ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – May 2020

Mohammed Aljifri was born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and spent time in Morocco during his childhood. His siblings moved to the United States to pursue their dreams, and after his high school graduation, Mohammed followed.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Mohammed settled in Annandale, Virginia, and enrolled in Northern Virginia Community College. He earned a certification in English for Science, Math, and Technology, while at the same time completing an English as a Second Language course in Washington, D.C.

Mohammed went on to enroll in Jacksonville University to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot by majoring in Aviation Management and Flight Operations. He was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in November 2019, was a Davis College of Business Top 40 Honorable Mention in 2018, and was featured in the Davis College of Business Top 25 for the 2019-2020 academic year. He has served as a volunteer with St. Johns Riverkeeper, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a clean and healthy river for current and future generations, and the Jacksonville Public Library.

Let’s get to know Mohammed!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   I accepted the invitation to join the Society because it’s widely known that Phi Kappa Phi recognizes excellence and the standards for election are very high. Phi Kappa Phi means solidity, opportunity, and uniqueness. Becoming a member of the Society was one of my most ambitious achievements. The Society provides a great community and connects you with other inspiring, dedicated and hard-working individuals.


2. What is your favorite childhood memory?
   When I was nine years old, my father took me inside the cockpit of the Boeing 777 airplane for the first time. That visit sparked my fascination with planes and from then on I was always the first child to point to the sky and shout, “There’s a plane!” when I heard the familiar sound of a plane passing overhead.


3. What is your favorite meal?
   My favorite meal is paella, especially paella de marisco (seafood). I love the combination of seafood, vegetables, and rice, and my all-time favorite paella is my mom’s. The dish reminds me of my visit to Spain and the beautiful memories of walking with my family on the streets of Las Ramblas while looking at the great monuments surrounding it.


4. What is your favorite sport?
   I enjoy watching horse races and show performances. I do have some horse riding experience, however, more as a hobby. I also love billiards and started playing when I was eight years old. I eventually joined the Saudi team and played in the 2012 World 9-Ball Championship in Qatar and the 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in South Korea.


5. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
   If I could travel anywhere, I would take a trip to Italy. The small country has many beautiful cities such as Venice, Florence and Rome that I would enjoy touring, and I would prefer to visit in the spring time.


6. What cartoon character would you like to switch lives with?
   If I could switch lives with a cartoon character, I would choose my all-time favorite Tiger Mask W. He is a Japanese pro-wrestler whose goal is to defeat Yellow Devil. He is an admirable character due to his strength and defending everyone in danger.


7. What was your favorite book as a child?
   My favorite book as a child was Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It’s the story of a poor woodcutter who is gathering wood in the forest one day and sees a group of thieves visiting their treasure in a cave. At the end of the story, the woodcutter is the only person who knows about the treasure and where it’s hidden, making him rich.


8. What is the one thing you can’t live without?
   I couldn’t live without humanity. I believe it’s one of the most important ethical principles and that it means love, compassion towards each other, and fairness consistent across all cultures.


9. What is the most important lesson you learned in the past year?
   The most important lesson I learned in the last year is to always keep pushing forward. Do not let any obstacle make you take a U-turn. Obstacles are the key to being successful.


10. If you would witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
    I would have loved to be able to watch the first man step on the moon!

To learn more about Mohammed and connect with him, visit his 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.

Phi Kappa Phi Names Texas State University as 2020 Excellence in Innovation Recipient

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced Texas State University as the 2020 recipient of its Excellence in Innovation Award. The $100,000 award, given biennially, recognizes Texas State for achievement in helping increase the interest of STEM careers for students in K-12 through their NASA Future Aerospace Engineers and Mathematicians Academy.

“Phi Kappa Phi is proud to recognize Texas State University for its highly innovative project in STEM education and bilingual community outreach,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “The jury was impressed with the comprehensive nature of FAMA and its mission to underserved students, a fine example of the creative and groundbreaking programming our Excellence in Innovation Award was designed to honor and uplift.”

Established in 2013, FAMA is a hallmark program of the LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research at Texas State University. The program provides integrated year-round STEM programming to economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented student populations by engaging them in relevant STEM experiences with a focus on NASA contexts.

Since its launch the FAMA project has expanded to included four main programs: STEM Saturday and Summer Camps, the NASA Backpack Program, Technology-Rich Environments and Experiences, and Bilingual Family Community Outreach. Through these programs FAMA has served and enriched STEM experiences for more than 5,600 students.

Texas State, on behalf of its efforts through FAMA, was selected as the 2020 recipient of the Excellence in Innovation Award by a jury of emeritus university presidents during a two-part screening process. The university was first chosen as one of six semifinalists before advancing as one of three finalists. The pool of entries represented inventive, multifaceted projects at institutions across the United States. Each institution was assessed on its project’s ability to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes to create systemic large-scale change.

“As a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi, it is a great honor to be chosen as the winner of the Excellence in Innovation Award,” said university President Denise Trauth. “We deeply value our NASA Future Aerospace Engineers and Mathematicians Academy as it advances STEM education and research. It is a great tribute to our hard-working faculty and staff that the Academy has gained this recognition.”

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi has awarded fellowships and grants to members and students on its chapter campuses. Nearly $1 million is awarded each year through programs that last year recognized over 350 individuals. The Excellence in Innovation Award, first awarded in 2016, is the Society’s only award for institutions.

The call for submissions for the 2022 Excellence in Innovation Award will open in the fall of 2021. For more details and to view the finalist portfolios, visit www.phikappaphi.org/innovation.

Member Mentions – May 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:

Jacqueline Ball (Oklahoma State University) received a George Harold and Dorothy Elsie Faisy Award as well as the Lincoln Ward Memorial Veterinary Scholarship for academic excellence.

David Briscoe (University of Arkansas at Little Rock) is a 2020 winner of the Faculty Excellence in Public Service Award at UA Little Rock. The award is given to those who make significant contributions to the community and the lives of their students and colleagues.

Valarie Burke and Kara Wada (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) have received promotions within the Graduate College. Burke is now the Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Services, and Wada is now the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management.

Kathleen Donlin-Smith (Nazareth College) has earned the Solidarity and Social Justice Award as part of the school’s President’s Civic Engagement Awards for her commitment to combating social justice issues within the community.

Madeline Griem (Emporia State University) has been named a Shepherd Scholar for 2020-21. The Shepherd Scholars Program honors Emporia State’s most outstanding students.

Arielle Hudson, James Johnson and Genevieve Verville (University of Mississippi) have been inducted into UM’s 2019-2020 Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors afforded to students at the school.

Paige Kristensen (University of Nebraska Kearney) was recognized with an Outstanding Senior award at UNK for her excellence in scholarship and leadership, as well as dedication to the community.

Aaron Lowe (California State University, Fresno) won the All-American Debater of the Year award from the Cross Examination Debate Association for representing the best of collegiate debate. His Fresno State team also earned a spot in the National Debate Tournament for only the second time in school history.

Marilena Melas (University of Southern California) has been selected as an ambassador representing Columbus, Ohio, for the 2020:ResearcHERS: Women Fighting Cancer campaign for the American Cancer Society. The campaign’s goal is to raise funds in support of women-led cancer research.

Alida Merlo (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), professor of criminology and criminal justice, was selected as IUP’s 2020-21 Distinguished University Professor. The award is based on a record of outstanding teaching, service, and research or scholarly activity.

Leslie Preveaux (Mercer University) received a National Board for Certified Counselor Foundation Minority Fellowship. The award aims to increase the number of professional counselors providing services to underserved populations.

Tucker Robbins (East Carolina University) has been named to the ECU Board of Trustees. The senior majoring in industrial distribution and logistics will represent the student body as a member of the BOT.

Kristin Ruddle (West Virginia University) received WVU’s highest student honor, the Order of Augusta, for exceeding classroom boundaries and demonstrating a commitment to solving global challenges and serving others.

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

Free Webinar: Secrets to Grad School Admissions

You’ve got a great GPA and are ready to apply to grad school. Now what? Getting in isn’t going to be easy, and as the number of applicants rises, so do their test scores. Could you use some great advice? We’ve got you covered with a free session sponsored by The Princeton Review.

Register now for a Grad Admissions Webinar scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 8 p.m. E.T. During the session, you’ll learn expert tips and insights about exactly what it takes to get into graduate school. Along with a special offer from Princeton Review, the topics covered will include:

• Insight into the Medical, Law, Business and Grad School admissions process (GPA, test scores, extracurriculars)
• Required entrance exams tips
• Advice on how to improve your chances of gaining admission to the school of your choice
• An outline of the timeline including when you should be taking your exams and applying
• A question and answer session

Phi Kappa Phi members, friends and family can also save 15% on The Princeton Review courses and tutoring for the MCAT®, LSAT®, GMAT®, GRE®, and more. Click here for more information.

Can't attend the webinar live? Sign up to receive a free recording!

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or call 800-804-9800, ext. 217.

Show Your Spirit – Win a Diploma Frame!

Shout out to the Class of 2020! What could be better than a high quality, USA-made frame, customized with a variety of mouldings, mat colors and materials that complement your home or office décor? Getting it for free! Shop all the frame options available, and enter Church Hill’s Graduation Photo Contest today!

You’ve worked hard and your perseverance has paid off. Despite the challenges thrown your way, you made it. Now it’s time to celebrate your achievement with a custom frame from Society partner Church Hill Classics. Visit www.DiplomaFrame.com/PKP to see all of the customizable options for your diploma, Phi Kappa Phi memorabilia, professional certificates and more.

Send in your celebrations for a chance to win. Show off your school spirit, cap and gown selfies, celebrations with family, decorated grad caps – get creative with your submission! Click here to upload a photo of you celebrating graduation this year for a chance to win a free diploma frame.

Three grand prize winners will receive a free diploma frame with second place earning a $150 gift card and third place earning a $100 gift card. Winners will be determined by Church Hill Classics staff and selected based on creativity and originality. Enter at bit.ly/GradPhotoContest2020.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win!

There’s a $100 Amazon gift card waiting for one lucky member. Enter now and it could be you!

We want to see you in all of your Phi Kappa Phi glory. Whether you’re wearing our graduation regalia with your cap and gown or sipping coffee from your favorite Society mug – let us get a peek at your Greek! Any Phi Kappa Phi gear qualifies, from T-shirts to book bags and more. 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!

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Finalists for Excellence in Innovation Award

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the three finalists for its 2020 Excellence in Innovation Award. The $100,000 award, given once per biennium, recognizes one institution of higher learning for achievement in finding powerful answers to important local, regional, national or global challenges.

The finalists, selected by a jury of emeritus presidents and provosts, were chosen from a pool of six semifinalists representing multifaceted projects at institutions across the nation. Each institution was assessed on the project’s ability to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes to create systemic large-scale change.

The three institutions chosen as finalists are:

• Nazareth College
• Texas State University
• Widener University

“The projects presented by the semifinalists in the Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Innovation Award posed a challenge to the jury, as each represents a fine example of the innovation for which higher education is known. We are so pleased to recognize all six of these fine institutions and celebrate their excellence,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

The 2020 recipient will be announced Tuesday, May 26, and will receive $100,000 in tangible recognition of its best practice in response to the changes and challenges facing higher education in the 21st century.

The three semifinalist institutions receiving honorable mention are Moravian College, the University of Houston-Downtown, and the University of Memphis.

The Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Innovation award is 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. The Excellence in Innovation Award, first awarded in 2016 to Tulane University, is the Society’s only award for institutions.

For more information about the award, visit www.phikappaphi.org/innovation.

It’s Never Too Late to Shine

Not every collegiate journey follows a traditional path straight from high school to higher education, and even those that do may encounter struggles along the way. But no matter the path you take, there’s always the chance to succeed in the end and achieve academic success. Our members remind us of that on a regular basis.

Tammy Lilly – Fontbonne University

Lilly started with a traditional route – entering college right after high school. Soon, though, she decided to leave school to focus on marriage and family. After 22 years, she returned with a new goal. “I was starting all over from the beginning, a different degree, no credit hours transferable, two kids, a husband, and a full-time career,” she shared. “I re-entered university with a focus to finish with a 4.0 GPA.” The added maturity, she feels, led to a richer experience.

“It's never too late to pursue something that is important to you. And, self-satisfaction should always be the primary reason why someone wants to better themselves. Not what others think or don't think. Not what others say or don't say,” said Lilly. As advice to other students, she adds, “If it was easy everyone would have a degree and then the value of a degree would be minimized simply by virtue of is commonality. You are worth it so invest in yourself!”

In 2008, Lilly accomplished her goal and graduated with a B.A. and a membership in Phi Kappa Phi. “Done! One of my greatest achievements!”

Jacob Lisak – Western Michigan University

Lisak struggled in high school and grades were not a focus. “I think there’s a lot of young people out there who feel that they’re stuck on a path for life,” he noted. Lisak has three people to thank for getting back on track. At the top of his list are his parents who always believed in his potential. He also is grateful for his guidance counselor. “He was always someone I could talk to and seemed to dedicate himself to the kids who were struggling. He gave me a big chance to join a law enforcement vocational tech program in high school that was new and difficult to get into. The class was amazing, and it was the first time I felt passionate about school and learning,” said Lisak.

He hopes college students take advantage of the opportunities available to them. “Enjoy it,” he advises. “It’s so much more difficult to socialize when you’re older. Take time to join the clubs and groups that you find interesting in school. There will be far less opportunities to do this later in life.”

Now with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in social work, Lisak is proud of his accomplishments – including his invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi. “Finding out I was in the top 7.5 [percent] of my class felt great, and it was the first time I had acknowledgement that I was excelling at anything school related.”

Skyler Pretto – Florida Institute of Technology

Twelve years after dropping out of high school, Pretto decided to work toward a G.E.D. His appetite for learning combined with the hopes of broadening his career possibilities were the driving force behind the decision. “If there is anything I would tell myself in high school, it would probably be that life does not get any easier when one chooses to not pursue a better education for themselves, a better life, a better career path,” he shared.

Now as an electrical engineering student at FIT, the goal of graduation is right around the corner. To his fellow students, he urges them not to worry about their pace or compare themselves to others. “Their desire to learn—their willingness to challenge themselves—is what will drive their success, not just scholastically, but in life,” said Pretto.

Earning an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi has been a highlight of his return to school. He said, “This is the greatest scholastic achievement of my life, thus proving that it is never too late to get a better education.”

What about you?

Do you have your own inspirational story? We'd love to hear it! Email news@phikappaphi.org to share.

Phi Kappa Phi Annual Report Showcases Achievements of 2019

Phi Kappa Phi today announced the publication of its 2019 Annual Report. The report, themed Realizing a Dream, showcases a number of achievements of the past year made possible through the generosity of donors to the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation. Because of this generous support, the Society continues to refine the role we play in recognizing and promoting academic excellence.

“The establishment of the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation in 1969 was a prescient step in providing for the future of the Society’s community of scholars through an awards and grants program. For the past fifty years, our members have demonstrated their commitment to excellence through their donations, and we are forever grateful that they have helped realize that early dream,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

The report features a stunning design with photos and infographics, stories of Phi Kappa Phi award winners and members, chapter happenings and much more.

Highlights of the 2019 Annual Report include:

• Stories and testimonials from winners of Phi Kappa Phi awards.
• A story of the first Sherrill Carlson Fellow.
• The story of a former Fellow and the lasting impact her Phi Kappa Phi fellowship has made.
• The story of two generations of Phi Kappa Phi initiates.
• A timeline commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Foundation.
• Listing of donors to the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation.

To read the 2019 Annual Report, visit www.phikappaphi.org/annualreport.

Launch National Astronaut Day with Out-of-This-World Trivia

It’s National Astronaut Day and the 59th anniversary of the first American in space. On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard Jr. was launched into space aboard the Freedom 7 space capsule. His 15-minute flight was the beginning of a program that continues today.

To mark the occasion, we’ve compiled some of our favorite space related Phi Kappa Phi tidbits. Let’s see which ones you know!

How many Phi Kappa Phi members have traveled into space?

Answer: 30
James McDivitt, who was initiated at University of Michigan in 1959, was the first Society member in space. Most recently, Christina Koch, initiated at North Carolina State University, returned from her time aboard the International Space Station in February. Click here to see the full list of Phi Kappa Phi astronauts.

What’s the largest number of people in space at one time?

Answer: 13
On July 17, 2009, when the Space Shuttle Endeavour docked at the International Space Station, a combined total of 13 people were on board. Society member Timothy Kopra, from the United States Military Academy, was there for the event. It was the third time 13 people have been in space.

What’s the largest number of Society members in space at one time?

Answer: 3
On March 14, 1995, a record-breaking total of 13 people were in space at one time. They were aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the Mir space station, and the Soyuz TM21. Flying high on the Space Shuttle were three Society members – Samuel Durrance, initiated at California State University, Los Angeles; Wendy Lawrence, United States Naval Academy; and Ronald Parise, Youngstown State University.

Who was the first African American to perform a spacewalk?

Answer: Bernard Harris Jr.
Harris, initiated at University of Minnesota, was chosen to serve aboard two NASA Space Shuttle missions. In 1995, he became the first African American to perform a spacewalk.

Who holds the record for longest time spent in space by a woman?

Answer: Christina Koch
After spending 328 days in space, Koch returned to earth on Feb. 6, 2020. Koch was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at North Carolina State University.

Can American astronauts vote from space?

Answer: Yes!
Some astronauts have found themselves in the unique position of not being on Earth for both regular voting and early/absentee voting for an election. Because NASA’s spaceflight program is centered in Houston, most astronauts have a Texas address. Therefore, Texas passed unique-to-its-state legislation giving astronauts the opportunity to vote from space. Several space-farers have taken advantage of the process including Society member Gregory Chamitoff, of Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, who voted from space in 2008.

Photo provided by NASA – Retired astronaut Wendy Lawrence currently serves as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Foundation Board of Trustees.

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with Phi Kappa Phi

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Now more than ever, teachers deserve our praise and thanks. As schools across America faced abrupt closures this spring, teachers kept education alive and students supported with their unwavering determination and adaptability. Phi Kappa Phi encourages you to thank the teachers in your life with savings help from our partner companies.

Office Depot – Take advantage of savings up to 80% off great goodies and gadgets for your favorite teachers. From classroom supplies such as organizers and pens to at-home treats to help them relax, find gift ideas for every budget with this Office Depot Teachers Gift Guide.

Plus, Society members receive free next-day delivery on online orders over $50. Click here for more information on how to shop online or in-store today.

Franklin Planner – Teachers spend countless hours outside the classroom making plans and looking ahead at upcoming schedules. What better way to keep things in order and maintain focus than with organizational tools from Franklin Planner. Find the best organizers, totes, binders and more all while taking advantage of your 15% discount for being a Phi Kappa Phi member!

Visit www.FranklinPlanner.com and use PKPMEMBER when checking out to apply the discount to your order.

AmazonSmile – Don’t forget to support the Society every time you shop by using AmazonSmile where a portion of every eligible purchase is donated to Phi Kappa Phi! Whether you want to grab a coffee mug, classroom décor, home spa treat for your favorite teacher or if you’re doing your personal shopping from the comfort of home, take advantage of this simple and automatic way to support the Society each time you shop.

Click here to log in to your Amazon account and look for Supporting: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi in the top left corner. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate .0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to support our mission to promote excellence through our awards program.

Member Benefits Highlights – May 2020

April showers bring May...savings! Take advantage of these exclusive offers, including a limited time offer, available only to active members throughout May!

U.S. News Grad Compass *Limited time offer!
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. If you’re in the process of researching graduate programs, Grad Compass can help, and you can save 20% on one full year of unlimited access now through June 30. To learn more about Grad Compass and to access the savings click here—the discount will be automatically applied to your order. If the discount is not applied, use promo code PKP2020.

Becker Professional Education
In light of the evolving COVID-19 health crisis, Becker has hand-selected some of their most timely and relevant on-demand CPE courses that can help navigate your current work situation while boosting your accounting, tax and business acumen. With topics ranging from managing remote teams to technical guidance around tax changes, these courses are available at no cost until June 30! Learn more about each CPE course offered in the bundle here, and click here to register today!

Preparing for the CPA Exam? Don’t forget that your membership entitles you to a $300 discount when you register for all four parts of the Becker 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 to your purchase

Church Hill Classics
You’ve earned it. Frame it! Customize a frame for your membership certificate with Church Hill Classics. They offer a variety of frame mouldings, mat colors and materials to create a frame that complements your home or office decor. In addition, you can find a frame to showcase your Phi Kappa Phi medallion and honor stole! Click here to start designing today!

Graduate Keepsakes
Celebrate your accomplishments for years to come with Society-branded keepsakes including honor cords, stoles and the Phi Kappa Phi medallion. Visit www.PhiKappaPhiStore.org to shop now!

Lenovo
Grow your knowledge with new tech from Lenovo and receive up to 53% off technologies built for scale all month long! Discounts will increase to 55% during Lenovo’s Memorial Day Sale starting May 11 through May 31. Take advantage of these historical savings on legendary devices while supplies last. Shop at www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi.

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 - May 2020

The chapter development staff would like to express our sincere gratitude to our chapter officer volunteers who have played an integral part in the evolving response to the unfolding COVID-19 crisis. We know from many conversations over the past several weeks that you rose to the challenge of quickly converting your courses to a virtual format while still recognizing and honoring excellence on your respective campuses through your Phi Kappa Phi invitations. You are to be commended for these efforts!

We know that your priorities have changed drastically. We hope you will find a few minutes to read the highlights of a few chapter’s successes from earlier this spring, including some Phi Kappa Phi Week activities. We know that the love of learning is still important whether in person or virtually. We continue to hope for the health and safety of all our officers and members.

A-State Hosts Java Nice Day
Chapter 141 at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, hosted Java Nice Day to celebrate Phi Kappa Phi Week on Feb. 6.

Student Vice Presidents set up the banner in the campus union, staffed the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and passed out six gallons of coffee and cocoa while they talked to students about membership in Phi Kappa Phi and the awards available to students.

“It was so nice to be able to spread the word about our organization and brighten people's days with something warm to drink,” said Sara Brown, student vice president.

Berry Celebrates Phi Kappa Phi Week with Trivia
Chapter 285 at Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, hosted a Trivial Pursuit Face-off on Feb. 6 to celebrate Phi Kappa Phi Week.

The three Student Vice Presidents planned the trivia game and hosted it at a table in the student center with approximately 25 people in attendance. The event helped the chapter enhance campus visibility before sending invitations to students later that week.

In addition to hosting an event, the chapter also held a meeting to allow members to meet, make announcements and promote Phi Kappa Phi awards. Ten members attended the meeting and several students were interested in applying for awards.

ECU Pop-up Lecture on COVID-19
Chapter 114 at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, continued their pop-up series on timely discussions of current events with a lecture on the new coronavirus.

The third presentation in the series was held on March 2 and led by Chief of Infectious Diseases at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, Dr. Paul Cook.

Approximately 250 people attended the event, which was covered by multiple news outlets and appeared on the front page of The News & Observer in Raleigh.

Chapter leaders begin each lecture with a short presentation on Phi Kappa Phi’s history, mission and membership requirements. Presenters are asked to limit their remarks to 30 minutes to allow time for questions in order to keep the event to one hour.

ERAU Inducts New Members During Phi Kappa Phi Week
Chapter 337 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, celebrated Phi Kappa Phi Week on Feb. 6 by initiating 50 new members and presenting a faculty research award.

Embry-Riddle initiated 25 juniors, 15 seniors, six graduate students, and four faculty members. The faculty inducted were Dr. Johann Dorfling, assistant professor of aerospace engineering; Michelle Hight, assistant professor of aeronautical science; Dr. Jules Yimga, assistant professor of business; and Dr. Hong Zhan, professor of Asian studies.

Dr. Yimga was also presented with the Phi Kappa Phi Top Faculty Scholar Award for 2020. He serves as the Chair of Scholarship and Research in the School of Business. His primary research interests are in the fields of industrial organization and financial economics. One of his current research projects examines how airlines and passengers respond to changes in airline product quality.

"Our chapter was excited to welcome our new members and to recognize Dr. Jules Yimga for his scholarship and service at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, particularly his mentorship of our undergraduates," said Anne Boettcher, chapter president.

TAMU Volunteers at Children’s Center
Chapter 53 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, celebrated Phi Kappa Phi Week by reading to children at the campus children’s center twice that week.

The Becky Gates Children’s Center serves the children of university students, faculty and staff, which includes approximately 165 children from 12 months to 6 years old. The center works closely with different academic departments to provide teaching opportunities and experiences for TAMU students.
Chapter officers also printed award posters created by the national office and sent them to members during Phi Kappa Phi Week. The chapter received several inquiries about the awards offered.

“Let the love of learning rule humanity is a motto that we take very seriously at Texas A&M. We strive to infuse it in everything we do...especially in our community engagement activities,” said Barbara Lee, the chapter’s primary contact.
Got News?

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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Top Photos
Left photo by Amy Pearce – Atin Suri, right, student vice president, talks to students about Phi Kappa Phi and hands out free coffee and cocoa at Arkansas State University’s Java Nice Day event.

Center photo by Kelsi Nichols – Callie Whitesell and Mikayla Camacho, seated, student vice presidents, talk to a student about Phi Kappa Phi at Berry College’s trivia event.

Right photo by Chris Hollis – Dr. Paul Cook speaks to a crowded room about his research on the Coronavirus at East Carolina University’s pop-up.

Bottom Photos
Left photo by Connor McShane – The Phi Kappa Phi chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, welcomed 50 new members at their spring initiation ceremony.

Center photo by Christopher Marchetti Photography – Dr. Jules Yimga, assistant professor of business, received the 2020 Top Faculty Scholar Award from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on the Prescott campus.

Right photo by Lauren Staudt – Elizabeth Dicken reads to students at the Becky Gates Children’s Center during Texas A&M University’s Phi Kappa Phi Week project.