ΦKΦ Member Spotlight

Adopted from Nepal at an early age, Elizabeth "Libby" McKenna grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but has not lost sight of her roots. She was initiated in 2020 at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she completed a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering and hopes to use her education to make a difference in her home country and abroad by addressing global water issues.

During her service with City Year, an AmeriCorps program, Libby grew to realize that she could use her science background to help disadvantaged populations both domestically and abroad, and she went on to research disinfection by-products in reclaimed water during her graduate studies.

Libby’s long-term goal is to work with a humanitarian organization, such as Engineers Without Borders, and use her skills to solve international water issues. She is employed at Corona Environmental Consulting, a small firm that provides science and data-based services to clients in the water community, as a water process engineer.

Let’s get to know Libby!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   Phi Kappa Phi is validation of my hard work and academic achievements, and I was honored to be extended an invitation to join. The Society has many great opportunities that I can benefit from, including networking and scholarships.


2. What is one word your friends would use to describe you?
   Curious. I frequently find new hobbies or activities that I get excited about, and then try to get my friends interested as well. Some examples include houseplants, improv, coding, yoga and investing.


3. What are your biggest long-term goals?
   With climate change consequences accelerating, I want to make sure our water resources are preserved, especially for communities who are taking the brunt of climate change. To me, this means making sure technologies like potable reuse are accessible to disenfranchised communities, not just installing these facilities in wealthy areas.


4. What motivates you to succeed?
   I want to help people who have not had the opportunities I have had.


5. What are your favorite hobbies?
   I enjoy researching and investing in companies, as well as keeping up with social justice issues and activism. These hobbies are interlinked as they require paying attention to current events and figuring out how I want to spend my money, time and emotional energy. I also enjoy caring for my many houseplants, baking recipes from the British Bake-Off show, and CrossFit.


6. What characteristic do you most admire in others?
   Charisma. Some folks just have a gift to captivate others with stories and inspire people to act. I love listening to these people and try to emulate them so I can connect better with others.


7. What is the most challenging work you have ever done and how did you rise to the challenge?
   The most challenging work was my thesis research and composition. Learning how to ask good research questions and develop experiments was a steep learning curve but I loved doing it. I was surrounded by other knowledgeable and supportive students and faculty who really kept me on track. Finally, writing my thesis was difficult because compiling the data, methods and findings was such a daunting task. I found that tackling each chapter a little at a time made it manageable and less overwhelming. In the end, I enjoyed compiling everything I had done in grad school and I felt strong sense of accomplishment.


8. Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
   I would love to visit Iran. One of my best friends is from there and has exposed me to incredible food, music and culture. I would love to experience their hospitality and centuries-old civilization first-hand.


9. What is your biggest success up until now?
   My biggest success has been to complete my master’s degree and get a job at an incredible consulting firm that works on projects that are aligned with my passions.


10. What does your perfect day look like?
    All I need for a good day is a good balance of food, friends, and alone time. I would begin with a Cross-Fit class to start the day with a sense of accomplishment, followed by a yoga session. Then I would stop by a farmer’s market for some delicious bread and head to a park to share with friends. After a few games and outdoor time, I would head home to bake a dessert and watch a show at the same time. I would then sample my product as I read a book or talked to family on the phone. Finally, I would shower and head to bed feeling content and full.

To learn more about Libby 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 for the nomination.

Phi Kappa Phi Member Directory Project

The Society is proud to announce an extensive effort to update our member records. We have partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to collect information from as many members as possible and produce the Phi Kappa Phi Member Directory—a collection of up-to-date contact information for our extensive network of members.

The directory project is part of an ongoing effort to update, maintain and better utilize our member data so we can continue our mission of recognizing academic excellence and better serve our members. Beginning in the spring of 2021, you will receive a postcard and/or email from PCI asking you to call a dedicated phone number to verify or update your contact information. Because member participation is essential for an accurate and successful directory project, please call the number as soon as possible after receiving this communication. The information you provide will be confidential to Phi Kappa Phi and will not be sold or shared.

After you verify your contact information, you will not be contacted by PCI again. During your phone conversation with a PCI representative, you will have the opportunity to purchase a directory and branded Phi Kappa Phi merchandise.

If you received a postcard or email from PCI requesting that you update your information and have not done so already, please call at your earliest convenience. You may also call 855-358-1011, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. CT.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I received an email, postcard, or phone call from a company called PCI who asked for my personal information and stated that they are working with Phi Kappa Phi. Is this a legitimate project or a scam?

   It is legit! We have partnered with Publishing Concepts, also known as PCI, to produce a member directory. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows us to receive important updates to our database so we can better serve our members.

2. Does Phi Kappa Phi benefit from this project?

   Yes, PCI collects updated information from members and forwards it to the Society. We will then update our membership database with this new information which helps us effectively communicate with and engage our members.

3. How do I know my information will only be used for directory purposes?

   PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses, and information provided to PCI for the publication of the directory will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the directory and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (personal identifiable information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the directory.

4. How can I verify or update my information?

   If you received a postcard or email with a telephone number, you can call the number to speak with a real, live human being representing the project. They will verify the information we have on file for you and make updates where needed.

   If you received an email with an embedded link, simply click the link to go to the online site to review your information.

   If you did not receive a postcard or email, you can call 855-358-1011, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. CT to update your information.

5. Can I choose what information prints in the directory?

   Yes, PCI will honor your request to exclude all or parts of your information from the publication. Simply tell the PCI representative when you call to submit your updated information. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI customer service at 800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

6. Am I obligated to purchase a copy of the directory if my name is included?

   No, you are under no obligation to purchase a copy of the directory. However, your name will be listed regardless of whether you decide to purchase a copy. To have your information excluded from the directory, contact PCI customer service at 800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

7. Can anyone purchase a directory?

   The Phi Kappa Phi Member Directory is available for sale only to Phi Kappa Phi members.

8. How much does the directory cost?

   There are several packages available. Click here for an overview.

9. When will I receive my directory?

   The total duration of the directory project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in March 2021, the directories will be distributed in March 2022.

10. How do I cancel my directory package order?

To cancel your order or change your ship-to address after an order has been placed, contact PCI customer service at 800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com and they will take care of this for you.

Executive Director's Blog: In Good Company

Many years ago, when the woman I worked for learned I was ending my first marriage, she questioned my decision with a comment: "Won't you be lonely?" I recall responding that one can be lonely even in a relationship, though I knew that her question reflected her own status as a widow.

Loss – death of a partner, children leaving home – often leads to an uncertain terrain of being alone, where what was familiar or comfortable is no longer, and it requires adjustment to keeping one's own company. That's how I think of solitude: being content to keep company with myself.

I have a favorite photograph on the wall in my study. Titled simply "Solitude," the image by David Lorenz Winston is a snowscape featuring a leafless tree and a zigzag fence. The image invites a sense of peace – a blanket of snow on a field, a reminder to this Midwesterner of many winter days watching snow cover the landscape.

In a hectic, fast-paced world, solitude can be a refuge for the mind. More and more we hear of individuals practicing meditation to take a break from the intensity of work. Mindfulness is recommended as a habit to heighten awareness and mental focus. Even my Apple Watch reminds me regularly to stop and breathe deeply for one minute.

Unfortunately, some people conflate solitude with isolation. Admittedly, cabin fever can be very real in these days when the best recourse against the virus is to stay home. Our social selves want to be with others, whose company it is often easier to keep than our own. But I wonder what lessons we will have learned from these many months of keeping our distance. I'd like to think there might be a heightened appreciation for time to be alone with our own thoughts, perhaps prompted by a photograph like that on my study wall. Have you tried it?

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Expansion of Fellowship Program

Phi Kappa Phi has announced an expansion of its Fellowship program from a total distribution of $615,000 to $649,000 beginning in 2021. The additional funding will allow the Society to support 62 fellowships for outstanding students entering their first year of graduate or professional study and increase the Society’s robust awards program to distribute more than $1 million each year to outstanding members.

Established in 1932, the Fellowship Program annually provides funding to first-year graduate students who are pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees across all academic disciplines. Endorsed by their local chapter, Phi Kappa Phi Fellows go on to study at some of the nation’s top graduate schools.

“Phi Kappa Phi is well known for the awards it makes available to active members and students on campuses where we have a chapter,” Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd said. “Since the first fellowship was awarded in 1932, our portfolio of awards has grown exponentially in number and funding, all made possible by the generosity of our donors. That’s why we’ve adopted the phrase ‘Awards are what we do.’ It’s a joy to enable the love of learning to expand through the support provided to our community of scholars.”

Beginning this year, Phi Kappa Phi will award four additional fellowships at $8,500 each. These newly endowed Bond Fellowships named for Victoria and L.D. Bond will support two top-scoring nominees in the arts, music and/or literature and two top-scoring nominees in the fields of mathematics or information technology.

The selection process for a fellowship is based on the applicant’s evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.

Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships are part of the Society’s robust awards program which distributes more than $1 million each year to outstanding members through study abroad grants, graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for postbaccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

The application process for the 2021 Fellowship Program is currently open and will close on April 15. Each active Phi Kappa Phi chapter may submit one candidate from among its local applicants to compete Society-wide for a fellowship.

To learn more about the fellowships and other Society awards, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

Member Mentions – March 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:

Jose Cardenas (California State University, Stanislaus) has been appointed to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Cardenas will help shape policy related to licensing and credentialing of educators in the state.

Wendy Lawrence (United States Naval Academy) was honored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as its featured Veteran of the Day earlier this month. Lawrence's lifelong accomplishments as a pilot, astronaut, teacher and more were highlighted on March 1 to launch the VA's monthlong celebration of Women's History Month.

Jose Ernie Lope (University of the Philippines) received a 2020 Achievement Award from the National Research Council of the Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology. Lope, a professor, was recognized for his contributions in the field of mathematical sciences.

Isaac Martin (University of Utah) has received a Churchill Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The mathematics and physics major is one of 17 to receive the award nationally.

Nicola Ramdyhan (Clark Atlanta University) was honored by Georgia's Own Credit Union for Black History Month in February. The scholar athlete was one of five CAU students chosen to be featured on the company's 174-foot digital sign in downtown Atlanta.

Selena A. Ramkeesoon (University of Maryland Global Campus) was selected to serve as co-president of the Washington, D.C., chapter for the Ellevate Network. Ellevate is a global organization and community of women+ at work.

Jimalee Sowell (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to participate in a teaching project in Central Asia. As part of the English Language Specialist Project, Sowell will help train English language instructors in Central Asia.

Ashley Towers (The Citadel) was named the Veteran of the Day by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and featured on the VA website on March 13. As part of Women's History Month, the VA highlighted her service in the New York Army National Guard.

Baylee Wolf (Washburn University) has earned a WU's Who of Washburn Students award. This long-standing school award recognizes students who are engaged on campus, involved in community service and show leadership initiative.

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

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Fall Service Project Awards

Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the recipients of the 2020 Fall Service Project Awards. Chapters were encouraged to partner with a community organization to complete a service project with a literacy-focused cause from September to December. Because of social distancing guidelines, chapters were encouraged to host projects that kept participants' safety in mind.

The chapters selected for the awards include:

Arkansas State University (Division III) – Chapter 141 worked with the campus Department of Residential Life to create "Get Well Goodie Bags" for students in quarantine due to COVID-19. Each bag included a notepad and ΦKΦ pen, as well as a thermometer, hand sanitizer and cough drops.

Elmhurst University (Division IV) – Chapter 195 accepted donations and assembled 200 "Caring through COVID" bags that included masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, granola bars and bottled water. After working with two social service agencies in Chicago to identify communities in need, members distributed the bags to homeless members of the community and a shelter for women and children.

Florida Institute of Technology (Division II) – Chapter 308 hosted a virtual trivia night to raise money for the Children's Hunger Project of Brevard County, a nonprofit organization that provides food to elementary school children. Approximately 25 people made monetary donations to participate in the trivia event.

Methodist College (Division V) – Chapter 353 partnered with the Adopt-a-Highway campaign to clean a road near campus. Volunteers cleaned for two hours and installed a new sign to bring awareness to Phi Kappa Phi and the campaign. The chapter uses this quarterly project to educate its members about environmental literacy and keep the highway free of litter.

University of Kentucky (Division I) – Chapter 306 partnered with other honor societies to create a "Senior Citizen Letter-Writing Campaign." Participants hand-wrote letters to nursing home residents that were friendly and engaging and included pictures where possible. Approximately 250 letters were sent to residents at three locations.

The national office will provide a $200 monetary contribution to each chapter’s partner community organization.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Lowery, chapter development director.

Photo provided by Chapter 353 – Phi Kappa Phi Members from Methodist College work to clean litter from the roadway on U.S. Highway 150.

Forum Features: Solitude

The latest edition of the Phi Kappa Phi Forum will be arriving in your mailbox soon. The spring edition's theme of "Solitude" starts off our 2021 focus and will be followed by themes taking a deeper look at friendship, family and community. The featured stories, regular columnists, and even our custom crossword puzzles will all dive deeper into those ideas.

The feature articles in the spring edition discuss:

A Solitary Respite – Essayist Akiko Busch argues that even small interludes along can be deeply sustaining.

Technology Addicts – Author Maggie Jackson observes that for many Americans, solitary time away from smartphones causes anxiety.

Born to Be a Loner – For writer W.D. Wetherell, time alone is an occupational necessity.

The Pioneer of Solitude – According to scholar Geoff Wisner, Henry David Thoreau wasn't as along as his popular reputation suggests.

As always, we welcome letters to the editor, member news, poetry submissions and story ideas for upcoming themes. Visit our Forum page to learn more.

Make the Most of Your Membership

Phi Kappa Phi is all about supporting our members, and we do this through our robust member benefit program. You may already be familiar with some benefits, but some may be new to you. From awards totaling $1 million each year to exclusive discounts from more than 25 corporate partners, there are a variety of benefits and resources available to assist you in just about any phase of your life.

Apply for Awards
Since 1932, the Society has awarded more than $17 million to students, Society members, chapters and institutions. Awards include the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, Study Abroad Grants, Love of Learning Awards, Literacy Grants and more. We invite you to learn more about which of our awards may be right for you!

Celebrate Your Achievement
Membership in the Society is not easily earned or widely bestowed, and we encourage you to celebrate your achievement. Send a personalized press release to share your achievements with your community, attach a membership verification letter to your graduate school or job application, and show your Phi Kappa Phi pride everywhere you go with Society-branded gear.

Expand your Network
We make connecting easy for our members. Upload and share valuable resources, discuss hot topics, search for others in your area and much more in Link, our online community. Get started by introducing yourself and then check out all the helpful step-by-step guides. These guides will walk you through everything from uploading a photo to joining a community to posting a new message.

Save Money
Phi Kappa Phi members have access to exclusive discounts and special offers on products and services from more than 25 corporate partners. From an exclusive member discount on auto insurance with GEICO to special technology offers from Dell, HP and Lenovo, we bring the savings to you.

Enhance your Job Search
Find the perfect job opportunity with the Phi Kappa Phi Career Center. Set up job alerts, upload résumés, get a free résumé evaluation and apply online. Members can also share and receive career guidance advice within our Career Corner Community. We encourage you to learn more about all the career resources available to you today!

Prepare for Graduate School
Researching graduate schools and programs? While the Society is not directly affiliated with graduate programs, we offer several graduate school resources to assist members in finding the program best suited for their needs. Find the perfect match with tools from our partners, including The Princeton Review, U.S. News Grad Compass and more.

We encourage you to make the most of your membership by taking advantage of these available resources. Please note, member benefits are available to active members only, and your login will be required to access many of the webpages listed above. Have questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Featured Fellow: Erin Mihealsick

Phi Kappa Phi awards $1 million each year to outstanding students, members, chapters and institutions. This includes 58 Fellowships ranging from $8,500 up to $35,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Erin Mihealsick was the top-scoring STEM applicant last year and the recipient of the 1897 Fellowship.

Mihealsick graduated from Clemson University in 2020 where she majored in genetics/biochemistry and completed her undergraduate program with a 4.0 GPA. Her interests are in research – a path that started in her high school science experiences and set a foundation on which to build other experiences that served to clarify her goals and interest. These experiences included extensive research opportunities at her undergraduate institution, then as an Amgen Scholar at Duke University.

As she moves forward with her academic plans, she'll be one step closer to living up to her name and will help to, quite literally, heal the sick. Mihealsick aims to become an independent researcher with a focused interest in disease-based research application, specifically to using the immune system (rather than chemotherapy drugs) to treat cancer.

"Receiving opportunities like this truly help me feel as though I belong in the field I have chosen," she said after receiving the 1897 Fellowship. "Many people have the 'impostor syndrome' but when people receive opportunities like this, it's easier to chip away at this and show others that they can, too."

Mihealsick will continue her studies at Johns Hopkins University where she will pursue a Ph.D. in immunology.

Interested in applying for a 2021 Fellowship award?

• Visit the award page for more info.
• Download the Applicant 101 Guide for advice.
• Check with your local chapter to determine their deadline for submissions. The national deadline is April 15.

Questions? Email Kelli Partin, awards director, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

 

Graduation Regalia and Membership Certificate Frames

Phi Kappa Phi membership is a symbol of your hard work and dedication throughout your academic career, and we encourage you to display all you have worked so hard for. Whether you are a new member with a few more semesters to tackle before graduation or a senior eagerly waiting for your commencement, we are here to help you commemorate your achievements!

As a new initiate, you received a membership certificate from your chapter, and our partner, Church Hill Classics, can help you preserve it for years to come. Choose from a variety of frame mouldings, mat colors, and materials to create a one-of-a-kind certificate frame with the Society’s logo incorporated. Start designing today!

Calling all graduates! 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 to signify your achievements on your big day. Recognition items are available for individual purchase, or save when you purchase the recognition bundle and receive a free tassel. Plus, take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Be sure to place your order in time for your commencement ceremony and graduation photo shoot!

Keep in mind, graduation regalia makes a priceless keepsake, and Church Hill Classics also offers customizable frames for your ΦΚΦ stole and medallion.

We are proud of all your accomplishments and you should be too, and we hope you honor your achievements for years to come!

 

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Graduate Research Grant Recipients

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the recipients of its Graduate Research Grants. The grants of up to $1,500 are designed to support graduate students who are active Society members seeking funding for research in support of career development opportunities.

The 20 grant recipients include students spanning a number of academic disciplines:

• Mackenzie Berry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Rebecca Bracken, Mississippi State University
• Theresa Burkhart, University of Illinois at Chicago
• Lindsay Carlisle, Longwood University
• Erica Dasi, University of Maryland, Baltimore Campuses
• Alice Dell’Era, Florida International University
• Satwik Dutta, The University of Texas at Dallas
• Pauline Karanja, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Cargi Kilic, West Virginia University
• L.S. King, Radford University
• Tina Melamed, The University of Texas at Dallas
• Hannah M. Ming, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Stephanie Myers, Oklahoma State University
• Ana Rabasco, Fordham University
• Chinyere N. Reid, University of South Florida
• Midori Samson, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Aman Sharma, University of Massachusetts
• Nikhil Tiwari, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Alex Washburn, Texas Tech University
• Rebekah White, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

“The Graduate Research Grant is the newest award created by the Society. The amazing response to the pilot we ran previously was all the evidence we needed to know that such an award would fill an important need for our graduate student members,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

Established in 2018, the grants are part of the Society’s robust awards program, which gives $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through study abroad grants, graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To learn more about the Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Research Grant and this year’s recipients, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/graduateresearch.

 

Member Benefit: Spring Cleaning with Lenovo

Spring is just around the corner which means the time for cleaning and organizing is upon us. While spring cleaning usually involves decluttering our homes, it is also the perfect time to address some of the technology issues you may have been putting off. If your digital life needs a little spring cleaning, our partner Lenovo is here to help. Here are a few tips to help you dust off the digital cobwebs!

Organize your digital files. Most of us add digital files to our laptop or PC without giving much thought to organizing them. We end up with a long list of files that can be hard to sort through. Try organizing your files into strategically named folders so that you can spend less time searching.

Running out of space to store all your files? Lenovo offers many different hard drives to securely and efficiently store your files externally. These hard drives allow you to free up space on your internal drive which helps to improve your PC performance. Hard drives also allow for high-speed data transfers and massive storage anytime, anywhere.

Update your current software. It is important to keep your software up to date for better performance and data security, and now is the perfect time to check your software to see what needs to be updated. There may be new software on the market that consolidates multiple applications or is similar to the one you currently use but adds productivity features. Browse Lenovo’s selection of software products, from McAfee to Microsoft and everything in between, to make sure you are operating on the most efficient and up-to-date software.

Updating your software can take time, so we suggest that you clean your downloads folder while you wait. How many items do you download a day? A week? The number might surprise you. Cleaning this folder can free up space and help organize important documents.

Upgrade your technology. Have you been putting off upgrading your technology? While hardware upgrades can be expensive, now is the perfect time to make a purchase because members can access fantastic savings up to 58% all month long. Plus, members receive free shipping. Visit www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi to shop Lenovo’s extensive selection, including the legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations and a family of mobile internet devices.

Trade in, recycle or donate old hardware. Did you get new hardware over the holiday season? Consider trading in, recycling or donating your old hardware to a local organization. Lenovo offers a trade-in program that allows you to trade in any Lenovo or competitor’s computer or electronic device that meets their minimum requirements. If trading in is not an option, you may be able to recycle your hardware. Click here to learn more about recycling options near you.

You can also make a difference in your community by donating your old hardware to a local charitable organization. Youth centers, shelters, foster homes, libraries and community centers in your area may appreciate old PCs, laptops or gaming systems. Instead of throwing out your old hardware, search for a local donation site and give back while cleaning out.

We hope our tips will help you with your digital spring cleaning. If you have any questions about our partnership with Lenovo and the discounts offered, contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Celebrating Our Members on International Women's Day

March is Women's History Month – a time to highlight women's contributions and achievements throughout American history. And today, March 8, is International Women's Day – a global day to celebrate the impacts women have on society and to call for accelerating gender equality worldwide.

The women of Phi Kappa Phi have been making history from the founding members more than 100 years ago to current members who serve in Congress, earn Pulitzer Prizes, and fly, quite literally, among the stars. The Society celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to seeing the achievements our members will realize in the future.

Brené Brown, author – University of Houston
As a research professor at UH studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy, Brown is also the author of bestselling books including her latest, Dare to Lead. Her TED talk entitled "The Power of Vulnerability" is one of the most viewed TED talks in the world.

Rita Dove, poet – Miami University
While teaching creative writing at Arizona State University, Dove received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1987. Five years later, she was named the United States Poet Laureate. In addition to poetry, Dove has written a short story collection, a novel, a play and lyrics for composers. Dove is the Commonwealth Professor of English at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Renée Fleming, musician – University of New York at Potsdam
The operatic soprano studied music at SUNY Potsdam, the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. As a Fulbright Scholar, she continued her work in Europe. She is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, and her 17 Grammy nominations have earned her a total of four Grammy Awards.

Glenna Goodacre, artist – Texas Tech University
Goodacre was dubbed “America’s Sculptor” and created bronze pieces including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., and a statue of Ronald Reagan which is installed at his presidential library in California. Goodacre's depiction of Sacagawea – the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition – is featured on one side of the U.S. $1 Sacagawea coin.

Christina Hammock Koch, astronaut – North Carolina State University
As a flight engineer on the International Space Station, Koch set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman by spending 328 days in space. During her nearly yearlong flight, Koch conducted six spacewalks, including the first three all women spacewalks.

Janna Levin, scientist – Marshall University
As a professor at Barnard College of Columbia University, Levin's research focuses on the early universe, black holes and chaos. In addition to being featured on podcasts, television and radio shows, her award-winning writings for both scientific and general audiences have drawn international acclaim.

Kim Mulkey, athlete/coach – Louisiana Tech University
Mulkey is the head women's basketball coach at Baylor University. Under her leadership, the team won three national championships. Mulkey was the first person in NCAA women's basketball to win a national championship as a player, assistant coach and head coach, and was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Elizabeth Ann Warren, public servant – University of Houston
The former law professor of more than 30 years now serves as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Her writings include 11 books and four bestsellers. She was also a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019.

 

Member Benefits: Relieve Tax Season Stress

The end of 2020 signaled the close of a trying year for many of us, but there is still one lingering task to complete before we can put the past year behind us—filing our taxes. Learn how to make tax season less taxing by putting your member benefits to work with our partners.

Franklin Planner can help as you gather your tax and financial documents. If you itemize expenses, reduce the stress of money management by documenting your financial activities with an auto mileage log or a financial plans supplement. They both offer a comprehensive set of forms to track your expenses, and you can save 15% when you use code PKPMember.

Another helpful tip is to place all tax documents in a centralized folder as you print or receive them in the mail. This will ensure that nothing is missing when it is time to hand over your tax documents to your accountant or when you are ready to prepare your taxes yourself.

Filing taxes on your own? Our partner, Office Depot, has you covered with a complete line of tax solutions. Shop tax forms, envelopes, software and e-file solutions, all designed for your specific needs and to help boost your bottom line. Shop at OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP/ to access member-only savings up to 80%.

As Tax Day approaches, we encourage you to be on the lookout for identity theft. Scammers can steal your information to submit fraudulent tax returns and steal your tax refunds, but you can beat the scammers by taking steps to protect yourself. Our partner, LifeLock, shares the top five IRS scams to watch out for and how you can protect yourself this tax season.

Want even more protection? Members who sign up for a LifeLock membership can save 35% on their first year. Click here to learn more and enroll in minutes.

The IRS recommends storing a backup of your tax records, and our partner, Carbonite, can help you do just that. Keep your tax and financial documents safe and get peace of mind with an easy-to-use cloud backup plan that stores clean copies of your data and is accessible whenever you need them. Carbonite plans protect you from all major causes of data loss, including ransomware, accidental file deletion, computer crashes, computer theft, natural disasters, storage device corruption and everyday accidents like coffee spills.

As an active member, you can save 10% on any Carbonite plan subscription with promo code PHIKPOFFER10. Visit www.Carbonite.com to find the backup plan that works best for you.

With tax season in full swing, it is time to get your finances in order, and we hope our tips will help the process along and take some of the stress out of this hectic time of year.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Announcing the Winner of Our Friendship Contest

Although the pandemic has changed the way we hang out with friends, it has not changed the importance of friendship. In conjunction with the theme of friendship in the upcoming summer issue of the Forum magazine, we invited members to submit photos to a Friendship Contest posted in our exclusive members-only community, Link.

After sorting through the creative submissions, we're excited to congratulate Mary Sander as the official winner of the contest. She and her roommates visited White Sands National Park where they snapped the winning photo.

"White Sands is very remote so we were able to social distance from others while still enjoying our time together in the outdoors," said Sander. "Friends are very important to me so I am thankful to have these wonderful women in my life."

As the winner, Sander will receive a $75 gift card to the Phi Kappa Phi online store.

Want to see all the submissions or share a picture of you and your friends? Join the conversation in the Link community today.

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.

The Fulbright Program Celebrates 75 Years

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, and Phi Kappa Phi is proud to know that several of our members have been part of their global impact. To mark the occasion, the Fulbright Program is encouraging program alumni and partners to share their Fulbright experiences, engage with their local communities and schools, and join the diverse and dynamic network of Fulbrighters around the world.

Are you a Fulbright alumnus/a, or someone whose life was impacted by a Fulbrighter in some way? Let them know how Fulbright made a difference by filling out this survey.

In continuing 75 years of international impact, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers teaching and research awards to U.S. citizens in more than 130 countries. College and university faculty and administrators, as well as professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers and many others, can join the more than 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections and greater mutual understanding.

Interested faculty and professionals are encouraged to learn more about these opportunities by visiting the Catalog of Awards, connect with Fulbright or attend a webinar.

The application deadline is Sept. 15, 2021. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Here’s to 75 years of global action, opportunity, connections — and creating a brighter future!

Share Your Achievements with Merit

As a Phi Kappa Phi member, you have the opportunity to share your accomplishments through the achievement program Merit. It is an online platform that customizes stories to help promote academic and extracurricular achievements, work experience, leadership roles and much more. Merit gives you the recognition you deserve and makes sharing news with your inner circle as easy as 1, 2, 3.

With Merit, members can customize their online profile with a photo, bio, activities, affiliations and work experience, helping build an online presence to assist in securing jobs, landing internships and collecting references. Consider it a virtual résumé!

The plus? Your Merit page is created automatically by Phi Kappa Phi and updated with each new achievement—you don’t have to maintain it. News posted to Merit pages are shared with a network of stakeholders who are invested in your achievements: family and friends, local news outlets, employers, former teachers, colleges and universities, volunteer organizations and more.

If you have not received a Merit profile (or if you were initiated before March 2013) and would like to take advantage the program and its many benefits, email news@phikappaphi.org with your name and member ID number.

Click here to learn more about Merit, including frequently asked questions, and learn about the latest member achievements on the official Phi Kappa Phi Merit page.

Stay tuned to our social media throughout March as we post tips, FAQs and more during #MeritMarch.