Let Our Partners Help You Work and Study at Home

As many of us find ourselves adjusting to studying and working from home, making sure you have what you need in place can be a challenge. Fortunately, Phi Kappa Phi membership provides benefits including exclusive discounts and resources from more than 25 corporate partners. Learn how our partners can help you succeed at home today.

Test Prep

Prepping for graduate school? The Princeton Review can help! Save up to 15% on courses and tutoring. Click here to access the appropriate promotional code and enroll online.

Studying for the CPA exam? Save $300 when registering for all four parts of the Becker Professional Education CPA Review Course at the same time. Click here to create an account and select The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi in the society drop-down menu on the Affiliations tab. The discount will be automatically applied.

Technology

As the work from home initiative ramps up, HP is offering deals on a wide range of products, from notebooks and desktops to printers, accessories and more. Society members can save up to 50% on weekly deals and access free shipping. Plus find out how to get four months of free HP Instant Ink through May 2 by visiting www.HPDirect.com/Member/Phi_Kappa_Phi.

Find everything you need to be successful outside the classroom or office, and see what the top items are to add to your home set up so your productivity doesn’t have to stop. Save up to 46% on everything you need for working from home. Visit www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to shop online.

Cleaning and Organizing

Take advantage of time at home to get organized and achieve your goals. Shop daily planning systems, leather bags and binders and more. Our members receive a 15% discount when shopping online at www.FranklinPlanner.com. Use promo code PKPMEMBER when checking out.

As more people take advantage of warehouse store purchases, let MemberDeals help you save big on a one-year Sam’s Club membership. You will receive your membership activation voucher by email along with a $5 Sam’s Club gift card, over $120 in instant savings on Sam’s Club products, and a second complimentary membership card. Click here to see this amazing offer.

Whether you need office supplies, cleaning products, furniture or more, let Office Depot deliver directly to you. Our members save up to 80% on more than 93,000 items plus enjoy free next-day delivery on online orders over $50. Click here to register for an online account and visit OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP/ to start shopping.

Development and Leisure

While JPASS is always a great way to access the world’s leading academic research, JSTOR is currently making additional content freely available to participating institutions where students have been displaced. Click here to learn more about the open and free content. Don’t forget, membership grants you access to a 25% discount on the annual JPASS plan. Click here to browse subscription plans and save today!

Keep your brain challenged and entertained! Lumos Labs created a simple online tool to exercise core cognitive abilities. Plus Society members enjoy a 35% discount! Click these links to learn more about individual plans, family plans, or gift subscriptions today.

If you’re using this time to update your résumé, take advantage of the $75 member discount from Seeking Success. Rise above the competition with a résumé that is focused on your target, complies with modern screening apps and promotes your accomplishments. To save on any résumé and LinkedIn profile writing package, visit www.SeekingSuccess.com/PKP. Use code PKP2015 to access the exclusive Phi Kappa Phi member page and when checking out to apply the $75 discount to your order.

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

Protect Your Files on World Backup Day

Happy World Backup Day! Don’t be an April fool – get prepared and backup your computer files with Phi Kappa Phi partner, Carbonite. Active members can save 10% on any Carbonite personal or business plan subscription, with additional discounts available for multi-year purchases. Members can also try Carbonite free for 15 days!

If you’re not already backing up with Carbonite, today is the perfect time to evaluate your current backup plan. In today’s world of increased remote productivity, it is vital to have a plan in place to protect your files. And as technology consolidates more corporate and personal data in the cloud, new opportunities are created for hackers and cybercriminals willing to take advantage of a crisis.

Carbonite provides online backup services that are automatic and accessible. With Carbonite, your irreplaceable computer files—from cherished family photos to important school and business documents and more—will be backed up securely to the cloud. In addition, you can access these files at any time and from any computer, smartphone or tablet.

Visit www.Carbonite.com and use promo code PKPOFFER10 to apply the discount to your purchase today!

Please note, discounts and promotions offered by Society partners are available to active members only. Not active? Renew your membership today!

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

Member Mentions – March 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:

Jenna Binsley and Alanis Chew (Youngstown State University) have been selected as the John D. Beeghly Fellows for the 2020 spring semester at YSU. The John D. Beeghly Fellows program provides students with a paid fellowship working with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU. Binsley, of New Springfield, Ohio, is a junior marketing major with minors in nonprofit leadership and advertising/public relations. Chew, of Youngstown, Ohio, is a senior business economics and math double major.

Susan Lycett Davis (Nova Southeastern University) has been recognized for her engagement in South Florida Community initiatives by AT&T, the Miami Herald and The NETwork. Davis helps the community through volunteering and has served as the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member for Southern USA.

Mariah Dicksen (Western Illinois University), a biology major of Lockport, Illinois, has been named Western Illinois University's recipient of the 2019-2020 Lincoln Academy of Illinois' Student Laureate Award. The award, presented annually to an outstanding senior of each of Illinois' four-year degree-granting institutions, honors a student's overall academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities.

Aurelia Gooden (Jacksonville State University) has been named a 2020 Latina of Influence by Hispanic Lifestyle. The engineer and musician is interested in the relationship between neuroscience and musical aptitude and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music, as well as a master’s degree in manufacturing systems, all from JSU.

Thomas Whitehead (Northwestern State University of Louisiana) will be inducted into NSU’s Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line. He was a member of the university’s faculty for 30 years and a strong advocate for preserving the school’s history. Whitehead also worked as a consultant for the film “Steel Magnolias” during its filming in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where NSU is located.

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

Phi Kappa Phi Announces 2020 Dissertation Fellows

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, today announced the recipients of a 2020 Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship. The $10,000 fellowships are designed to support active Society members in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study.

This year’s class of fellows represents a group of 10 students spanning a number of academic disciplines from science and technology to arts and humanities.

The 2020 Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellows are:

• Sarah Glenski, Yale University
• Tahereh Granpayehvaghei, University of Texas at Arlington
• Nicholas King, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Victoria Koski-Karell, University of Michigan
• Xiaochen Li, University of Southern California
• Maël Le Noc, Texas State University
• Mohd Omar Faruk Sikder, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Rachel Straub, University of Southern California
• Lucas F. W. Wilson, Florida Atlantic University
• Yichao Zhang, University of Minnesota

“Phi Kappa Phi’s dissertation fellowships provide assistance to doctoral students to help them cross that critical line from ABD to degree completion. We are pleased and proud to be able to support members reach that goal,” said Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

The recipients were selected based on a number of criteria including how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair. Each fellow will receive $10,000 to apply toward 12 months of dissertation writing.

Established in 2014, the dissertation fellowships are part of the Society’s robust awards program, which gives nearly $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through study abroad grants, graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To learn more about the Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship Program and this year’s recipients, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation.

Deadline Approaching for the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program

In 2019, Phi Kappa Phi announced the expansion of its Fellowship Program from a total distribution of $345,000 each year to $615,000. As part of the increased funding, two new fellowships were created granting awards of $35,000 each – the 1897 Fellow, given to the top-scoring applicant in a STEM discipline, and the Sherrill Carlson Fellow, awarded to the top-ranking nominee in humanities and art.

Could you be the among the next cohort of 58 Society members who will be awarded a fellowship? Don’t miss your chance! Each active Phi Kappa Phi chapter may submit one candidate from among its local applicants to compete Society-wide for a fellowship. While the national deadline for chapters to submit an applicant is April 30, the local deadlines will vary and are approaching soon. Click here to find out how to apply.

Last year’s recipients of the first-ever 1897 Fellowship and Sherrill Carlson Fellowship were Sydney Sherman and Glenesha Berryman, respectively.

1897 Fellow

Sydney Sherman graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas where she was an honors student with the Collegium V at the Hobson Widenthal Honors College. She also did summer research at the Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne in Switzerland and at the Weil Cornell Medical School. The fellowship is helping her pursue a Ph.D. in medical engineering and medical physics at MIT-Harvard.

“I am grateful to be awarded Phi Kappa Phi’s 1897 Fellowship,” Sherman shared. “This distinguished recognition will enable me to more fully focus on pioneering STEM developments during my graduate studies. In addition, the prestigious honor will introduce opportunities to collaborate and develop with colleagues which may not have otherwise been available.”


Sherrill Carlson Fellow

Glenesha Berryman earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a second major in Great Books from East Carolina University. The fellowship is supporting her pursuit of a Ph.D. in American culture at University of Michigan.

As a student at ECU, “I did not know that my informal interests in black feminism could translate into a field of study or career,” Berryman wrote in her application. “I thought research was reserved for the hard sciences with white coats and lab rats. That all changed when I took the most meaningful course of my college career, Introduction to Literary Theory, and learned how to analyze important texts as well as contemporary cultural performances . . . This fellowship will enable me to develop as an interdisciplinary teacher and researcher and to become a public scholar and activist of the digital age.”

Click here to learn more about all of the 2019 recipients or click here to apply for the 2020 awards.

Staying Busy – and Connected – While Social Distancing

Whether you’re an extrovert always looking for ways to enjoy time with others or more of a homebody who likes their private time to re-energize, the switch to social distancing can be a tough adjustment. The balance between enjoying the added quiet time and running out of ways to keep yourself busy can be difficult to maintain. Thanks to modern technology, there are countless ways to stay busy – and connected – while dealing with social distancing.

Link is Phi Kappa Phi's exclusive, members-only community where you can share ideas, discuss interesting topics, post questions, search for and connect with other members, and more. And what better time to make use of a virtual community than now! One of the latest discussions in the community features members sharing how they are staying busy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are some tips from fellow members on how to stay active while social distancing:

“The Society recently shared a great article from Vulture.com on Facebook announcing that the Metropolitan Opera will be streaming operas for free! If you enjoy the opera, this is a great way to occupy time while we’re all practicing social distancing.” – Melony Shemberger, Murray State University

“Within this 'shelter in place,' my main focus right now is my sketch book. I try to find one thing that had made me feel happy within the day and write a small description about it below the drawing. Looking back on my entries makes me feel good!” – Jacqueline Juarez, San Jose State University

“My suggestion is to keep your normal schedule as much as possible. When it is not work time, take advantage of family time. Read, play games, and communicate with older relatives who do not live near you.” – Deborah Daniels Calhoun, Nova Southeastern University

“I am at home with a first grader and we have been exercising and re-organizing the house to keep busy. I encourage everyone that is self-quarantined to take this time to catch up on everything that you have been putting off!” – Naomi James, Jacksonville University

Click here to join the conversation with your ideas in the Phi Kappa Phi community and see more of what other members have shared as advice 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.

New to the community? Be sure to check out all of the step-by-step guides in the How-To Guides section of the community—click here to access them now. These guides include screenshots and walk you through everything from uploading a photo to joining a community to posting a message.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – March 2020

Madison Chin, a Nyack, New York native, was initiated as a junior in the fall of 2019 while pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in marketing and management at Jacksonville University in Florida.
Madison is active on her campus and within her community serving as a member of the Jacksonville University Student Ambassador Program, the Presidential Leadership Advisory Council, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and as the chapter president for her sorority, Tri Delta, during her sophomore year.

Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma as a child, Madison is passionate about making an impact on cancer research. As a childhood cancer survivor, she is committed to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has served as a volunteer at the hospital. She has also held volunteer positions at Wolfson Children's Hospital and North Florida School for Special Education, both in Jacksonville.
After graduation, Madison plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.

Let’s get to know Madison!

1. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
   Phi Kappa Phi represents dedication to excellence in education and community engagement. I was honored to receive an invitation to join because of the Society’s unique prestige, and I’m grateful that my dedication to education has been recognized among other incredible scholars on our campus.


2. Who has been the most influential person in your education?
   Dr. Janet Haavisto, a fellow Phi Kappa Phi member and head of the Honors Program, has been one of the most influential people throughout my undergraduate journey. She pushed me to consider majors that might be better suited to my skills and interests during my freshman year, and I would not have discovered my passion and talents in marketing and management without her encouragement!


3. What’s your favorite tip for someone just entering college?
   My favorite tip is to be a "yes man" for the first few months. Go to every organization fair, sign up for any clubs that pique your interest, and say yes to finding new friends. Try it all out and get involved!


4. What’s the last book you read?
   The last book I read was Bossypants by Tina Fey. Not only is it hilarious, but it’s also an interesting perspective on Tina Fey’s life and introspection.


5. What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
   My godmother gifted me a trip to Venice, Italy, for my high school graduation. It was surreal to experience another country, especially in such a quaint and beautiful city like Venice. The surroundings, food, culture, people and architecture consistently blew my mind with each day of exploration.


6. What is an ability you wish you had?
   I wish I was skilled in vocal performance or had any type of musical ability. I love fine arts but have never been able to read music or learn an instrument.


7. What’s on your bucket list?
   Traveling the world is at the top of my bucket list. I want to see all the world has to offer, from the tropics to the snowy mountains. My top few dream destinations include Greece, Germany and Bora Bora.


8. What is your hidden talent?
   My hidden talent is calligraphy. I am self-taught with about six years of experience. I mostly do hand lettering for fun and creative expression but have also done projects for a few clients.


9. What would you like to be famous for?
   I would like to be famous for being kind. I believe kindness and authenticity are the most influential powers that we have on this earth, and kindness is one of the most important qualities to me.


10. When are you the happiest?
    I am happiest when I am outdoors in the sunshine and exploring new places. I love sight-seeing, traveling and enjoying beautiful weather.

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

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

Could You Be Our Next Award Recipient?

Each year, Phi Kappa Phi 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. These 2019 award recipients share their pride in being chosen. Could this be you in 2020? Don’t miss your chance!

Elizabeth Bell
The University of Oklahoma
“I am honored to be one of the 2019 Dissertation Fellowship recipients. Graduate school can be challenging financially and mentally for many students and it's programs like this that make it possible for us to succeed in our mission of seeking truth and speaking truth to power.”

Rachel Fenske 
University of Wisconsin-Madison
“As I prepare to complete my thesis, I am all the more confident I will be able to do so with the assistance of the dissertation fellowship. Phi Kappa Phi has been a foundation of beneficial resources for me throughout my doctoral journey.”

Devyn Harrod
Mercer University

“Throughout my undergraduate career, I have learned that a strong support system is essential for success. Phi Kappa Phi provides exactly that. Knowing that no matter where I go or what I do, I will have a community of individuals who are dedicated to academic success and growth inspires me.”

Mollie Hartup
Youngstown State University

“This Phi Kappa Phi literacy grant provides a new opportunity to further enhance the connection between YSU students and the community to increase elementary students’ proficiency in reading and appreciation for literature.”

Landry Smith 
The University of Southern Mississippi

“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.”

Corey St. Romain 
Louisiana State University

“I am very grateful to the donors who made this award possible and look forward to becoming a donor myself once I am financially capable in order to pay this generous gift forward.”




Don’t miss these upcoming deadlines!

• Literacy – Deadline April 1 – For members and chapters funding literacy initiatives
• Fellowship – National Deadline April 30 (chapter deadlines vary) – For members entering the first year of graduate or professional study
• Love of Learning – Deadline June 30 – For post-baccalaureate professional development

Questions? Visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards for information.

The 411 on Merit

Throughout March we’ve been promoting Merit, an online platform we use to publicize the many achievements of our members. But you may be wondering how exactly does it work?

1. You accomplish something great such as being initiated into the Society, receiving a Phi Kappa Phi award or being elected as a chapter officer.
2. The Society national office creates a personalized story tailored specifically to you and your achievement.
3. You receive an email from news@phikappaphi.org with instructions on how to claim your very own Merit profile. See a sample profile here.
4. Your local newspapers and government officials also receive a copy of the personalized story in the form of a press release.
5. You brag about your accomplishments by sharing the posts on social media.
6. You customize your Merit profile with a photo, additional achievements, activities and work experience. Consider it a virtual résumé!
7. You continue to accomplish great things and receive additional Phi Kappa Phi-branded badges. See examples of the different badges here.

If you haven’t claimed your Merit profile yet, do so today! To learn more about the program including how to request a Merit page, click here.

Questions? Email news@phikappaphi.org.

Get in Gear – Order ΦKΦ Graduation Regalia Today!

Graduation ceremonies are right around the corner. Don’t miss your chance to order Phi Kappa Phi graduation recognition items to wear with pride as you cross that milestone finish line!

Society-branded graduation gear—including honor stoles, cords, tassels and medallions—are available for purchase in the online store at PhiKappaPhiStore.org.

Buy each item individually:

• Phi Kappa Phi tassel - $10
• Phi Kappa Phi gold medallion - $16
• Honor cords - $15
• Honor stole - $26

For an even better deal, buy three and get one free! Order the medallion, honor cords and honor stole in a recognition bundle for a discounted price of $51.50 and get the tassel for free! Plus as always, members get free shipping on store orders of $50 or more.

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

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

Questions about store items or shipping? Click here for answers to frequently asked questions, including a transit map for estimated shipping time, or contact Customer Service at 888-502-0635 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Phi Kappa Phi Extends Fellowship Award Deadline

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has announced an extension to apply to its Fellowship program. The new deadline is April 30, 2020.

“In light of the closure of colleges and universities due to COVID-19, we recognize the need to allow additional time not only for Fellowship applicants to assemble materials before submitting to their local chapter, but for chapter officers to review applications before forwarding their endorsed candidate to the national competition,” said Mary Todd, Executive Director. “We hope this deadline extension will reduce the concerns we have seen about timely submissions of applications in these uncertain times.”

Established in 1932, the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship has become the Society’s signature award, providing funding for the first-year of graduate or professional study. This year’s program awarded 50 fellowships of $8,500, six $20,000 Marcus L. Urann Fellowships, named for the Society’s founder, and two new awards at $35,000 each, the 1897 Fellowship and the Sherrill Carlson Fellowship.

Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships are part of the Society’s robust awards program, which gives nearly $1 million each year to outstanding members and students on chapter campuses through study abroad grants, dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

For more information about the Fellowship program, click here.

Executive Director's Blog - Life Comes at You Fast

From the Executive Director

Forum, Spring 2020

A current advertising campaign uses the words “Life comes at you fast” as a caution or warning to be prepared. “Don’t blink” offers a similar admonition to pay attention lest you miss something. Both phrases presume an awareness of who and where we are as well as of who and where we were.

Are/were — the passage of time is a curious thing. New Year’s greetings frequently include a comment on how quickly the past year came and went, how “time flies” (not only when you’re having fun): children grow up too fast, beloved pets grow old too soon. Life comes at you fast.

All of this is complicated by our sense of history. Americans are often admonished for having a poor understanding of their nation’s history. In 2018, a survey conducted by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation observed that only one of three Americans is capable of passing the U.S. citizenship test. These findings, however, are not new. The Bradley Commission on History in Schools was formed in 1987 in response to concern over the quality and quantity of the history being taught in American schools. Yet cuts to college curricula often find history courses, majors, even entire departments on the chopping block.

History matters. It offers a lens to view the present and look forward to the future, providing the perspective and context so necessary for citizens to understand where we have come as a people and why certain themes repeat themselves over the course of time. “To be ignorant of history is to be a child forever,” Cicero wrote.

Each of us is the product of our own personal history. And who among us does not fear losing the memories of our history? More than any other disease, Americans fear the cognitive impairment associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s. But a personal need to retain one’s memory seems not to transfer to the national history. “We cannot escape history,” Abraham Lincoln said. “We will be remembered in spite of ourselves.” Don’t we want to know how we as a people got to this point in time and why?

The same question can be asked of institutional history. We like to recount the story of Phi Kappa Phi’s founding in 1897, and without question the years since have seen marked growth. One significant development was the creation of the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation in 1969, incorporated even before the Society itself to create an endowment to secure the financial future of the organization. Like the fellowships it funds, the Foundation began small and grew exponentially as donors responded to appeals to support the mission of the Society through contributions and bequests. The Foundation, like the Society, got to where it is as a result of not only keeping its eyes on the future but also remembering the past, and the focus common to both: a commitment to lifelong learning. In fifty years, it hasn’t blinked.

Phi Kappa Phi Suspends Study Abroad Grant Program

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society, today announced the temporary suspension of its Study Abroad Grant program.

The Society has been closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and based on the current uncertainty regarding travel, the Study Abroad Grant program has been temporarily suspended. Applications and letters of recommendation that have been received for the 2020 competition will be kept on file and reviewed in the upcoming academic year (Fall).

Each year the Society awards seventy-five $1,000 Study Abroad Grants to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

If you have questions about your application, please contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org. We appreciate your patience at this time.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win!

The clock is ticking, and the March 31 deadline will be here before you know it. Don’t miss out on your chance to win a gift card to purchase great gear in the Phi Kappa Phi store. Grab those membership pins and snap a picture of yourself wearing it with pride. Whether you’re a new member who pinned it on for the first time this semester or a life member who wears it on the lapel of your favorite suit, all are welcome to enter!

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.

Get the Most Out of Your Tax Refund

It’s that time of the year! The time when many of us will be receiving our tax refunds. Get the most out of your money by shopping with our partners. Whether you want to make your refund stretch while planning a family vacation or you plan to use it to upgrade your technology, we can help you shop smart and save!

1. Don’t overpay for new technology. If you’ve been waiting on your refund to upgrade your laptop, desktop or any other technology, don’t pay more than you need to. The Society is partnered with Dell, Lenovo and HP to save our members up to 35% year-round. For even more savings, remember to visit the member website for each store to view current deals and promotions. Shop at www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Technology to save today!

2. Save on the annual cost of worry-free insurance. It’s not always easy to navigate the high costs and fine print of insurance products, but we can help! The Society is partnered with GEICO and Mercer to offer members special rates on insurance products, including auto, homeowners, life, pet, dental, health, vision and more. You can also access assistance with finding the right product to fit your needs. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Insurance to learn how you get assistance with some of the most important decisions you will ever make and review insurance products offered.

3. Shop around for the best savings on travel expenses. If you and your family are using your refund to plan a vacation, don’t overpay. Check out all of the savings available through our travel partners, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Parking Spot, MemberDeals and more. Hotel savings average 10-20% below best rates and members can save up to 25% on car rental rates, plus you can access exclusive coupons for free weekend day rentals and more. Don’t forget to check out MemberDeals for exclusive savings at theme parks and other attractions around the country. Click here to shop travel deals, and visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Car-Rentals to get the best deal on your car rental.

4. Don’t spend all of your refund on a new car purchase or lease. Purchasing a new car can be a big expense, and any savings on the final sale price can help. If you plan to purchase a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Hyundai or FIAT in 2020, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/BonusDrive to find out if you qualify for a rebate up to $500 through the BonusDrive program.

Keep in mind, these savings are available to active members only and your member login will be required. For assistance with your login credentials, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Literacy Grant Spotlight: Interprofessional Toy Fair and Expo

The deadline for applying for a 2020 Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grant is right around the corner! Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Society chapters and members to fund ongoing literacy projects or to create new initiatives. The Society's commitment to the cause of literacy grows out of and is consistent with its mission which includes a goal " to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

In 2019, 13 projects were chosen with focuses ranging from helping teachers in their first three years of service to providing literacy support to villages in Tanzania. For the Office of Interprofessional Education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the funding helped support the school’s annual Interprofessional Toy Fair and Expo.

One in six children in the U.S. has one or more developmental disabilities or delays. The expo gives those children from birth to age three, and their families, hands-on demonstrations of how playing and reading can be incorporated into the learning environment to increase growth and development. The families also receive educational materials, books, and a therapeutic toy appropriate to their delay or disability.

“At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, we believe that helping people in our communities is a primary goal of health professions education. By partnering with service organizations like Phi Kappa Phi, we are able to make tangible differences in the lives of children with delays and/or disabilities that live and grow in our community,” shared Dr. Renee Bogschutz, director of Interprofessional Education at TTUHSC.

The 2019 Toy Fair and Expo educated more than 150 families on use of books and toys to increase development and combat delays.

Could your project be the next one chosen for a Literacy Grant? Visit www.phikappaphi.org/literacy to learn more about all of the 2019 Literacy Grant recipients or to start your own grant application. Deadline for applications is April 1, 2020.

Photo provided by Renee Bogschutz – Nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology students from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center demonstrate the use of a toy to a family who has a child with Down’s Syndrome.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi to Install Chapter 354 at the University of Guam

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will install its 354th chapter at the University of Guam in Mangilao, Guam, on March 11. Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society recognizing academic excellence.

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

“The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to welcome the University of Guam to its community of scholars,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “The university’s mission—to enlighten, to discover, to serve—reflects UOG’s strong emphasis on the transmission of both indigenous and global knowledge as well as its deep commitment to the needs of its region.”

Officers elected by the chartering group to serve the newly installed chapter include President Troy McVey, President-elect Christopher Garcia, Treasurer Margaret Hattori-Uchima, Secretary Monique Storie and Membership Secretary Arline Leon Guerrero.

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

The Do’s and Don’ts of Applying for Awards

Deadlines are rapidly approaching for several Phi Kappa Phi awards, and we don’t want you to miss out. The awards currently open include:

• Study Abroad – Deadline March 15 – For undergraduates, both members and non-members alike
• Literacy – Deadline April 1 – For members and chapters funding literacy initiatives
• Fellowship – National Deadline April 15 (chapter deadlines vary) – For members entering the first year of graduate or professional study
• Love of Learning – Deadline June 30 – For post-baccalaureate professional development

For your best shot at a successful application, follow these Do’s and Don’ts.

For a downloadable flyer to share on campus, click the graphic above.

Questions? Visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards for more resources, tips and FAQs about our awards program.

Member Tips: Study Advice to Make the Grade

Whether midterms are approaching or you’re tackling material for the GRE, don’t let March madness get the best of you. Studying for the upcoming challenge can seem difficult, but where there’s a will, there’s an A!

Our members have shared their best tips for staying focused and finding the right tools to make sure you’re giving it your best. After you read their advice here, join the conversation and share your tips with others within the Phi Kappa Phi community today.

1. Start with a plan.
   Set up a timeline for yourself to stay focused. Members suggest a detailed schedule or to do list as the perfect place to start, and a regular review of the schedule at the start and end of each day will keep you on track.
Be sure to consider your own personal learning style and schedule when creating the plan. Are you a night owl that absorbs information best once the sun goes down? Find time slots for studying that fit both your schedule and your personal performance peaks.


2. Break it up.
   Don’t take on too much at once and become overwhelmed. Break down large tasks into smaller parts and focus on one piece at a time. If you have an entire book to read, set a goal of a few chapters. Or study one unit at a time, with an intentional break in between to redirect your attention. Members repeatedly emphasize the importance of taking regular breaks in their advice to one another.
   
   
3. Location, location, location.
   You’ve heard the saying about real estate – remember to take it to heart with studying as well. An ideal location can improve your focus tremendously. While some members say they find support in group study sessions, others work best in solitude and silence. Whatever your preference, make sure you set the right scene before starting to study.
   
   
4. Take an alternative approach.
   Step outside of your normal study patterns and see if you can discover new approaches that may help. Are you normally a very analytical and methodical student? Give your creative side a workout and try drawing a visual representation of a concept you’re working to master. Visit the member community and find one suggestion you’ve never tried before and see if it gives you new insight on how to improve your study skills.
   
   
5. The eyes – and ears – have it.
   Visual and audio input can be key contributors to improving study success. For the visual aspect, our members shared advice on color coding notes and material, creating graphic representations of concepts, and rewriting lecture notes as a great way to look back over all you’ve learned. Watching YouTube videos about your topic can also provide a new angle or explanation that you may not have considered. For the more sound-oriented folks, a “listen and learn” approach may work better. Recording key lectures and re-listening to them later can remind you of forgotten tidbits. And for many of our members, background music is a must for maintaining focus during a study session.
   
   
6. Remember the body/mind connection.
   Don’t forget to feed your body while you feed your brain. When you break up those study sessions, consider a cat nap or a bit of exercise. While some members prefer a short walk, one member suggested a full-blown workout as her biggest recommendation. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep at night and staying hydrated and well-fed during the day.

Do you have tips that have helped you master the art of studying? Click here to share your ideas in the Phi Kappa Phi community and see what other members have shared as advice 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.

Travel Tales: Julianne Liu

Phi Kappa Phi’s Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduate students as they gain experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year. With the help of a grant in 2019, Julianne Liu, from University of Utah, was able to travel to France to study, as well as participate in the school’s Global U Program.

“For five weeks, I attended daily intensive French language and culture courses at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises at the Université Grenoble Alpes,” shared Liu. “In addition to my language class which covered topics such as grammar, comprehension, and conversation, I also learned about French visual arts and culture and civilization.” She visited art districts and important cultural locations, enjoyed the cuisine and more.

Her days were packed with learning and activities. “In the afternoons, I spent my time in the city, going to almost every museum, seeing the historic monuments, watching French movies, hiking in the nearby mountains, and familiarizing myself with local foods and, of course, patisseries,” said Liu.

The opportunity to stay in a family’s home built personal connections while expanding her language skills. “In the evenings, I returned home to my lovely host family with whom I improved my conversational and cross-cultural fluency over dinner discussions, subjects ranging from describing ourselves and our days to uncovering similarities and differences between our cultures, governments, education systems, and eco-friendly practices.”

Liu shared what it was like to receive the award saying, “I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant.” She noted that it was an incredible, rewarding experience and added, “My time abroad improved my language proficiencies, surrounded me with a warm, supportive community, and introduced new career possibilities. I am beyond excited for forthcoming endeavors and adventures as I continue pursuing this ever-growing passion.”

Do you want to be one of our 2020 Study Abroad Grant recipients? Click here to learn more and apply by March 15.

Member Benefits Highlights – March 2020

A four-leaf clover may be hard to find, but these deals are not! Save green when you shop these great offers exclusively available through the Society’s partners all month long.

Church Hill Classics
You didn’t need luck to become a member of the nation’s oldest and most selective honor society. You earned it, now frame it! Showcase your achievement with a custom membership certificate frame that incorporates the Phi Kappa Phi logo. Visit www.DiplomaFrame.com/PKP to design your frame and shop their full product line of quality merchandise.

Dell
It’s your lucky day! Members, friends and family can save 17% on select systems during Dell’s Semi-Annual Sales event! This event only happens twice a year and will end on March 19 at 7 a.m. E.T. Shop the event today at www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi.

Lenovo
Lenovo’s Annual Sale offers deals that keep your pockets green! Savings up to 53% are available on award-winning technologies, including select systems and accessories. Hurry, these offers are valid through March 22 or while supplies last!

Keep in mind, active members can save up to 20% on Lenovo products and accessories year-round and access exclusive monthly offers up to 45%. Visit www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to shop now.

MemberDeals
You won’t want to miss this deal from Universal Orlando Resorts. Get two days free when you buy two days! Click here to plan your adventure today!

MemberDeals is your one stop for great discounts on nationwide travel and entertainment, and our members have access to significant deals on movie tickets, shows and attractions, sports and concert tickets, hotels and more all year long. Want to access even more savings? Click here to access other current offers.

ΦΚΦ Travel Discount Program
Don’t miss your chance to win your hotel booking for free! Book through the ΦΚΦ Travel Discount Program before March 31 and you will automatically be entered. The program offers worldwide inventory of hotels at discounted rates that may exceed 50%. Click here to browse hotels today!

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

Chapter Update – March 2020

Honor. Excellence. Impact.

This month’s Chapter Update highlights three academic programs completed by chapters in Florida, Nevada, and the Philippines. Two of the programs took place during the inaugural Phi Kappa Phi Week.

Florida Tech Host Animal Talks

Chapter 308 at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, hosted a lecture called “Animal Talks!” on Feb. 7.

The high-energy evening featured distinguished members of the faculty who gave TED-style talks about animals. A local group, the Space Coast Little Big Band, played jazz throughout the night.

The event included five talks that focused on faculty research including the impact of light and darkness on animal behavior, sharks and the myths and realities of a shark attack, what nonhuman primates can teach us about human evolution, how plants are social organisms that communicate through chemical signals, and lastly, how animal venoms can impact human functionality and be used to develop new drugs to improve function without causing any major side-effects.

The chapter promoted the event at a table in the union every day during Phi Kappa Phi Week. They also passed out Valentine’s Day candy to encourage students to stop by and chat. Members spoke to approximately 40 students who visited the table in the student union. In addition to flyers and emails, Chapter Public Relations Officer Jared Campbell spoke to the local radio station to promote the event to the community. Some honors and biology faculty offered extra credit to their students who attended. More than 125 people participated, and the chapter also streamed the program live on YouTube and posted the recording to their Facebook page.

UNLV Celebrates Phi Kappa Phi Week with Quiz Bowl

Chapter 100 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, partnered with the UNLV Graduate College, Honors College, and Office of Undergraduate Research, to host a Quiz Bowl on Feb. 4.

The Quiz Bowl included seven rounds with approximately 10 questions per round. Since Phi Kappa Phi recognizes students from all disciplines, the chapter used questions from a variety of topics including history, literature, science, current events, popular culture and sports.

The competition was emceed by Sean Clark, chapter president. Eleven teams and 51 participants took part in the event. Teams were allowed to make up their own names and were required to have three to five students, alumni, faculty or staff. The winning team won a gift card and UNLV tumbler.

UP Hosts Lecture of Excellence

Chapter 45 at the University of the Philippines hosted their first Lecture of Excellence for the year on Jan. 29.

The lecture was presented by Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, a Phi Kappa Phi member, who was recently elected to serve as the Chancellor at the Diliman campus. Nemenzo teaches math and focuses on number theory, elliptic curves and coding theory.

Phi Kappa Phi members, students, faculty, staff and alumni learned about the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how this era impacts the trends and challenges at the university. After the lecture, attendees were able to participate in an open forum discussion.

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!

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Florida Tech left photo by Alexander Mirling – Phi Kappa Phi chapter officers at Florida Tech’s Animal Talks! event include, from left, Donovan Southwell, student vice president; Jessica Ha Bittner, co-secretary; Dr. Heidi Hatfield Edwards, president; Mary Bonhomme, co-secretary; Ryan Fink, student vice president; Caglar Erdogan, student vice president; Angelica Zamora-Duran, student vice president; and Jared Campbell, public relations officer.

Florida Tech center photo by Angelica Zamora-Duran – Dr. Michael Grace presents “Light and Life: Insight from the Brilliant World of Animal Vision” at Florida Tech’s Animal Talks! event.

Florida Tech right photo by Sonny Wolfgram – Jared Campbell, right, chapter public relations officer at Florida Tech, talks to WFIT’s Terri Wright on the radio to promote Animal Talks!

Fourth photo by Vaneh Darakjian – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, hosted their first Quiz Bowl during Phi Kappa Phi Week, and the winning team, “It Berns When I Vote,” included, from left, Nathaniel Waugh, Colt Kraus, Christopher Roys, Hannah Patenaude and Melyssa Barrera.

Fifth photo by Paul Antolino – Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, from left, receives thanks for presenting at the University of Philippines Phi Kappa Phi Lecture of Excellence from Dr. Fructuoso Sabug, chapter treasurer, and Dr. Adelaida Lucero, chapter secretary.

Share Your Success with Merit

Have you heard about Phi Kappa Phi’s member achievement program, Merit? The Merit program, implemented in 2013, helps Phi Kappa Phi promote member successes such as being initiated into the Society, receiving an award, becoming a chapter officer, attending Phi Kappa Phi events and more. Not only does Merit allow you to receive the recognition you deserve, it’s a surefire way to polish your online presence!

Merit allows members to customize their online profile with a photo, bio, activities, affiliations and work experience. Consider it a virtual résumé!

Updates to Merit pages are shared with a network of stakeholders who are invested in your achievements: family and friends, local news outlets, employers, former teachers, colleges and universities, volunteer organizations and more. In addition to keeping your achievements and activities in one virtual place, Merit can build your online presence to help you secure jobs, get internships and collect references.

Your Merit page is also social, so sharing news with your inner circle on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn is easy.

If you have not received a Merit profile (anyone initiated before March 2013 or anyone who opted out during the join process) and would like to take advantage the program and its many benefits, email news@phikappaphi.org with your name and member ID number.

Want more information? Click here to learn more about Merit, including frequently asked questions, and check out the latest member achievements on the official Phi Kappa Phi Merit page. Stay tuned to social media throughout March as we post tips, FAQs and more during #MeritMarch.