ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight

Hailing from Alvin, Texas, a small town south of Houston, Mackenzie Savage is a Texas girl through and through. She attends Lamar University where she was a pitcher for the Cardinal softball team for two seasons and was initiated as a junior in 2019 while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-medicine concentration. She loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding and finding a good hammock spot.

Mackenzie is committed to helping others in her community by volunteering to serve as an LU Ambassador, within local hospitals, as a crisis text line counselor and on the Some Other Place Beaumont Board. She and her teammates also recently volunteered with the Catholic Charities to prepare care packages for the Lake Charles community in the wake of Hurricane Laura.

Let’s get to know Mackenzie!

1. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
   To me, Phi Kappa Phi means a true congregation of scholars from all backgrounds who pride themselves in their education and love of learning. As a member, my love for learning never ceases. Whether it is learning about other academic disciplines or the cultures of the world around me, something new can be learned every day which can only broaden my mind and deepen my heart to that of gratitude.


2. Are you into podcasts?
   Yes! I love podcasts and my top three favorites are Crime Junkie, The Premed Years and Flash Forward.


3. What is your favorite holiday?
   My favorite holiday is Christmas. The winter weather is my favorite, and I absolutely love soaking in all the family time I can get. Plus, red is totally my color.


4. What is your definition of success?
   My definition of success is knowing you gave it your all. If your all translates to failure, there’s still a lesson to be learned and in my eyes that is a success story.


5. What is the best vacation you have ever taken?
   The best trip I have ever taken was a study abroad trip to South Korea and Taiwan. That trip taught me so much that was never in a syllabus, textbook or curriculum vitae. It broadened my appreciation for other cultures and the history each country has to offer. I especially loved being in Taiwan because I found it incredibly peaceful and loved the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes the island had to offer.


6. Do you have a favorite type of exercise?
   I played Division I softball for two and a half years, so I think I am partial to weightlifting!


7. What is your favorite family memory?
   My favorite family memory comes around Christmastime. My dad, sister and I pick out a real tree to bring back home and decorate with my mom. As we decorate it we watch A Christmas Story, put Christmas sweaters on our dogs, and stay up late drinking hot chocolate and giggling. To me, time always stands still in these moments.


8. A genie gives you three wishes—what are they?
   If a genie gave me three wishes I would wish to fast-forward through time to when I am done taking my MCAT — sorry AAMC! I would also wish for an unlimited travel fund and the means to provide education and literacy opportunities to women who are not offered so otherwise.


9. What was the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up?
   The first thing I wanted to be when I grew up was a librarian. I thought they were the coolest and had the best job in the world!


10. If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
    If I could time travel, I would go to the '70s so I could be best friends with Stevie Nicks while Fleetwood Mac was in its prime.

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

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Submit your nomination today along with basic information for the nomination.

Extend the Conversation: Exploring Your Family Tree

Our Winter 2020 issue of Forum, which explores the theme of hindsight, has an essay by Michael Finnegan about his late uncle, a World War II soldier killed soon after the Allied invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. He never knew his uncle but began to learn more about him when Finnegan's mother shared two letters that he'd written during his time in the military. If you missed Finnegan’s essay, you can read it here.

Who’s the most interesting ancestor in your family tree? Were you surprised to learn about their history? Have stories from your family's past impacted your life significantly?

We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to share pictures if you'd like. 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.

5 Ways To Highlight Your Membership

Phi Kappa Phi membership is an honor that is not widely bestowed or easily earned. You worked hard for this prestigious achievement, so why not put it to work for you?

Whether you’re applying for a job or graduate program or simply want to share your Phi Kappa Phi pride, we’re excited to share these five tips for highlighting your membership.

1. Personalized Press Releases – Tell your friends, family and community about your initiation through a personalized press release. After your initiation ceremony, the Society will send a press release on your behalf to announce your achievement through Merit, an electronic press release platform. You can also easily share your personalized Merit story with family and friends on social media. Access your Merit profile today!


2. ΦΚΦ Graduation Gear – Show your pride on your big day with Phi Kappa Phi honor stoles, cords and our official medallion. You can purchase these items individually or grab the recognition bundle at a discounted price and receive a free ΦΚΦ tassel. Shop graduation regalia through our online store, and be sure to order in time for your commencement.


3. Membership Certificate Frames – Display your membership certificate in your home or office with a custom frame. Our partner, Church Hill Classics, offers customizable certificate frames that incorporate the Phi Kappa Phi logo and come in a variety of frame mouldings, mat colors and materials. Create your one-of-a-kind frame today!


4. ΦΚΦ Swag – Show your Phi Kappa Phi pride everywhere you go with Society-branded gear. Our online store features a large selection of quality products including masks, apparel, drinkware, tech accessories, jewelry and much more. You can also take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Browse the latest gear today!


5. Membership Verification Letter – Submit a membership verification letter signed by the Society’s Executive Director with your graduate program, award or job application. Your letter is waiting to be downloaded in the membership documents tab of your member profile.

Don’t forget to share your Phi Kappa Phi pride on social media with profile-ready cover photos, or update your desktop and mobile device with Society-branded wallpapers available for download today!

We hope you will take advantage of these resources and find them helpful. Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Member Mentions – January 2021

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:

Stephanie Gamboa (Stanislaus State) has been recognized as a student scholar by the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The award honors students majoring in the computing field who demonstrate exceptional achievement in technical knowledge and service to the community.

Brett Ranon Nachman (University of Wisconsin-Madison) was awarded a Paul P. Fidler Research Grant from the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina. As a doctoral candidate, Nachman's research examines how autistic students transition into and through community college.

Ashleen Williams (University of Mississippi) has been honored with a K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The award recognizes graduate students who show promise as future leaders of higher education. She is one of nine chosen from nominees across the country.

Western Illinois University has named two Phi Kappa Phi members as College Scholars for the graduates of the fall 2020 semester. The honor is the school's highest recognition for overall academic achievement. Morgan Ann-Marie Miller earned a bachelor's degree in music education and is the College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar. Michael Viti earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry and is the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar.

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

Tips to Land Your Dream Job

If you are searching for a job in the new year, we are here to help focus your efforts on landing your dream job. We want to ensure our valued members are utilizing all available resources, especially when it comes to professional growth.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, keep our five tips in mind when searching for your dream job.

1. Update your résumé. Recent accomplishments, newly acquired skills and current position title are a few updates that should be made to your résumé at least once a year. While it's important your résumé is current and complete, it’s also important that it stands out. Need help updating your résumé to catch the eye of potential employers? Take advantage of the free résumé evaluation service offered through the Phi Kappa Phi Career Center.
2. Apply to five jobs a week. Create an account within our Career Center, and use job search filters to find new positions each week to apply to. You can also create job alerts to have newly posted jobs sent directly to your inbox.
3. Set up a mock interview. Whether it’s with the mirror, a roommate or a professional job coach, take time to practice answering the most commonly asked interview questions. Mock interviews are a great way to practice your nonverbal communications skills, fine-tune effective responses and gain confidence before the real deal.
4. Increase your online presence. Keep yourself top of mind among your colleagues with a professional online presence. If you are looking for content to share on your professional channels such as LinkedIn, consider sharing topical articles and jobs you aren't applying for. Learn more about why your professional online presence is important.
5. Make five new professional connections. When networking with new contacts, ask them about their position and the company they work for to develop a relationship. Maintain those relationships by staying in touch over time and leverage these contacts as references or referrals when the time is right. Read more about why expanding your network is important.

Job searching doesn't have to be time-consuming. With the right resources and a game plan, you can save time and increase your exposure to employers who are eager to hire. For more career-related resources, including Society graphics to add to your résumé, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/CareerResources.

Last Call! Enter the Grad Photo Contest Today

The deadline to enter is almost here! Whether you donned Phi Kappa Phi graduation regalia at a commencement ceremony or in a photoshoot to commemorate your day, share your photos with us for a chance to win an Amazon gift card of up to $100 and be featured in Society materials.

To enter, click here to submit your photo(s) by Jan. 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 and submissions from previous graduation photo contests.

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

Extend the Conversation: The Joy of Rereading

In our Winter 2020 issue of Forum, which explores the theme of hindsight, literary commentator and former bookseller James Mustich reflects on the joys of rereading the Nero Wolfe detective novels written by Rex Stout. When he returns, yet again, to his beloved novels, he notes, "While some volumes may be more meaningful or informative or inspiring or treasured, can any be more comforting to someone whose livelihood has been shaped by books than the ones that have most easily reminded him, night after night for years and years, that he just loves to read?" If you missed Mustich's essay, you can read it here.

What books have you enjoyed rereading? Do you keep copies of your favorites that are worn from your repeated returns just for the comfort of having them around? How did the book seem different to you the second time around?

We'd love to hear from you. 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.

Enter the ΦΚΦ Friendship Contest for a Chance to Win!

Although the pandemic has changed the way we hang out with our friends, it has not changed the importance of friendship. In the Forum’s upcoming summer issue we will be exploring the theme of friendship. Enter our Friendship Contest by submitting pictures of you and your best friends weathering the recent months of the pandemic.

Post your photos on this Link thread between Jan. 13 and Feb. 28 for a chance to be entered to win a $75 gift card to the Phi Kappa Phi online store. Whether it be a clever photo of you and your friends visiting at a social distance or maybe you and roommates within your “bubble”, we want to see them!

We’ll share some of them on our social media platforms and plan to publish a few in Forum, too. We hope to start a good conversation about the value of friendship, even – and perhaps especially – in tough times.

Our in-house team of judges will give the member who submits the best picture a $75 gift card to the Phi Kappa Phi Online Store.

In submitting a photo, you agree to let us publish it. Smile! We look forward to hearing from you.

5 Tips for a Successful Semester

A new year means a new semester, and we are here to help you set yourself up for success. Put your member benefits to use while preparing for the new semester with these five tips.

1. Clean and Update Your Supplies
   Managing your studies is a lot easier when you have the right tools for success, so start the semester with a clean space and new supplies. Update your binders, pens, notebooks and highlighters, and stock up on masks and cleaning supplies with Office Depot. Members have access to savings up to 80%. Visit OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP/ to shop online or print a store purchasing card to be used at an Office Depot store near you.
   

   If you need to upgrade your desktop, laptop, or tablet, check out our technology partners. Members can access exclusive deals from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more.

2. Create a Schedule and Stick to It
   Juggling classes, commuting and work can be stressful making it easy to lose focus. Create a daily schedule to keep yourself on the path for success and track your progress.
   

   Almost everyone has access to a digital calendar, whether it is on your mobile device, laptop or tablet, and storing your schedule somewhere that is easily accessible is important. However, if you prefer a paper planner, Franklin Planner has one to fit almost every need and preference. Members can save 15% on any online purchase with promo code PKPMember.

   Try color coding within your planner to designate classes and work/study times, and do not forget to include time to hang out with friends and family.

3. Welcome Advice from Others
   Throughout the semester, studying can get tiring and keeping things interesting with new study techniques is important. We encourage you to take advice from others to implement what has proven effective, and we are here to help with that.  
   

   All active members have access to The Study Group within our online community. Members can ask questions of one another, exchange study tips and tricks, and share encouraging words and inspiration. Save this link to your browser, and log in when you need a bit of advice or have new tips to share with fellow members.  

4. Write Down Your Goals
   Accomplishing your goals is easier when you put in writing what you want to achieve. List everything you hope to accomplish in 2021, and organize your priorities around reaching your goals. Track your progress throughout the year by reviewing your list each month and realign your priorities if needed.
   

   If you feel you may need someone to keep you on track, head over to our online community and share your goals for the new year. Some members have already shared their plans for the new year, and we look forward to reading your goals soon. Visit throughout the year to update us on your progress, and let us know when you check a goal off your list.

5. Make Time to Relax
Returning to campus can be stressful and overwhelming, and it is important to manage your stress. Watch a movie with friends, catch up with family, or visit a museum, and make this time a priority by adding it to your schedule.


Need help finding a way to relax? Discover the power of Calm–the #1 app for sleep, meditation and relaxation. Lower your stress with hundreds of guided meditations, gentle stretching exercises and exclusive music tracks for relaxation. Guided meditation sessions are available in lengths of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 minutes, so you can choose one to fit your schedule. Even better, members can save $40 on a one-year membership!

We hope our tips will help set you up for success this semester. If you have questions about any benefits mentioned above, please reach out to Jamie Chapman, membership director. Good luck and happy studying!

Now Accepting Applications for 2021 Awards Program

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is currently accepting applications for its 2021 awards program including Fellowships, Literacy Grants, Love of Learning Awards and Study Abroad Grants. These awards provide funding for graduate study, continuing education, professional development, studies abroad and local, national and international literacy initiatives.

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 last year recognized more than 375 individuals.

Programs currently accepting applications include:

• Fellowships: 58 Fellowships are available each year - two at $35,000, six at $20,000 and fifty of $8,500 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. The deadline to apply varies by each Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Contact your local chapter for deadline information.
• Literacy Grants: Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members seeking funding for literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1.
• Love of Learning Awards: 200 awards, at $500 each, are available to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and professional development for active members. The deadline to apply is June 30.
• Study Abroad Grants: 75 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to both members and non-members studying abroad. The program is currently suspended due to COVID-19 and will open when travel restrictions are lifted. Check back for updated open/deadline dates.

“I am honored and grateful to be in receipt of this Love of Learning award. Phi Kappa Phi continues to lead in being a society that promotes scholarly success by providing opportunities for young professionals to continue to develop themselves be it academically or professionally,” said Shakeil Jones, a Phi Kappa Phi award recipient. “I am privileged to be a part of a community that encourages the development of young persons in various fields.”

For more information including eligibility requirements and application instructions for each program, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

Link: The Phi Kappa Phi Community

Wish you could get advice from a community of more than 13,000 scholars and professionals with the click of your mouse? With Link, you can!

Link is Phi Kappa Phi’s dynamic online forum where active members from around the world can connect, collaborate and engage virtually, securely and in real-time. Ask questions, discuss current issues, share ideas, lend advice and compare notes.

Several communities are housed within Link, including The Writer’s Block, The Study Group, the Career Corner, and our open forum, The Quad. Each community features a discussion forum as well as a library for sharing documents, resources, links and more. Visit Link.PhiKappaPhi.org/AllCommunities to access a full list of communities. Then, click the blue join button next to the communities you want to join.

All discussions are searchable, so you can find information on topics that interest you in no time. Can’t find what you are looking for? This is the perfect tool for crowdsourcing! Link allows you to tap into the expansive knowledge and experience of members just by posting a single message.

The discussion feature also supports tagging—like Twitter. If there is a member you think will benefit from your post or you want to ask advice from someone directly, simply type the @ symbol and start typing their name. An autocomplete box will appear for you to select the member you want to tag.

Any active member can participate in Link. The community is integrated with our membership database, and you will log in using your Phi Kappa Phi username and password. If you do not know your username or password, click here. Once you log in, you will have instant access to the many leaders, experts, professionals and students that are Phi Kappa Phi.

A few tips to keep in mind…

Keep Your Profile Up to Date
Because the community is integrated with our membership database, your profile has already been populated with some basic information. However, we encourage you to add your latest educational achievements, awards and honors, memberships and job status. Add a photo so we can put a face with a name and, while you are there, add a few details to your bio so we can get to know you a little better.

Expand Your Network
Search for and send contact requests to members across the globe through the member directory. The advanced search feature allows you to search by chapter, location, interests and more.

Stay in the Know
Join the ΦΚΦ Announcements community and select the daily digest option to have the latest membership news delivered to your inbox each morning.

If you are a first-time visitor, we encourage you to browse our how-to guides. They are easy to follow and cover everything from uploading a profile photo to joining a community to posting a message. There is also a comprehensive FAQ section. As with anything new, there’s a learning curve, so don’t be afraid to ask questions of staff or your fellow members.

We hope you enjoy this exclusive member benefit and take the opportunity to engage with your fellow members. The opportunities to connect, communicate and collaborate are endless, and the more you participate, the stronger our community will be for all Phi Kappa Phi members.

If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Internship Envy: Find the Perfect Fit

Finding an internship is not always easy, and finding one that checks all your wish list boxes is even harder. We are proud to share the following resources with active members who are interested in applying for an internship to enhance their leadership development potential.

The Fund for American Studies
Explore a new city, gain professional experience, and grow your network in Washington, D.C. The Summer 2021 TFAS Academic Internship Program will take place June 5 through July 30. The eight-week summer program includes:

• Internship placement in Washington, D.C.
• Academic credit from George Mason University.
• Housing in furnished apartments in downtown Washington.
• Guest lectures and briefings, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking.

Apply at www.DCInternships.org by the Feb. 9 priority deadline. Three $2,500 scholarships have been reserved for our members, so be sure to denote your Phi Kappa Phi membership within your online application materials.

Questions may be directed to Mary Stankus, Recruitment and Admissions Director, at mstankus@tfas.org or 202-986-0384.

Washington Internship Institute
Capitalize on your potential with the WII. A wide variety of internships are available in settings such as federal agencies, Congressional offices, embassies, businesses and a variety of nonprofit and advocacy organizations. And two courses—the Core Course and the Internship Seminar—are designed to enhance your internship experience and your future career.

The deadline to apply for the Summer 2021 program is March 15 and the Fall 2021 deadline is May 14. Our members are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship from WII. Simply select Phi Kappa Phi within your intern profile to verify your membership. Visit WIIDC.org/HonorSociety to learn more. Questions may be directed to Gregory M. Weight, Ph.D. at greg@wiidc.org or 202-833-8580.

ΦΚΦ Internship Board
Our Internship Board connects members looking to expand their knowledge and hands-on experience with internship opportunities. Let the board help you find the perfect opportunity to explore career options while enhancing your leadership development potential. You will have access to an advanced search, customized internship alerts, résumé upload and an easy online application process. Click here to learn more.

Do not forget, active members also have access to a free résumé evaluation through the ΦΚΦ Career Center. Get your résumé in order, and land the perfect internship today! Good luck from all of us at Phi Kappa Phi!

Phi Kappa Phi Members Sworn Into the 117th U.S. Congress

Each time a new Congress is sworn in, it's a proud moment in American history – a continuation of the democratic process set forth by our Constitution. As the new freshmen members of Congress begin their first day at work today, it is an especially proud moment for Phi Kappa Phi as we watch two more Society members join the ranks alongside others who already serve.

The Society wishes to congratulate these new members of the House of Representatives as they begin a new chapter of learning:

Ronny Jackson, Texas representative – Jackson attended Texas A&M University where he received a degree in marine biology and was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. He continued on to medical school at University of Texas Medical Branch. He is a retired United States Navy rear admiral and has served in the White House medical unit for the past three presidential administrations.

Nancy Mace – South Carolina representative – Mace attended The Citadel where she earned a degree in business administration, became the first woman to graduate from the Corps of Cadets program, and was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Years later, she wrote In the Company of Men: A Woman at The Citadel to reflect on her time there. She previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.