dream into a reality for recipients. As Johnson noted, “I am very grateful for the generous contribution of Phi Kappa Phi that has helped make my ideal study abroad experience possible. I feel honored to be a recipient of this grant and will surely work hard to make the most of this unique opportunity.”

Are you a past award recipient? We want to hear your story! Join the conversation in our exclusive, member-only community, Link.

Interested in applying for a Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant? Click here to learn more and apply by March 15.

Pin Your Pride and Win!

You earned that Phi Kappa Phi membership pin – now let’s see how you show it off. Did you wear it to graduation? Do you proudly sport it around campus or at work? Is it the lucky charm on your lapel when you head into a big presentation? Send us a photo of yourself wearing your pin for a chance to win a Phi Kappa Phi store gift card up to $100 and be featured in Society materials.

To enter, click here to submit your photo(s) by March 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 Phi Kappa Phi store gift card, second place will receive a $50 Phi Kappa Phi store gift card and third place will receive a $25 Phi Kappa Phi store gift card.

Click here for more details including official rules. If you have questions about the contest, contact Alyssa Perez at aperez@phikappaphi.org.

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Fall Service Project Awards

By Michelle Lowery
Chapter Development Director

Phi Kappa Phi today announced the recipients of the 2019 Fall Service Project Awards. Chapters were encouraged to partner with a community organization to complete a service project with a literacy-focused cause. The chapters selected for the awards included:

• Florida Institute of Technology (Division II)
• Methodist University (Division IV)
• Murray State University (Division III)
• The University of Kentucky (Division I)

Service projects this year included collecting and delivering books to schools, providing cyber security training to residents of a retirement home, educating Girl Scouts on the importance of research and scholarly inquiry, and creating oyster mats that remove impurities from water naturally.

The national office will provide a $200 monetary contribution to each chapter’s partner community organization. More information on the Fall Service Projects will be available in the spring edition of Forum, Phi Kappa Phi’s quarterly magazine.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Lowery, chapter development director.

Phi Kappa Phi Celebrates Black History Month

Here at The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi we love to celebrate the achievements of our members. In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting a handful of members who’ve made lasting impressions – from breaking down barriers on school campuses to flying, quite literally, among the stars.

Delores P. Aldridge (Clark Atlanta University) – Aldridge, an award-winning sociologist and civil rights activist, was the first African American woman faculty member at Emory College of Arts and Sciences. There she served as the founding director of the first Black Studies degree program in the South.

Rita Dove (Miami University) – When Dove was named U.S. Poet Laureate in 1993, she was the youngest person and first African American to be named to the position. She has received numerous awards including a Pulitzer Prize.

Marcheta P. Evans (University of Texas at San Antonio) – As the president of Bloomfield College, she is the first woman and first African American to lead the school. “It became my mission to … be in a position to apply for a presidential job,” shared Evans in an interview with the college’s radio station. “It was mainly being done because there’s a scarcity of women – and women of color – that are presidents.”

Ernest Gaines (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) – Born on a Louisiana plantation, Gaines became an award-winning author and educator. His honors include the Louisiana Humanist of the Year, the National Humanities Medal, a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and a nomination for a Pulitzer Prize.

Wendell Gunn (University of North Alabama) – As the first African American student to integrate into UNA, Gunn eventually served on the university’s Board of Trustees. He also served as a senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan.

Bernard Harris, Jr. (University of Minnesota) – Harris, a medical doctor and pilot, was chosen to serve aboard two NASA Space Shuttle missions. In 1995, he became the first African American to perform a spacewalk.

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III (University of Maryland, Baltimore Campuses) - Hrabowski, author and president of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME magazine in 2012.

Ellis Marsalis Jr. (University of New Orleans) – The acclaimed jazz musician has worked as an educator at The University of New Orleans and Xavier University of Louisiana and influenced countless musicians throughout his career.

Photo by NASA – Bernard Harris, Jr.

Free GRE Strategy Webinar on Feb. 13

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and The Princeton Review have teamed up to host a free GRE Strategy Webinar on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. C.T. A Princeton Review instructor will teach attendees how to maximize their score, and topics will include:

1. GRE misconceptions and truths – Have your friends told you what to expect? Let a Princeton Review instructor debunk the myths so you know what to expect.


2. Exclusive Princeton Review test-taking strategies – Let these top tips help you confidently approach the test and reach your target score.


3. Question types, scoring and structure – From essay questions to basic math to vocabulary, knowing the format and timing of the test can dramatically boost your performance.


4. Ways to dodge "traps" – Don’t let common mistakes cost you points. Know what to watch for and how to avoid getting tripped up.

Attendees can participate in a question and answer session at the end of the webinar and will have access to a special offer from The Princeton Review.

Click here to reserve your spot today! If you can’t attend the webinar, click here to sign up for a free recording.

For chapters, hosting a webinar is a great way to engage prospective students on campus. Dr. Valarie Burke, a chapter officer at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, shared the success of their recent GRE strategy webinar noting great turnout, both in-person and online. “The students were engaged, both writing notes and asking questions on the webinar Q&A section,” Burke said, and they left feeling better prepared for the test.

Questions about attending or hosting a webinar? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

Member Benefits Highlights – February 2020

All you need is love, but a little savings won’t hurt and these sweet deals are sure to bring the cheer. Access savings up to 40% on car rentals, language learning tools, technology, movie tickets and more!

BonusDrive

Are you or a family member purchasing a new car soon? Apply for a rebate up to $500 off the purchase or lease of a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Hyundai or FIAT through BonusDrive. Visit www.BonusDrive.com/Home/VehicleInformation to complete the short online application within 60 days of your purchase or lease of a qualifying vehicle. Any paperwork or details needed to proceed with the rebate will be provided through the BonusDrive website, and the rebate check will be mailed within approximately 8-10 weeks. It's that simple!

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enjoy fast and easy car rental bookings from Enterprise, and take advantage of a 5% discount on standard, undiscounted daily, weekly and monthly rates. Click here to book your reservation online and the 5% savings will be automatically applied to the internet best rate.

Fluenz

Want to learn a new language? Fluenz offers interactive language learning software for Spanish (Latin American), French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Spanish (Spain), and you can save 20% on any Fluenz purchase with promo code PKPOFFER20 at Fluenz.com.

HP

HP offers a broad line of technology, from notebooks and desktops to printers, accessories and more! As a Phi Kappa Phi member, you can save up to 35% on high-quality HP products and access free shipping. To shop online, visit www.HPDirect.com/Member/Phi_Kappa_Phi. Discounts are automatically applied.

MemberDeals

Break out the popcorn and access savings up to 30% on movie tickets at your local movie theater. Discover exclusive discounts to the nation’s top theaters, including AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Century Theatres and many more. Purchasing movie tickets through MemberDeals is easy and convenient, and all tickets are e-tickets. Click here to purchase your tickets today!

UPS

Save up to 34% on shipping with UPS, the world's largest package delivery company. To ship, visit SaveWithUPS.com/PhiKappaPhi and create a UPS account. If you are an existing UPS account holder, you will have the option to login with your existing UPS credentials. Questions can be directed to UPS Customer Service at 800-636-2377, and be sure to mention your membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

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

Vote Now! Graduation Photo Contest

Thanks to all who submitted photos to the 2019 Fall Graduation Photo Contest! We received more than 200 submissions of Phi Kappa Phi members proudly wearing Society recognition apparel on their big day.

After much deliberation, Phi Kappa Phi staff members narrowed the field to 10 outstanding entries. Now we need your help to pick the winners!

Click here to vote now! (Please note the system limits entries to one vote per device/IP address. If you are on a shared network—such as a university or office—it is best to vote via a mobile device or tablet not connected to WiFi.)

Voting closes Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 11:59 p.m. Central time. The winning entries will receive an Amazon gift card and appear in various Society marketing and promotional materials. For the full list of contest rules, click here.

Promoting Awards on Your Campus

With award season in full swing, chapters play a critical role in the success of Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program. Because much information is distributed at the chapter level, we rely on officers and members to help us promote these opportunities.

Here are a few tips to help your chapter continue to promote and encourage participation in the program:

SEE IT

• Run an advertisement in your campus newspaper or digital signage.
• Place posters in prominent areas of campus. TIP: Send a few to your school’s Scholarship and Financial Aid department.
• Ask your chapter’s public relations officer or communications committee to help develop additional promotional materials. TIP: Highlight testimonials from previous award winners.

SAY IT

• Host an informational meeting.
• Conduct a workshop on how to apply. TIP: Recruit a previous Society award winner to speak.
• Remind sophomores and non-members that the Study Abroad award is open to everyone!

SHARE IT

• Publicize the awards on your chapter website and social media.
• Hand out fact sheets at a campus event.
• Send an email or e-newsletter.

The national office has created a variety of resources to assist chapters in promoting the application periods. Visit PhiKappaPhi.org/Awards to download fact sheets, posters and more. And don’t forget all the resources in the Chapter Toolkit!

How does your chapter promote the awards program on campus? 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.

Chapter Update – February 2020

By Michelle Lowery
Chapter Development Director

This month’s Chapter Update focuses on an academic programming series sponsored by a Phi Kappa Phi chapter in North Carolina and a service project sponsored by a chapter in Tennessee.

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!

ECU Hosts Pop-up Lecture Series

Chapter 114 at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, began hosting a pop-up lecture series with current events as topics presented by campus faculty.

The initiative was first discussed at the chapter’s executive committee retreat as a yearlong series on climate change using local experts and guest speakers. However, the leadership decided the one-hour pop-up lectures would be a great way to spark conversation about current issues in a much more timely and nimble way.

“We also thought this was a good way to have potential initiates get an idea of what Phi Kappa Phi is all about. I start each program with a very short Phi Kappa Phi plug,” said Chris Buddo, chapter president.

The first event on Sept. 26 was titled “Is War with Iran Inevitable?” and presented as a panel discussion with faculty from the ECU Department of Political Science. The presenters encouraged their classes to attend and the room, which seated approximately 75 people, was nearly full.

The second presentation on Nov. 20, titled “Vaping: Current Research,” provided a history of vaping and various aspects of the subject. The 200-seat theater was also full, given the current popularity of the topic.

MTSU Builds Homes with Habitat for Humanity

Chapter 246 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, sponsored a shift for the university's Habitat for Humanity build on Nov. 8.

Six members, including two student vice presidents, went to the site and assisted with various tasks to aid in the construction of the house Habitat for Humanity was building.

“We hope our participation in this build will foster community in our Phi Kappa Phi chapter by having our members work together to accomplish a goal and display our devotion to serving our community,” said Chapter President Dr. Philip Phillips.

Top photo by Lacey Gray – Panelists from the Iran presentation included, from left, Dr. Alethia Cook, chair of the department of political science; Dr. Hanna Kassab, instructor; and Dr. Armin Krishnan, director of security studies, who moderated the panel and explained the various players in the region.

Middle photo by Kelli Russell – Dr. Eric Soule presents his research on vaping.

Bottom photo by Cody Maness – Members from the Middle Tennessee State University chapter service project with Habitat for Humanity include, from left, Kaylee Lindgren; Spencer White; Jasmin Laurel, student vice president; Nathan Wahl; Beatriz Dedicatoria, student vice president; Conner Linkowski; and Tabatha Wadford.