ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – April 2020

Born and raised on the Greek island of Lefkada, Marilena Melas obtained a bachelor’s degree in applied biology and biotechnology at the University of Ioannina. She continued her studies at the University of Crete where she earned a master’s degree in molecular biology, and she went on to earn a second master’s degree in human genetics at the University College London in the United Kingdom.

In 2015, Marilena was accepted into the Ph.D. Program in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS) at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine where she completed her doctoral studies in cancer biology and genomics. During her time at USC, Marilena co-authored several publications related to her research, won best oral presentation at the Graduate Student Symposium hosted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and served as a mentor to first-year PIBBS students.

Marilena is currently an American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics Clinical Laboratory Fellow at the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Her career goal is to become director of a clinical medical genetics lab focusing on the translation of genomic discoveries into clinical and therapeutic applications in the field of personalized cancer genomics, thereby helping patients and families.
Let’s get to know Marilena!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   It was my honor to receive an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi—one of the most prestigious honor societies in the country. The qualities of an ideal [USC] Trojan include faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous and ambitious, and being a member of Phi Kappa Phi, which promotes excellence and the love of learning, helps me maintain these qualities in my career and beyond.


2. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
   I was initiated on the morning of May 9, 2019, and my Ph.D. defense was held that same afternoon. The experience of being initiated gave me the confidence I needed during my Ph.D. defense, and I was excited to proudly wear my Phi Kappa Phi pin. I spent the rest of the day celebrating with family and friends, and will never forget that very emotional day.


3. What are your hobbies?
   I enjoy playing piano, swimming, and American Smooth and American Rhythm ballroom dancing. I was even a member of the USC Ballroom and Latin Dance Team at the University Park Campus!


4. What is your favorite movie?
   I love watching movies, and some of my all-time favorite classics are The Pianist, La vita e Bella, Schindler’s List, and Forrest Gump.


5. What is your favorite place to visit?
   I enjoy visiting the beautiful weather of California because I lived there for seven years and will always be sentimentally connected with the moments and people I experienced there. However, Greece will always come first because my heart and soul is always back home with family. Greeks are known for our hospitality and philotimo–a Greek word without meaning but very meaningful–and I feel happier every time I visit my hometown of Lefkada.


6. If you were stuck on an island, what three items would you bring?
   If I were stuck on an island, I would bring my piano, cell phone, and a notebook and pen. I would use the phone to look back at pictures of my favorite people and take pictures of the landscape, and the notebook to write my thoughts.


7. When are you the happiest?
   I’m happiest when I spend time with my loved ones, when I reflect on my parents’ pride at the person I am, and when my actions help or make someone happy. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.


8. What is your motto?
   I like to live by Theodore Roosevelt’s famous saying, "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." In other words, always aspire for more, but never lose track of who you are throughout your journey.


9. If you could talk with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
   If I could talk with anyone, it would be Hippocrates, the father of medicine. He first introduced the concept of idiosyncrasy where each individual has specific characteristics that protect or predispose us for certain diseases, and he inspired me to prepare my TEDxColumbus talk on personalized genomics. I would also love to meet the famous musician Yanni in person. I admire his music and his personality, and if I weren’t a scientist I would love to be a famous pianist just like him!


10. How do you define success?
    I believe happiness brings success. Do what you love, love what you do, and you will never work another day in your life! Dream it, wish it, be passionate about it and do it!

To learn more about Marilena 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 the Next Love of Learning Award Recipient?

Phi Kappa Phi’s Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

For members like Jacelyn Peabody Lever, a medical student and PhD candidate at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the award helps them reach their goals in their academic and professional journeys. Lever, a 2019 award recipient, said she used the funds to support her “biomedical research focused on mucociliary physiology in pulmonary fibrosis and (to) provide travel funding for her to present at an international lung conference.”

As a fifth-year medical student working on a MD/PhD dual degree, Lever appreciates the help. “I like to joke that I am in 21st grade. I'll graduate in 24th grade and will pursue an internal medicine residency and pulmonary, critical care, and interventional pulmonology fellowships. The potential career impact I'll have as an academic, physician scientist interventional pulmonologist and my love of learning is what inspires me day in and day out,” Lever said. “I am proud to be a Phi Kappa Phi member and absolutely honored to be recognized as a Love of Learning Awardee!”

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards of $500 each annually in support of members. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.

Are you one of our past award recipients? Click here to visit our Phi Kappa Phi member community and share your story with others and offer advice to future applicants.

The deadline to apply is June 30, 2020. For more information or to apply, visit www.phikappaphi.org/loveoflearning today.

Member Mentions – April 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:

Megan Alper (Alfred University), a graduate student and track runner, has been named a winner of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Merit Medal for the 2019-20 season. The award honors a student who has excelled both academically and athletically throughout their time at AU.

Jaime Awe (Northern Arizona University) has been chosen as the 2020 NAU Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Scholar. Awe, an associate professor of anthropology, was recognized for professional excellence and his life-long achievements and scholarship.

Amy Dennis (Texas Woman’s University) and her fellow librarians at the Tom Green County Library System in San Angelo, Texas, were highlighted by the American Library Association for their work to support medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the library is closed to the public, librarians are using their 3D printers to create face shields for local health care workers.

Megan Flynn (The Sage Colleges) was named a collegiate award recipient for 2020 by the Capital District Sports Woman of the Year for her successes on the basketball court as well as in the classroom. The program honors female student-athletes in the Capital District of New York State.

Mary Anne Gunter (University of Louisiana at Monroe) has been accepted as a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals. Her doctoral dissertation has also been accepted for poster presentations at the Arkansas Public Health and the American Family Therapy Academy conferences.

Camille Mendon and Kayla Sylvester (Brigham Young University) are winners of the Emerging Leader award presented to undergraduate nursing students at BYU. Both will receive a scholarship to support their ongoing studies.

Kim Mulkey (Louisiana Tech University) has been named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. As a head coach, she led the Baylor University women’s basketball team to three NCAA titles. Mulkey is the only individual to win a national championship as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

And finally, the Citadel has named its cadet leadership for the Class of 2021. Phi Kappa Phi members named to top leadership positions include Nicholas Piacentini, Regimental Commander; Harrison Hemminghaus, Honor Board Chair; Matthew Dittrich, Regimental Academic Officer; Caleb Moseley, 1st Battalion Commander; and Ansley Pantsari, 2nd Battalion Commander.

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 Members Earn SEC Faculty Achievement Awards

The SEC has announced the 2020 winners of its Faculty Achievement Awards. With approximately 14,000 full-time, tenured faculty in the SEC, the awards honor those who have excelled in teaching and research, especially at the undergraduate level.

Phi Kappa Phi is proud to congratulate our members who have been honored with the award by their respective universities. Those receiving the 2020 SEC Faculty Achievement Award include:

• Renee Clary (initiated at Mississippi State University), MSU Professor of Geology
• Willis Delony (initiated at Louisiana State University), LSU Boyd Professor of Piano and Jazz Studies
• Lillian T. Eby (initiated at University of North Carolina at Charlotte), University of Georgia Professor of Psychology
• Alan E. Jones (initiated at University of Mississippi), UM Professor of Emergency Medicine
• Anthony Lupo (initiated at University of Missouri), UM Professor of Atmospheric Science
• Everett McCorvey (initiated at University of Kentucky), UK Professor of Voice
• J. N. Reddy (initiated at Virginia Tech), Texas A&M University Professor in Mechanical Engineering
• Leon Tolbert (initiated at Georgia Institute of Technology), University of Tennessee Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Each faculty member must be a full professor, have a record of extraordinary teaching, and a record of nationally or internationally recognized research. University winners will each receive a $5,000 honorarium.

“Through the SEC Faculty Achievement Awards we have a unique opportunity to recognize and encourage the work of outstanding faculty members on our campuses,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Although we have chosen to honor 14, we know they are truly representative of all SEC faculty.”

Click here to read more about each recipient.

Member Tips: Learning a New Language

Are you thinking about learning a new language? Do you already know a couple but want to add to your repertoire? Maybe you’re wrapping up your foreign language class online and could use a little boost. Whatever the case, these tips plus a 20% language learning discount from Society partner Fluenz can help.

Determine Your Style – Start by figuring out how you learn best. Whether you’re a visual learner or need to hear things to have them stick, finding out what works best for you is key. Phi Kappa Phi member Jessica Martin suggests you get creative with your learning. “Create a jeopardy game. Use visual cues. Draw a picture and describe it. Use traditional flashcards with colors. Write a song or story. Record your voice and listen to it on repeat. For me, the best way to study was to teach others,” she said.

Practice What You Love – You’ll find you learn faster if you insert the subject into your daily life. Incorporating a new language into the things you love will encourage you to practice more. Kebron Assefa, who has learned three languages, offers ideas for making your hobbies multi-lingual. “It can be through recipes if you like cooking, or through movies or books. This way, you enjoy learning the language and it makes it less of a task,” Assefa said.

Immerse Yourself – Do you want to take on the ultimate challenge? Many agree that immersing yourself in the culture and country of the language is the best and fastest way to learn. While some are able to take advantage of travel or study abroad programs, online groups and programs can also build skills quickly and effectively.

Learn with Fluenz – Founded in 2007, Fluenz offers interactive software for Spanish (Latin American), French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Spanish (Spain). Their programs – available on CD, mobile apps and online – blend interactive material with English-speaking tutors and offer a better alternative for mastering languages’ structures. Plus Phi Kappa Phi members can save 20% on any Fluenz purchase with promo code PKPOFFER20 at Fluenz.com.

Click here to share your member tips in the Phi Kappa Phi community and see more of what other members have shared as advice for learning – and loving – a new language.

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.

Phi Kappa Phi Members Named as 2020 Truman Scholars

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has announced the names of students chosen as 2020 Truman Scholars. The Truman Scholarship aims to support aspiring public service leaders in the United States.

The Truman Foundation was created by Congress in 1975 as a tribute to President Truman. Its mission is based “on the belief that a better future relies on attracting to public service the commitment and sound judgment of bright, outstanding Americans.”

Students nominated by 316 colleges and universities were reviewed by independent selection panels and recommended based on their academic success and leadership accomplishments. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to congratulate our members who now join the list of Truman Scholars:

• Sara Gammon (Kansas State University) is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics. She plans to pursue an MPhil in development studies from the University of Cambridge and focus on development economics and women’s empowerment.
• Stephanie Kuzmack (Texas Tech University) is a sociology major and a member of the honors college. She hopes to pursue a JD/MPA and eventually represent New Mexico in Congress.
• Tina Marshalek (University of Wisconsin-Madison) is studying community and nonprofit leadership and political science. As a formerly homeschooled student, she wants to advance educational opportunities for homeschoolers.
• Sarah Procopio (Louisiana State University) is pursuing a degree in mass communication. She plans to pursue an MPP to further her goal of systematic change through policy work.
• Carla Ramazan (University of Texas at Dallas) is studying political science and Spanish. She hopes to pursue a JD and work to protect and expand access to reproductive health care.
• David Shin (Boise State University) is studying economics and physics. He plans to pursue a JD and a graduate degree in economics with a goal of enacting legislative reforms and reducing recidivism rates.
• Max Yates (Montana State University) is pursuing a degree in biochemistry. He hopes to obtain an MD/MPH and work toward better public health policy decisions.

Click here to learn more about all of the 2020 Truman Scholars.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week with Phi Kappa Phi

Phi Kappa Phi is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week on April 19-25. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week was created as a way to celebrate service and the volunteers that transform our world. The week has grown exponentially to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about in their communities.

In honor of this week, Phi Kappa Phi celebrates the outstanding efforts of board members, committee members and chapter officers that serve more than 300 chapters in the United States and the Philippines. Because of the commitment and support of these volunteers, we are able to continue our mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education.

Do you know of a Phi Kappa Phi chapter officer or member who has gone above and beyond their duties? If so, we’d like to know! Send your inspiring stories to news@phikappaphi.org or post below about a Phi Kappa Phi volunteer who has made an impact in your life.

Are you a current Phi Kappa Phi volunteer? Share what you enjoy most about volunteering with the Society in the community by clicking here. Not a volunteer yet, but looking for ways to get involved? To learn more about volunteer opportunities available for Phi Kappa Phi members, visit www.phikappaphi.org/volunteer.

To learn more about National Volunteer Week, visit www.pointsoflight.org/nvw.

Celebrate and Showcase Your Membership

Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is a stamp of excellence that is not easily won or widely bestowed. Our members work hard to earn an invitation to membership, and we’re proud to offer resources to celebrate their achievement!

Preserve Your Membership Mementos | While many universities have decided to postpone commencement ceremonies during these uncertain times, Society-branded honor cords, stoles and the Phi Kappa Phi medallion are still available to members in recognition of their accomplishment. Many members treasure these keepsakes for years to come and our partner, Church Hill Classics, can help showcase these items.

Design a custom Phi Kappa Phi membership certificate frame or find a frame to showcase your medallion and honor stole. Click here to find a frame that celebrates your accomplishments!

Sport Your ΦΚΦ Pride | Show your Phi Kappa Phi pride in style with official Society-branded gear. Our online store features a large selection from dressy polos to comfy sweatshirts and everything in between!

The online store makes it easy and convenient to shop from anywhere, and members can take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Ready to show your Phi Kappa Phi pride? Visit www.PhiKappaPhiStore.org to shop today!

For more information on all of the recognition resources available to members, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Recognition.

Sculptor Glenna Maxey Goodacre Dies at Age 80

Glenna Maxey Goodacre (Texas Tech University), sculptor and designer of the Sacagawea dollar coin, died April 13, 2020. She was 80.

Goodacre, born Aug. 28, 1939, in Lubbock, Texas, studied at Colorado College and the Art Students League in New York. She was initiated into the Society in 1999 by Texas Tech University.

Several of her works are held on the Texas Tech campus including a 6-foot, 4-inch bronze sculpture titled The C.E.O. which was donated to coincide with her 2016 retirement as a sculptor.

Goodacre was dubbed “America’s Sculptor” and created several high-profile bronze pieces including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.; the Irish Memorial in Philadelphia; and a statue of Ronald Reagan called After the Ride which is installed at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California.

“Big pieces are a lot of fun but a lot of work; hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds of clay to move around. Then to see the pieces outdoors with lots of people around them is very rewarding,” she said. “If I want to realize an idea quickly, I make little pieces, and then I may or may not enlarge them.”

One smaller piece – a scale model of The C.E.O. – is on display in the board room at the Phi Kappa Phi national office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

When the United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 required the creation of a new dollar coin, a few select artists were invited to submit designs for the two sides coin. Goodacre’s depiction of Sacagawea – the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition – was chosen for the obverse side, or front face, of the coin. It has been minted every year since 2000.

Goodacre’s honors during her lifetime include the Texas Medal of the Arts, the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, a Lubbock street named in her honor, induction into the West Texas Hall of Fame, and honorary doctorates from Colorado College and Texas Tech University.

Harry Connick Jr., who is married to her daughter Jill Goodacre, announced her passing on his Facebook account. “Glenna was a great hero of mine,” Connick wrote. “She personified strength and resolve.”

Photos - Glenna Goodacre, right, and a scale model of The C.E.O. on display in the Phi Kappa Phi national office.

Free GRE and GMAT Math Bootcamp on April 23

Heading to grad school? Get ready for your entrance exam with a free Math Bootcamp webinar hosted by Society partner The Princeton Review. Whether you plan to take the GRE or GMAT, this webinar can help you brush up on the basic math concepts found in both exams.

On Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. E.T., a Princeton Review instructor will review core math topics, the structure of the exams, how to approach problems, math fundamentals, key strategies for improving your score and more.

This free webinar is available for anyone to attend. Click here to register now. If you cannot attend the live webinar, register and a free recording will be emailed to you.

Is your chapter interested in hosting a test prep or graduate school admissions webinar at no cost? Hosting a webinar for students is a great opportunity to bring visibility to your chapter, promote membership and get in front of prospective members.

To schedule a webinar, email Jamie Chapman, membership director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org with the date and time your chapter would prefer to host a webinar and the topic to be reviewed. We will reach out to The Princeton Review to find an instructor and have the online webinar registration set up.

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

Get in Gear and Win!

Earning membership in Phi Kappa Phi is a reason to be proud. Now we want to get a peek at your Greek! Whether it’s your favorite sweat shirt, coffee mug or backpack, we want to see how you show off your Society pride by sporting ΦKΦ gear in your everyday life. Submit photos of yourself with your favorite swag for a chance to win an Amazon card up to $100 and be featured in Society materials.

To enter click here to submit your photo(s) and tell us why you are a proud member by May 31. Please limit your submission to no more than five photos. High resolution images (JPEG or PNG) are preferred.

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

Click here for more details including official rules.

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

Don't have great gear? Visit our store today!

Society Members Named American Council on Education Fellows

The American Council on Education recently named 38 higher education professionals to its ACE Fellows Program. Since 1965, the program has helped higher education’s future leaders prepare for senior positions in college leadership.

Phi Kappa Phi congratulates five Society members on being chosen as part of the 2020-21 class of fellows as they continue to advance its mission to promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education. Society members named as ACE fellows are:

Bronwyn Fees (Kansas State University – Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Health and Human Sciences) – Fees leads the college’s strategic planning process and focuses on graduate education, distance education and faculty development and awards.

Chris Meiers (Washington State University Tri-Cities – Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Deputy Title IX Officer) – Meiers provides direction to the services and programs in enrollment management and student affairs, including recruitment, retention, financial aid, registration, and career and counseling services.

Mary K. Ramsey (Eastern Michigan University – Professor of English and Assistant Vice President of The Honors College) – Having previously serviced at Eastern as the English Language and Literature Department Head, Ramsey leads the Honors College with a student-focused approach.

James A. Uchizono (University of the Pacific – Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics and Medicinal Chemistry and Associate Provost for Research) – After joining the Pacific in 2000, Uchizono was named Teacher of the Year by the school in 2005.

Janie Valdes (Florida International University – Assistant Vice President, Enrollment Management and Services) – Among her many duties, Valdes works with Connect4Success, a guided transfer pathway that aims to help students transition to FIU from other Florida colleges.

Click here for a complete list of ACE fellows.

Join Great Conversations in Our Members-Only Community

Tired of surfing the web and seeing the same thing, over and over? Head over to Phi Kappa Phi’s exclusive, members-only community and enjoy conversations about every topic under the sun. Link lets our global network of members enjoy discussions from academic to recreational, and from silly to serious. Visit the community to join these and other conversations today!

Let’s share ways to stay busy during the COVID-19 outbreak! In the Quad here.

Work or school stressors? How do you cope? In the Career Corner here.

Networking in a new city in the Quad here.

Independent research ideas in the Study Group here.

Let’s talk about our pets! In the Quad here.

Project Management professional certification in the Career Corner here.

Advice for jobs for educations majors in the Quad here.

Virtual induction ceremony in the Chapter Officers Open Forum here.

Who inspires you? In the Quad here.

Share your throwback photos! In the Quad here.

Help finding an online Ph.D. program in the Study Group here.

Join these conversations or start your own! Share your ideas in the Phi Kappa Phi community and connect with members around the world.

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? 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 walk you through everything from uploading a photo to joining a community to posting a message.

Member Discount: U.S. News Grad Compass

We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with U.S. News to offer our members a 20% discount on one full year of unlimited Grad Compass access now through June 30! Thousands of students rely on Grad Compass for expanded school rankings, data and advice to help them find the right graduate school and connect their education to their dream career.

Expanded Profiles | Get expanded data and rankings for law, business, engineering, education, medical and nursing programs.

Career & Salary | Find out just how much you'll make with your degree by researching employment rates and average salaries for business and law graduates.

Test Scores | See what it takes to get into your dream school. Research average scores for the LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE.

Financial Aid | Find out the average aid available in the form of grants, scholarships, student debt, fellowships and research appointments.

Student Body | Learn the breakdowns for each program between international students, gender proportions and underrepresented minorities.

Advanced Search | Search all schools and programs based on test scores and other expanded search options.

If you’re in the process of researching graduate schools, click here to learn more about Grad Compass and access the savings today!

Please note, the discount will be automatically applied to your order. If the discount is not applied, use promo code PKP2020.

Questions? Email Jamie Chapman, membership director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org.

And the Wins for the Pins Are …

Phi Kappa Phi is excited to announce the winners of its Spring 2020 Wear Your Pin Contest! The 70 entries from around the globe featured members wearing their pins at work, school, Society events, and more.

Congratulations to Jessica Stewart, from Lamar University, who was selected as the first place winner. As the first place recipient, Stewart received a $100 gift card to the Phi Kappa Phi store. Melissa Valencia, from California State University, Long Beach, was awarded second place and a $50 store gift card. Third place went to Jacqueline Schnieber, from University of Florida, who received a $25 store 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 Get in Gear Photo Contest, which will open April 15.

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

Ellis Marsalis, Jazz Musician and Educator, Dies at 85

Ellis Marsalis Jr. (University of New Orleans), acclaimed jazz pianist and educator, died April 1. He was 85.

Born Nov. 14, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Marsalis began his musical career on clarinet as a child. Though he later also learned saxophone, he added piano in high school and it soon became his preferred instrument.

In 1955, Marsalis earned a B.A. in music education from Dillard University in New Orleans. Though he spent a brief period of time stationed in California with the U.S. Marine Corps, he returned to his hometown and married his wife, Delores Ferdinand.

As a music educator at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Xavier University, and University of New Orleans, he spent decades teaching and inspiring his students, including Harry Connick, Jr., Irvin Mayfield, and Terence Blanchard. Of his six sons, four followed in their father’s footsteps to become award-winning musicians as well.

The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, the centerpiece of New Orleans’ Musicians’ Village, was named in his honor and dedicated to music and education in the area. The Musicians’ Village is a Habitat for Humanity creation developed for musicians who lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina. The Center serves as a performance, education and community venue and aims to broaden opportunities for underserved children, youth and musicians.

In 2008, Marsalis was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Upon news of his passing, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said, “Ellis Marsalis was a legend. He was the prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz. He was a teacher, a father, and an icon — and words aren’t sufficient to describe the art, the joy and the wonder he showed the world.”

Although Marsalis is gone, his recorded music endures as a vivid legacy. Writing of On the First Occasion, an album the Ellis Marsalis Trio released last year, one critic noted of Marsalis that “what he achieves, from beginning to end, is a sort of quiet magic.”
​
It’s a beauty his fans can continue to enjoy for generations. 


Photo provided by Western Illinois University – Steven Rock, left, Western Illinois University Phi Kappa Phi Chapter President, greets jazz musician and Phi Kappa Phi member Ellis Marsalis, after his September 2006 concert.

Member Benefits Highlights – April 2020

The member savings will be blooming throughout April! Don’t miss out on a limited time offer from U.S. News and exclusive technology savings up to 50%. Our partners make online shopping easy and affordable!

U.S. News Grad Compass *Limited time offer!
Are you researching graduate programs to find the right fit? Review more than 2,000 graduate programs through U.S. News Grad Compass. Thousands of students rely on Grad Compass for expanded school data and rankings including student body demographics, graduate employment rates and average salaries, average entrance exam scores, average financial aid provided, and much more.

The Society has partnered with U.S. News to provide our members with a 20% discount on one full year of unlimited Grad Compass access now through June 30. To learn more about Grad Compass and to access the savings today click here–the discount will be automatically applied to your order. If the discount is not applied, use promo code PKP2020.

Dell
Spring into savings from Dell! The Society’s partnership with Dell allows members to shop exclusive discounts at www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi year-round. Members can take advantage of Dell’s 30-day Price Match Guarantee, earn up to 6% back in rewards and free expedited delivery through the Dell Rewards program, access special financing offers with the Dell Preferred Account program, and get every day free delivery on PCs and electronics. What are you waiting for? Take advantage of these exclusive savings today!

Lenovo
The Lenovo deals are growing! Save up to 46% throughout April when you shop our member store at www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi. Plus, click here to check out savings up to 50% on gadgets and gizmos galore!

Sam’s Club from MemberDeals
Do you need supplies for spring cleaning, mastering the grill or partying on the patio? Bring on spring with everything you need from Sam’s Club and save on a one year membership! You will also receive a limited time free gift and get a second complimentary Sam's Club Membership card. Click here to purchase your one year membership through Society partner MemberDeals today!

Office Depot
Spring cleaning and organizing? Don’t miss Office Depot’s Spring Into Savings Event! Click here to shop cleaning supplies, electronics and accessories, and everything you need to get organized! Don’t forget to sign up for your Office Depot Store Purchasing Card through the Society’s partnership to save up to 80% on regular priced items all year long! Learn more at OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP/.

The Princeton Review
Preparing for an entrance exam over spring break? Let us help! Our partnership with The Princeton Review allows members, friends and family to save 15% on review courses and tutoring for the MCAT®, LSAT®, GMAT®, GRE®, and more. Click here to review products and services available and use the appropriate promotional code to enroll online.

If you’re preparing for the GRE or GMAT, register for a free Math Boot Camp Webinar hosted by the Society and The Princeton Review on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. C.T.! Click here to register now!

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