Member Mentions – November 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:

Ricks Anderson (Mercer University), an informatics major, received the inaugural Harris Davis Transformational Power of Education Award. The award is presented to a student who has experienced the transformational power of education.

Jane Colmer-Hamood (Texas Tech University) has been awarded the Mastership designation by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. This designation honors ASCP members who have made a significant contribution to pathology and laboratory medicine through sustained service to the profession and to the ASCP.

Mark DeAngelis (Youngstown State University) has earned a grant through the Ohio Space Grant Consortium, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. DeAngelis, a senior, is a mechanical engineering major.

Mary Ann Gunter (University of Louisiana at Monroe) has earned the 2020 Feldman Outstanding Research Proposal for Research in Family Policy Award, which recognizes excellence in research and potential contribution to family policy studies, particularly in the areas of gender/women's issues or poverty.

Basanta Khakurel (Southeastern Louisiana University) was named to the SLU Homecoming Court. Khakurel, a senior studying biological sciences, also serves as an officer in the Honors Student Association and as an ambassador representing the university's honors program.

Paula Ramirez (Western Illinois University), a psychology and music double major, has been named WIU's recipient of the 2020-21 Lincoln Academy of Illinois' Student Laureate Award. The award is given to an outstanding senior for overall academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities.

Caleb Shipley (McKendree University) has been named a 2020 recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The award is the state’s highest student honor for leadership, service and excellence, awarded to a senior from each college and university.

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

Executive Director’s Blog – Giving Tuesday

I suspect 2020 will be known in reference books and commentary as the Year of the Asterisk due to the many disruptions created by the coronavirus. I don’t need to list them all for you – your Thanksgiving celebration last week was likely different due to travel constraints and cautions about the size of gatherings, your daily interactions impacted as well.

And yet, despite the abrupt and necessary changes required to keep ourselves and others safe,

life has gone on. Not life as we knew it, but life as we’ve come to know it in 2020. Everything changed, but it didn’t. Colleges and universities held classes and students earned credits toward degrees, the nation held an election, and Phi Kappa Phi members continued to exhibit their love of learning and their commitment to our mission of excellence through their generous support of the Society’s awards program.

I am so grateful to those of you who have become donors. Many of you send a gift when renewing your dues, others respond to the annual fund letter that we send each fall, and others choose to donate on #GivingTuesday, which is tomorrow. Without much fanfare, Phi Kappa Phi passed a milestone this summer – our awards program now provides $1 million annually in grants and fellowships. That is possible only through your generosity and your faithful support.

May we count on you this year to help us extend the love of learning through our multi-faceted awards program? We would love to count you among our #GivingTuesday donors this year – just one click on the Donate button will allow you to direct your gift as you wish. And for a gift of $65 or more, we’re offering a special premium, a toasty ΦΚΦ blanket. You will also receive our deep gratitude for your support of this remarkable community of scholars. Thank you so much.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – November 2020

Hailing from Hampton Roads, Virginia, Kathryn Brooks earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with minors in economics and music from Oglethorpe University. Kathryn began her career with The Coca-Cola Company in the areas of of finance and marketing. She served as U.S. finance manager of the company’s McDonald’s division and she led the creative operations for Coca-Cola Studios, the company’s in-house creative agency. 

Kathryn was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at Mercer University while pursuing a master of business administration degree in finance, and in 2014 she founded two lifestyle and fashion brands, Kathryn Style Boutique® and She’s Her Own CEO®. She is also a business consultant, professional success expert, and regularly serves as a mentor to students in the areas of personal branding, professional career success and e-commerce.

Kathryn believes in the power of business education and enjoys giving back to the university community. She serves on the President’s Advisory Council at Oglethorpe University and previously served on the Board of Visitors for the Georgia Gwinnett College School of Business.

Let’s get to know Kathryn!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?

Accepting the invitation from the business school dean was an absolute honor! Phi Kappa Phi is the ultimate representation of scholarship and excellence across all academic disciplines, and I am proud to be a lifetime member.

What is something you're impressively good at?

I am both left-brained and right-brained and can learn how to play musical instruments, especially woodwinds, quite easily. I was trained in the Yamaha Method as a child and concurrently graduated from traditional high school and the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts with a concentration in classical flute performance.

Can you speak any other languages?

Other than basic Spanish and French, which I have used for business and vacation travel, I can read music and was an ‘A’ music theory student at the university level. According to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Music is the universal language of mankind.”

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

I spent my corporate career at The Coca-Cola Company, so my favorite occasional treat is a Coca-Cola Classic in the iconic and timeless vessel–the 8-ounce glass bottle!

What is the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I received was taken from a quote by spiritual leader Emmet Fox, “What you concentrate upon you bring into your life.” If your current thought patterns are consistently positive and you use that positivity to consistently work toward positive goals, you are much more likely to have a positive future!

What advice do you have for your colleagues to help them thrive and not burn out?

While you should observe and learn from others, you cannot live someone else’s life. Read interviews, listen to podcasts, and observe others’ talents. While you may not be able to carbon‐copy them, you can figure out their techniques and how they are achieving success. Glean what you can and incorporate those skills into your own life.

Why did you choose the field you studied in college?

I knew I wanted to be a business major from the time I was a child. I loved riding my bike and playing outside, but while many kids were role-playing “classroom and teacher” inside, I insisted on having a desk, toy telephone and a mini computer. I would pretend I was on the phone writing up stock trades and making international business deals from my room.

What do you do when you're in the mood to do nothing?

I rarely have nothing to do and am never bored! I have always appreciated art and been a museumgoer. At the encouragement of my creative director, I finally moved beyond my art wallflower status this year by learning watercolor painting. I find the practice like yoga in that one must shut out all distractions and be all in to be successful. I am a novice but find myself eagerly carving out a few minutes each day for my calming art practice.

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

While studying abroad in France, I had a rare Sunday afternoon to quietly explore Paris and its environs all on my own. I carefully planned my day and journeyed off on the high-speed train for a beautiful afternoon at Versailles and its surrounding cafes and gardens.

What do your friends love most about you?

I give great career and professional advice. My friends know that I only offer advice after I am asked first, though!

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

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org and be sure to include basic information about the nominee.

Giving Tuesday: Spread the Word

We are one week away from Giving Tuesday - a global day dedicated to giving back. Not only is there power in your generous donations that support the Society, but there's power in your voice. By lending your voice to advocate for causes and organizations that matter to you, you can make the world a better place.

When we share our generosity, we inspire others to give back, too. Join Phi Kappa Phi on social media Dec. 1 and share how and why you're giving back on Giving Tuesday. Let your voice encourage others to do the same.

How can you join in?

1. Follow, like and share Phi Kappa Phi’s #GivingTuesday updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
2. Download art from our social media toolkit to share on your social pages.
3. Print our "I support ΦKΦ" sign, snap your picture and post your "UNselfie" online to tell us why you support the Society. Don’t forget to tag us using #PKPgives and @PhiKappaPhi
4. Update your Facebook profile with the custom Phi Kappa Phi Giving Tuesday frame. Simply click your profile picture and select "Add Frame," and search "Phi Kappa Phi Giving Tuesday" to find and use the frame.

Gifts made on Giving Tuesday will help deserving students and members realize their educational and career goals, from study abroad to graduate school and beyond. You can make a difference by supporting our awards program which distributes $1 million each year. Let your love of learning turn possibility into promise for our members around the world.

Announcing Our Costume Contest Winner

Throughout October, we challenged Society members to share their Halloween creativity by posting costumed pictures in our Link community. Now it's time for the treats!

Congratulations to Constance Pierson (University of Maryland, Baltimore Campuses) who celebrated in true Baltimore style with her epic "hon" outfit. Her husband got in on the act as well and dressed as quite the macabre Edgar Allan Poe, complete with a "Tell-Tale Heart." As our contest winner, Pierson will receive a gift pack that includes a sport water bottle, canvas tote and cable knit beanie, all from the Phi Kappa Phi store.

If you missed out on this one, your next chance to win is coming soon. Watch for our semi-annual graduation photo contest launching Dec. 2. You could win one of three Amazon gift cards worth up to $100!

To see all of the costume entries, visit the Halloween costume conversation in the Link community. The community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in with your Phi Kappa Phi credentials. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Not active? Click here to renew your membership and gain access to this exclusive benefit.

Giving Tuesday: Why I Give

During this season of giving thanks, many of us find ourselves reflecting on what matters most, where we find value in life, and what we can do to give back. Each year on Giving Tuesday, our members show their support of Phi Kappa Phi's mission and values by donating to support our awards program. This program distributes $1 annually and is made possible because of your commitment to honor and excellence.

All gifts, no matter the size, will open doors of opportunity to members both near and far. Why give? These members share their personal stories:

Monica Arroyo (Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico) - I believe in and want to help Phi Kappa Phi achieve its mission: "to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Wendell McKenzie (North Carolina State University) - While on the genetics faculty at NC State together with my family, I participated in a six-month sabbatical in Sweden. This "study abroad" was a wonderful international experience for all of us. On retirement, my wife and I established a Phi Kappa Phi endowment to support a study abroad student annually. We continue to happily fund that endowment.

Paige Raskin (University of Southern California) - I give to Phi Kappa Phi because I have a love for learning, and I want other lovers of learning to be able to pursue their educational and professional goals. Giving affords opportunities to those who may not have had them otherwise.

Mark your calendars to join us on Dec. 1 for Giving Tuesday and share your story of #WhyIGive today.

Member Benefit: FREE Résumé Evaluation

Need help writing a great résumé? The Phi Kappa Phi Career Center’s free résumé critique service puts your résumé in front of professional writers. Within days of submitting your résumé, you'll receive an evaluation listing your strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions to give you the best chance of landing an interview.

Follow these steps for a free résumé critique:

Step 1 – Visit Careers.PhiKappaPhi.org and click Manage Résumés under the Job Seeker menu.

Step 2 – Create a Career Center account or log in using your existing Career Center credentials.

Step 3 – Click Upload Résumé File and click Yes next to the option to "Submit my résumé for a free evaluation from a trusted résumé expert at TopRésumé."

Step 4 – In the pop-up window, select Evaluate My Résumé and then click Upload Résumé.

Want more resources? Visit the Job Search Resource Center for résumé, interviewing, career advancement, networking and career coaching resources.

Questions? Email Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Extend the Conversation: Wildlife Visitors

In the fall edition of Forum, which explores the theme of revelation, renowned nature writer Scott Russell Sanders shares how the sight of backyard birds sustained him through this year's pandemic lockdowns. "This morning at breakfast, my wife, Ruth, and I were gazing out the window at the white blossoms on our pie-cherry tree when a woodpecker glided in and settled on the trunk," he writes. If you missed the essay, you can read it here.

What backyard wildlife did you see this year? Did you find yourself noticing them more than in years past? What were you thinking as the assorted creatures stopped by for a visit? Did you take any pictures?

We'd love to see your photos and hear your stories. Extend the conversation in our online member community Link.

The community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in with your Phi Kappa Phi credentials. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Not active? Click here to renew your membership and gain access to this exclusive benefit.

Member Benefits: Planning for the Holidays

There’s no doubt the pandemic will impact our traditional holiday plans, and many of us will use alternative travel methods or change how we celebrate with family this holiday season. We want to remind you that your membership entitles you to a host of discounts that can accommodate whatever plans you and your loved ones make.

Ship presents. If you decide to stay home this holiday season, plan to ship your loved one's gifts. Our partner, UPS, offers savings of up to 50% on shipping and additional services. Members can also take advantage of the UPS Smart Pickup® service for free. 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 program.

Book rental cars early. Because many of us will be avoiding airports this year, the rental car business may be busier than normal this holiday season, and it will be important to book your reservation early. The Society is partnered with Avis Budget Group to save members 25% off base rates. Plus, members can access free upgrade and $10, $15, and $25 off coupons. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Car-Rentals to learn more and make your reservation through our special member-only websites.

Join loyalty and reward programs to save. Many of our partners offer loyalty or reward programs that can save you money each time you make a purchase. Enroll in the Enterprise Emerald Club to enjoy special privileges reserved for frequent renters, join Dell Rewards and get up to 6% back in rewards to use on thousands of top-brand electronics and free expedited shipping, and sign up for the Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Program to save 15% on regularly priced merchandise.

Search and compare hotel pricing. The hospitality industry has seen various levels of impact throughout 2020, and many hotels may offer significant savings this holiday season. The Phi Kappa Phi Travel Discounts Program allows members to search for the best hotel rates across the globe. Enter your destination and compare a worldwide inventory of hotels today!

Save on airport parking. If you’re ready to venture back into the world of air travel, our partner, The Parking Spot, offers members a 10% discount on airport parking at all locations nationwide. They are also running a special deal for two free days of parking through Dec. 31, 2020. Accessing the savings is simple. Click here to sign up for your Spot Club account, and the two free days of parking will be automatically applied to your account. If you’re an existing Spot Club member, email Nicole Castoreno at ncastoreno@theparkingspot.com and she will add the two free days to your account.

Make a difference this holiday season. If you already shop Amazon, buy your holiday gifts and supplies at Smile.Amazon.com and choose The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi as the charity you’d like to support. Amazon will donate a percentage of the price of eligible purchases to the Society, and those donations help support our mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence through our awards program.

While the holidays may be a bit unusual for many of us this year, we hope you will take advantage of the exclusive savings available through your membership.

Questions? Email Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Deadline Near for Dissertation Fellowship and Graduate Research Grants

Calling all grad students! Don't miss your chance to apply for a $10,000 Dissertation Fellowship or a Graduate Research Grant of up to $1,500 before the Nov. 30 deadline.

Introduced in 2018 as a pilot program, the Graduate Research Grant will provide up to $1,500 to 20 eligible members who are enrolled in a graduate program. These grants provide funding for research in support of career development opportunities. For full eligibility requirements, visit www.phikappaphi.org/graduateresearch.

Ten Dissertation Fellowships of $10,000 each will be awarded to eligible members in the dissertation writing stage of their doctoral study. For full eligibility requirements, visit www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi's awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. Each year $1 million is awarded through programs that recognize approximately 375 individuals annually.

Giving Tuesday: A Lasting Impact

On Giving Tuesday, supporters of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi have the opportunity to create an impact that can last a lifetime. Gifts made help deserving students and members realize their goals through the $1 million in awards distributed each year.

In 1985, Lisa D. Brush became one of the students supported by the Society's awards program when she earned a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut, Brush dreamed of pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her leap of faith application led to a fellowship and helped her reach her goal of becoming a professor of sociology.

"I was relieved, pleased, and proud to represent the University of Connecticut as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin," Brush said. "The Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship was a complete game changer for me. Without it, I would not have been able to go to graduate school."

Brush now teaches at the University of Pittsburgh and continues to let the love of learning rule. For her, the journey started with a vision of where she wanted to be, and the Society was a part of making it a reality.

Because of the generosity of our donors, Phi Kappa Phi has no shortage of success stories to share. Read more about these lasting impacts on members, students and communities worldwide.

Member Benefit: Health Insurance Open Enrollment

Phi Kappa Phi members have access to a health insurance benefit to protect what matters most. Members can sign up for health insurance in just minutes through the Mercer Marketplace 365+ Individual, powered by GetInsured.

Today, everyone has different and specific health insurance needs to satisfy. The GetInsured platform provides our members with an easy, convenient and hassle-free way of shopping and comparing health care plans and provides an option to meet everyone’s needs. The flexible plan options allow members to select the medical package that works best for them and their loved ones.

Plus, the online marketplace can help make sure your coverage is ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant and determine if you might be eligible for tax credits.

If you don’t have coverage in place for 2021, if you’d like to compare plans for you and your family, or if you would simply like more information, visit www.GetInsured.com/PKP or call 844-654-4746.

Don’t wait. The open enrollment period ends Dec. 15, 2020. Questions? Call 844-654-4746 to speak with a GetInsured representative Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. E.T.

Celebrate Your Excellence

We’re proud of all our members' accomplishments, and you should be too! If you are a new Phi Kappa Phi member or a soon-to-be graduate, we encourage you to honor your achievements. Check out the four ideas below to celebrate and preserve all you’ve worked so hard for.

Add ΦΚΦ regalia to your commencement wardrobe. Whether you are having a virtual or in-person commencement ceremony, go out in scholarly style by wearing Society-branded honor cords, stoles, and the ΦΚΦ medallion on your big day.

Enjoy regalia as a keepsake. Phi Kappa Phi regalia makes a priceless keepsake that is sure to bring a smile to your face for years to come. Our partner, Church Hill Classics, offers customizable frames for your ΦΚΦ stole and medallion that will protect these reminders of your hard work and dedication.

Highlight your ΦΚΦ pride in your graduation photos. Are you taking graduation photos to celebrate your achievement? Show your family and friends all you’ve accomplished by donning ΦΚΦ grad gear in your photos.

Preserve your achievements. Design a membership and diploma frame to safeguard your achievements. Choose from a variety of frames and molding to create a custom frame that complements your home or office.

Finally, don’t forget to order early so that you receive your items in time for your photoshoot or commencement ceremony.

Note, graduation recognition items are available for members only and you will be asked to enter your 8-digit member ID to validate the purchase. Your ID can be found on your membership card, in the top right corner of the monthly Focus email, or above your mailing address on the back cover of the Forum magazine. The protocol for wearing graduation recognition items varies from school to school, and we recommend checking with your college or university before ordering.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.