Shop and Support ΦKΦ With the Amazon App

Supporting Phi Kappa Phi just got easier with the Amazon mobile app. With AmazonSmile now available in the Amazon Shopping app on iOS and Android phones, you can support the Society whenever you shop Amazon. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Society, and those donations help to support the Society's mission to promote excellence through our awards program. You can even continue to use your existing Amazon account.

Want to get started? Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.

• Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device and log in.
• Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap "Settings."
• Tap "AmazonSmile" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, you will need to update your app. Click here for instructions.

Shopping on your computer instead? You can always shop the Society’s AmazonSmile site here. To learn more about AmazonSmile and how they give back, visit https://org.amazon.com/.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – July 2020

Srishti Mathur earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas where she was initiated in November 2019. She was the recipient of an Academic Excellence Scholarship Award with Distinction which allowed her to attend UT Dallas with all expenses paid, and she was selected for the Fast Track ACN program, an accelerated program that allowed her to enroll in a master's program while completing her undergraduate degree.

During her time at UT Dallas, Srishti participated in Alternative Spring Break disaster relief service projects, and, in 2019, she traveled to Puerto Rico where she led a team of 10 students to help the community with Hurricane Maria disaster relief. She also volunteered as a Young Adults Ambassador for the Frisco Association for the Arts and is currently serving as the Chair of Marketing and Communications for the Frisco Young Professionals group.

Srishti’s family moved to the United States from New Delhi, India, more than twenty years ago, and she was raised in California and Washington until moving to Texas in 2015 to attend UT Dallas. She is employed as a User Experience Researcher at J.C. Penney Co. in Plano, Texas, where she studies user behavior.

Let’s get to know Srishti!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   I accepted the invitation after reading about all of the benefits of membership—networking with scholars from all walks of life, the potential to pursue Society awards, and even some great discounts on useful products and services! Moreover, the UT Dallas chapter is committed to supporting diversity and creativity, values that resonate with me and motivated me to join.


2. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
   My family's most important holiday of the year is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and celebration of good triumphing over evil. We always create rangoli, a traditional art form where we arrange flower petals into geometric patterns. I love it because the result always exemplifies the power that comes from working together to achieve a common goal, and every year our patterns become more complex!


3. Who is the most intelligent person you know?
   My sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Walloch, is the most intelligent person I know because she sees the potential in all of her students and always figures out unique strategies to help each of us succeed. It takes an incredible amount of intelligence to understand the nuances behind every student's story; she fostered an environment of empathy in her classroom, and she even created a families program so that everyone in our school would have a support system made up of students and teachers!


4. What is your favorite sport and team?
   My favorite sport is rock climbing because it forces me to focus on one goal of reaching the top, and the thrill of making it up there is the best part. My favorite sports team, however, is the Seattle Seahawks not only because I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but because they make interesting plays during their games that leave everyone in my family at the edge of our seats!


5. What emoji best captures your essence?
   The paint emoji, 🎨, best captures my essence because I use art as a form of expression—I've been doodling since I was two years old! I love to draw, paint and experiment with different artistic media in my free time.


6. What is your definition of success?
   Success means more to me than just achieving a goal. It means taking the time to reflect on how I got there, learning from any mistakes along the way, and ensuring that I am in a sound position to move on to my next goal. Success also means finding the confidence to uplift others.


7. Which fictional character do you relate to most?
   I relate most to Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation" because, like her, I strive for my enthusiasm, passion and moral compass to drive me forward.


8. What’s your favorite family tradition?
   My family loves the great outdoors, so we try to visit at least one national park each year. I love this tradition because we get to spend time as a family out in nature without any other distractions, and we are continually reminded of the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from exploring the natural wonders of the beaches, mountains and waterfalls in California and Washington.


9. What energizes you and brings you excitement?
   Talking to my sisters, both of whom are considerably younger than me, energizes me and brings me excitement because both of them are constantly learning new things, surprising me with their new interests and finding new ways to make me laugh. There is never a dull moment with them!


10. What's the best thing you've learned in your current position?
    The best thing I've learned is that as long as you take initiative and show your interest in developing a skill, there are always people willing to help you learn!

To learn more about Srishti and connect, visit her profile within Link, our online member community, here.

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.

Member Mentions – July 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:

Adelaida Lucero (University of the Philippines), a professorial lecturer of English and comparative literature, has been named a National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Awardee. Honorees are chosen for their research advancements and significant contributions to their respective fields.

James Miller Jr. (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) is one of 15 nurses to receive the Circle of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Those honored "demonstrate the high regard in which they’re held by their colleagues and their commitment to achieving excellent outcomes in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families."

Taja' White (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) has been named Miss Louisiana Collegiate America 2020. As a speech pathology graduate student, she hopes to use her platform to continue advocating for individuals with invisible disabilities and celebrating everyone's unique qualities.

Charis Won (University of Arkansas at Little Rock) is the winner of the 2020 Kevin A. Crass Heart of a Trojan Award which is given annually to a Little Rock senior student-athlete based on community service, leadership and dedication to their team.

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

Our Career Center + LinkedIn = Job Search Success!

Are you searching for your next great job opportunity? Not only is Phi Kappa Phi's Career Center a valuable asset for everyone in the market, but their new social connections feature can boost your chances of getting your foot in the door.

As part of the Career Center's job search page, members can now check company names against their LinkedIn contacts. While viewing any of the thousands of job openings listed, click the "LinkedIn" button to see which of your personal contacts has connections to the job. Members can leverage those professional connections to gather additional information about a company or to request referrals.

Visit Careers.PhiKappaPhi.org today to get started. Choose My Account from the Job Seeker drop down menu at the top of the page. If it's your first time visiting, follow the prompts to create an account, or log in using your Facebook, Google or LinkedIn account.

Plus, check out all of the additional features the Career Center offers, such as:

Free Résumé Review | Get a confidential evaluation with feedback from an expert writer simply by uploading your résumé. Look for the "Upload Résumé" link on the Job Seekers' home page to get a detailed response outlining its strengths and weaknesses.

Advanced Filters and Bookmarks | Get real-time updates for new job openings and never miss an opportunity. Plus bookmark your favorite job listings and come back to apply when you're ready.

Resource Center | From résumé writing tips to career coaching, the Career Center's resources offer advice and strategies to move your career in the direction you want.

Questions? Visit our Career Center information page for FAQs, account creation instructions, and more.

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service Recipients

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the recipients of its 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi Artist, Phi Kappa Phi Scholar and Phi Kappa Phi Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service awards. Given once a biennium, the awards honor individuals who have demonstrated the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. Each award highlights the academic and professional accomplishments of Phi Kappa Phi members who are renowned in their field.

The 2020 recipients are:

• Dr. John R. Vile, dean of the Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University, was named the 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi Scholar. Dr. Vile received the award for his excellence in teaching, research and public service. Through his more than 40-year career, Dr. Vile has contributed broadly to government, political, and history literature through authoring more than 25 books, editing or co-editing 15 books, and numerous chapters and peer-reviewed publications. In addition, Dr. Vile is frequently consulted by media on political issues because of his recognized expertise.
• Dr. Lisa A. Fusillo, professor at the University of Georgia, was named the 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi Artist. Dr. Fusillo’s career as a performing artist and scholar spans more than 45 years. During this time Dr. Fusillo's contribution to the dance community includes a combination of teaching, scholarly research, creative research, service, and administrative roles. She maintains a highly regarded reputation in the dance arena both in the United States and internationally in Europe and Asia for her scholarly work as well as her creative practice in choreography. Her primary area of scholarly research is focused on the Ballets Russes era, particularly the work of Léonide Massine, receiving invitations to present her research on Massine at conferences around the world.
• Tim Flakoll, provost at Tri-College University, was named the 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award. As an individual who has offered sustained professional and community service across his lifetime, Flakoll has been engaged in a wide range of activities related to academia but also a wide range of community activities. His lifelong activities in service to others range from his participation in the Boy Scouts to his statewide public service as Senator, to taking part in the Fargo flood sandbagging line. He has held over 40 offices/positions with various community organizations and his work has been recognized by the governor of North Dakota as well as receiving multiple service awards. His current service activities include the Fargo Downtown Community Partnership, Dakota Medical Foundation, and the Homeward Animal Shelter.

To learn more about Phi Kappa Phi’s robust awards program, including the Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service awards, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/awards.

Member Discounts on Shipping With UPS

Lean on the Phi Kappa Phi UPS Savings Program to address logistics challenges and deliver the tools and resources you need. UPS took the guesswork out and put the easy in! With UPS shipping, tracking and billing technology, combined with security and insurance features, you'll build trust and loyalty with every overnight delivery.

Phi Kappa Phi members have access to new and improved flat rate pricing, no matter how much you ship, when you ship, or where it's going. Member savings include:

• 10% on UPS Next Day Air® Early
• 50% on Domestic Next Day/Deferred
• 30% on Ground Commercial/Residential
• 50% on International Export, 40% on International Import, and 25% on Canada Standard
• Savings begin at 75% on UPS Freight® shipments over 150 lbs.
• Plus free UPS Smart Pickup® service

You can also minimize setbacks with insurance through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., by protecting your shipments. Save up to 17% over their current declared value and get broader coverage in the event of loss or damage. There is no fee to sign up and charges are incorporated automatically into your UPS invoice. Simply enter the value of your goods in the declared value field of the shipping system.

Visit www.SaveWithUPS.com/PhiKappaPhi to create a UPS account and start saving today! If you are an existing UPS account holder, log in with your existing UPS credentials to enroll in the Society’s savings.

Questions can be directed to a Member Benefit Consultant at (800) MEMBERS (800-636-2377), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET. Be sure to mention your membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Phi Kappa Phi Wins Three AM&P EXCEL Awards

Phi Kappa Phi recently won three national awards for its quarterly magazine, the Forum. The Society’s signature publication was honored by Association Media and Publishing during the association’s 40th Annual EXCEL Awards Gala, held online on July 14 to accommodate social distancing restrictions. The gala is typically held in Washington, D.C.

The Phi Kappa Phi Forum garnered a bronze award in the Journals – General Excellence category for its 2019 spring, summer and fall issues. Those issues also received a silver award in the Journals-Design Excellence category. For more than 100 years, the Forum has provided members with coverage of the Society and the world at large through a distribution to over 100,000 readers.

In addition, the magazine received a gold award, AM&P’s highest honor, in the Journals-Feature Article category for “Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Krakow,” Nancy Lusignan Schultz’s essay for the spring 2019 issue about teaching Harriet Beecher Stowe’s iconic novel to students in both America and Poland. You can read the full article here.

Phi Kappa Phi has a tradition of winning EXCEL Awards. The Society won two trophies in 2019, two in 2018, and three in 2017. This year’s awards honored Forum issues produced by former editor Beth Colvin, who was succeeded as editor in January by Danny Heitman.

“Forum’s success in the 2020 EXCEL Awards competition is a tribute to Beth’s creative guidance during her time at the magazine,” Heitman said. “We hope to build on Beth’s success. Our EXCEL Awards also acknowledge the great work of our design partners at STUN Design & Interactive and Dr. Schultz, who wrote our prize-winning feature.”

The EXCEL Awards recognize excellence and leadership in association media, publishing, marketing and communications. The competition, which is open to nonprofit and for-profit associations, annually draws hundreds of contestants from around the nation. Learn more about AM&P and the EXCEL Awards at www.siia.net/amp.

To read the latest issue of the Forum, visit the Forum Archive.

Get the Most From Your Post and Win!

The Society's exclusive members-only online community, Link, has always been a great place to network and connect with other members. Now, it's also a great place to win! Today through Aug. 15, each post you make in Link will earn you a chance to win a Phi Kappa Phi backpack, jacket or messenger bag.

To enter the contest, simply visit Link and engage in one of the communities by replying to a thread or starting a new thread of your own before midnight on Aug. 15. From career and intern advice in The Career Corner to academic tips in The Study Group to conversations about everything under the sun in The Quad, meet and chat with other Society members in our global network.

Every comment on Link will be considered an entry. The first-place winner will receive ΦKΦ backpack ($70 value), second place will receive a ΦKΦ lightweight jacket ($50 value), and third place will receive a ΦKΦ computer/messenger bag ($35 value).

The community is available to active members only. Need assistance accessing the community or making a post? Email webmaster@phikappaphi.org for login assistance and check out all of the step-by-step guides here. These guides are easy to follow and walk you through everything from uploading a photo to joining a community to posting a message.

For more contest details and official rules, click here.

Get Online Podcast: Advising Advice for Faculty and Students

For many students and faculty, the recent transition to a more internet-based academic environment has been a challenge, and finding support may not be easy. Students are busy balancing work, family, and school, while faculty have many demands of their time and numerous students to teach. How can we help our members meet in the middle?

We’re happy to share a new podcast called Get Online. Hosted by Great Plains IDEA, a consortium of universities that collaborate to offer online, flexible, affordable degree programs for a virtual community of diverse learners, the podcast helps students and faculty align expectations around online education. Each episode includes expert advice and creative resources to inform and enrich the online educational experience.

In the first series titled Get Online with Academic Advising, you’ll hear from faculty and students as they share their experiences, ask tough questions, and get advice from an array of guests, including experts from several of NACADA’s (National Academic Advising Association) advising communities. The first series will answer many questions including:

• How is online advising different than on-campus advising from the learner viewpoint? From the faculty viewpoint?
• How can students be proactive in their academic advising relationship?
• How can faculty advisors create a sense of community and belonging for online graduate students?
• What is the role of the academic advisor in regards to career development?
• How can students take ownership in career advising?

Future episodes will focus on the online educational experience for graduate students and faculty, with topics ranging from student support to online leadership to what happens after graduation.

Get Online can be heard at www.GPIdea.org/Podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts. To learn more about Great Plains IDEA, visit www.GPIdea.org.

Questions? Contact Katheryn Harth of Great Plains IDEA at kharth@ksu.edu.

Dell Doorbusters: Members Save up to $400

Don't miss out on Dell's great savings all summer long with exclusive deals in the Member Purchase Store! Dell's Cyber Savings Event highlights doorbusters of up to $400 off top tech now through July 23. Plus their Back-to-School offers include an extra $100 off when you purchase select PCs and up to 25% savings on select monitors through Aug. 27.

Don't forget as a benefit of active membership, members can shop the Dell Member Purchase Program to access savings up to 35% on select laptops and desktops, plus hundreds of electronics and accessories all year long. Through the Society's partnership with Dell, each member purchase supports Phi Kappa Phi and members can enjoy exclusive offers, free shipping and returns, the opportunity to earn Dell Rewards, plus access to financing for approved customers.

To shop online, visit www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi. Discounts are already applied and no coupon code is necessary. Click here to view current promotions and visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Dell to check in often for the latest promotions.

To shop by phone, call 800-695-8133 to speak with a Dell sales representative. When placing your order, be sure to mention your membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and provide Dell Discount ID number CS72681359.

Please note, Dell does not ship directly to the Philippines or Guam.

Phi Kappa Phi Announces 2020 Literacy Grant Recipients

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced its 2020 Literacy Grant recipients. The grants of up to $2,500 were awarded to 12 Phi Kappa Phi members across the nation.

The Literacy Grant Program, established in 2003, is 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 and member and chapter awards. Drawing from a multidisciplinary society of students and scholars from large and small institutions, the grants help fund projects ranging from traditional reading initiatives to those fostering learning in cultural, digital, financial, health, historical literacy and beyond.

The 2020 recipients and their respective projects are:

• Kathryn Accurso, REAL Talk! A book club about Race, Education, and Language
• Maria R. Barefoot, Little Free Laundromat Libraries for Southwestern PA
• Brenda L. Beverly, Tele-coaching for home early literacy practices: Impact on early literacy skills and parent engagement
• Christina Chester-Fangman, Books: Candy for the Mind
• Ralph David Frantzreb, The Love of Reading
• Shelby Garner, Innovation in Digital Learning through an E-Café to Improve Health Literacy among Nursing Students in India
• Karla Guinigundo, Near-Peer Mentoring
• Anna Handte-Reinecker, Readers to Leaders: Supporting Literacy in the TCI
• Tracee Matthias, BRIDGES Book Club
• Liberatus J. Rwebugisa, The Student Success Center Project: Helping Every Child Succeed Educationally
• Judy Stiles, Joplin NALA Read Student Success and Retention Program
• Melissa Webb Walton, Playing to Read: Teachers and Students Engage With Reading Through Play

“One look at the list of recipients of this year’s grants reveals an ever-expanding definition of literacy. Going forward, we should perhaps more correctly speak of literacies, plural,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “We are delighted at the variety of projects Phi Kappa Phi has been asked to support through these funds.”

The winning literacy projects were selected for a grant based on a number of criteria including the project’s scope, student and community involvement, impact, duration and ability to achieve success.

To learn more about this year’s recipients and projects, please visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Literacy.

Chapter Update – July 2020

By Michelle Lowery

Chapter Development Director

The July edition of the Chapter Update highlights the great work of the final four chapters who participated in the inaugural Phi Kappa Phi Week this past February. Save the date for Phi Kappa Phi Week in 2021 to be observed from Feb. 1-5.

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!

MTSU Promotes Phi Kappa Phi Week with Smarties

Chapter 246 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, hosted a tabling on Feb. 5.

Student Vice Presidents managed the promotional event and gave out free snacks and Smarties candy – a humorous nod to the academic excellence of the Society – with Phi Kappa Phi Fun Facts attached to each. The chapter’s charter, the motto, and recognition items were also on display. SVPs and members distributed snacks and fact sheets to over 200 students.

The chapter also placed an exhibit with Phi Kappa Phi memorabilia in the Walker Library from February to April. The exhibit included items from the tabling event, as well as photos and posters with information on awards available to students, faculty and staff.

SLU Displays Phi Kappa Phi Regalia

Chapter 75 at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, celebrated Phi Kappa Phi Week by placing a display in the campus library Feb. 3-7.

The display was located in the foyer and featured the Phi Kappa Phi stole and medallion on a mannequin with the SLU graduation gown. A banner and poster were also displayed and members wore their Phi Kappa Phi pins throughout the week.

Dr. Alan Cannon, chapter president, was also highlighted in ByLion Stories for his professional association with Phi Kappa Phi and his participation in an officer training hosted by the national office in January. The e-newsletter is sent to approximately 500 faculty and staff each week.

"The Phi Kappa Phi Chapter at Southeastern is working to increase our visibility. We annually host a university-wide quiz bowl during homecoming week in the fall and sponsor various lectures in spring semesters. The addition of Phi Kappa Week and our display in the library gives us another opportunity to publicize our organization,” said Cannon.

SEMO State Promotes Literacy

Chapter 260 at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, celebrated from Feb. 3-7 by posting flyers in multiple buildings on campus.

Later that month, the chapter held a general meeting that included students who were invited into membership in the spring of 2020.

Members shared information about Phi Kappa Phi, and invitees were able to ask questions and help with the Born to Read project, the chapters’ signature activity in which an early reader book is given to newborn babies at three hospitals in the area.

“It was exciting to see how enthusiastic Phi Kappa Phi members and newly invited students were when we were working on our Born to Read Literacy Project. Lots of Phi Kappa Phi questions were asked and discussed while working together on a very worthwhile project,” said Marge Phillips, chapter president.

UofL Celebrates Phi Kappa Phi Week

Chapter 50 at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, set up an interest table to promote on Feb. 6.

The table was set up in the Student Activities Center, and officers passed out pens and flyers with information on awards and membership. They also promoted the event on social media.

“We’re super excited to induct new members and to have a fresh start for Chapter 50! We are looking forward to serving our members, University of Louisville, and our community in the name of Phi Kappa Phi,” said Siobhan Smith-Jones, chapter president.

To see all of the chapters' photos, click here.

Photo by Jeffrey Keever – Seated from left, Molly Scott, honors office assistant; Jasmine Laurel, student vice president; Morgan CampBell, student vice president; and standing, Nathan Wahl, student vice president; talk to students about the history and benefits of membership in Phi Kappa Phi.