Member Benefit: Summer Getaway Giveaway

Phi Kappa Phi members, friends and family have access to a worldwide inventory of hotels, rental cars and entertainment at exclusive discounted rates.

Whether traveling for work or pleasure, individually or in a group, domestically or abroad, you can take advantage of savings that average 10-20% below market and may exceed 50%.

Plus, book through the Society’s travel discount program before Sept. 30, 2021, and you could win back your purchase!

Click here to visit the ΦΚΦ Discount Travel Program, and book your next adventure for a chance to win!

Could You Be the Next Love of Learning Award Recipient?

Phi Kappa Phi’s Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Society members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

For members like Ebubechi Adindu, a first-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, the award can help them reach their goals. Adindu, a 2020 Love of Learning Award recipient, said he used the funds to "aid in the completion of his medical doctorate degree."

Adindu was initiated in 2019 as a senior at the University of Kentucky. "For me, the best part of Phi Kappa Phi is all of the connections and networking opportunities that this honor society has provided," he shared.

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards of $500 each annually in support of members. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.

"I am extremely thankful to have been awarded the Love of Learning Award. With this award, I promise to try my best to be an upstanding member of this honor society by excelling in my medical school studies," said Adindu.

The deadline to apply is June 30. To learn more about the award and see full eligibility requirements, click here.

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

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight

From Egypt, Asmaa Taha received a Bachelor of Arts in English language, literature and simultaneous interpretation in 2006 at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. After graduation, she worked as an instructor of English as a second language for four years with the Al-Azhar English Training Center, and in 2011, she was awarded the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant scholarship. Through the Fulbright program, Asmaa taught Arabic at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

Asmaa went on to teach Arabic at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and then at the University of Mississippi as a graduate instructor majoring in Teaching English as Second Language. In 2015, Asmaa earned a master’s degree in Teaching English as Second Language from the University of Mississippi, and in 2017 she completed a second master’s degree from Middlebury College in Teaching Arabic as Foreign Language. She recently completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in second language studies with an emphasis on applied linguistics at the University of Mississippi where she was initiated in 2019.

Asmaa currently serves as a Flagship Instructor of Arabic at the University of Mississippi and enjoys participating in several volunteer activities such as meal-packing through Islamic Relief USA and providing translations for the Oxford Police Department.

She enjoys learning about the people and cultures of different countries and has most enjoyed traveling to Turkey, England and Scotland. 

Let’s get to know Asmaa! 

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   I accepted the invitation because it is a distinguished honor society that encourages learning and academic accomplishments. Phi Kappa Phi is an extensive support community that opens doors for success and possibilities.


2. Who is your favorite band? Why are they your favorite?
   My favorite band is Backstreet Boys. I like their music and variety of albums.


3. What is your favorite holiday and why?
   My favorite holiday is Eid Al-Fitr which is a traditional three-day holiday after the month of Ramadan. It does not only mark the end of the fasting month but also allows me to get together with friends and family.


4. What is something you are impressively good at?
   I am pretty good at being open to other points of view and perspectives. As an international student, I love to freely explore other cultures and am dedicated as a teacher to go the extra mile to ensure my students’ success.


5. Can you speak any other languages? 
   I speak both Arabic and English fluently. I use both languages daily and in everyday conversations with friends and family. I also have a working knowledge of German, and I exclusively use it for research studies.


6. What is the greatest movie of all time?
   The King’s Speech is the greatest movie of all time. I cannot remember how many times I watched it.


7. What is one thing you cannot live without?
   I cannot live without my family. Their love and support mean the world to me.


8. Why did you choose the field you studied?
   I chose to study the field of language because I love learning about other languages, cultures, and more importantly, how languages reflect people’s perspectives, ideologies and beliefs. 


9. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
   The most adventurous thing that I have done is parasailing because I am afraid of heights. 


10. What is the best advice you have ever received?
    The best advice I have ever received is “You can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

To learn more about Asmaa 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.

 

Support Phi Kappa Phi with the Amazon App

Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Supporting Phi Kappa Phi is easy in the app on iOS and Android phones. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Society, and those donations help to support Phi Kappa Phi's mission to promote excellence through our awards program. You can even continue to use your existing Amazon account.

Ready to get started? Simply follow the instructions below to select "The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. Here's how it works:

1. Download the Amazon app onto your phone. (Choose iOS or Android)
2. Open the Amazon app on your phone and log in.
3. Select the main menu and tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs and Features.
4. Select "The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi" as your charity.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app.

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

Member Mentions – May 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:

Ashtyn Berry (Appalachian State University) has been named the Cabarrus County Schools Teacher of the Year. She is a third-grade teacher at W.R. Odell Elementary School. She was also the recipient of the W.F. & Mozelle Costner Parker Endowed Scholarship at App State where she is pursuing a master's degree.

Taylor Blaylock (Berry College) received a Fulbright award to teach English in Taiwan. The elementary education major has worked as a teacher's assistant at the Berry College Child Development Center and is only the sixth Berry College student to earn a Fulbright grant since 1991.

Mitchell Deleel (McKendree University) received the Technos International Prize. Deleel, an award-winning debater, was chosen for the award by the faculty at McKendree. He was also recognized for his outstanding academic achievement in political science.

Zoe Gubbels (Angelo State University) was named the Lone Star Conference Academic Player of the Year. Gubbels was also named the Sportsmanship Play of the Year.

Veena Rani Howard (California State University, Fresno) was named the inaugural Jain and Hindu Dharma Endowed Chair at Fresno State. Howard is an associate professor of religious studies and the coordinator of the Peace and Conflict Studies program at Fresno State.

Brandie Laughner (Pennsylvania State University) is the 2021 Outstanding Senior from the Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations. The award is given each year to a senior who has an outstanding record in both academics and engagement in student activities.

Allan Osburn (University of Nebraska at Kearney) received the 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award from Central Community College-Grand Island. Osburn earned an associate of arts academic transfer degree from the college in 2017.

Mary Michelle Stokes (Auburn University) served as the student marshal for the College of Human Sciences in Auburn's spring 2021 commencement ceremony. The student marshals are chosen based on who best represents the values and excellence of the college.

Alec Trela (University of Memphis) earned the Zach Curlin Award at the annual PAWSCARS ceremony held recently. The University of Memphis award is presented to a male student-athlete who possesses drive, enthusiasm, determination and a concern for others.

Kriztine Mae Uy-Chun (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) was named valedictorian of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. She was also honored with the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award and will begin her residency this summer.

Angelo State University has recognized its Distinguished Student Award honorees including Society members Caylee Gibson and Crystal Mendez. ASU also honored its 2021 Outstanding Graduates including Gretchen Goldman, Kalynn Hardegree, Lesley Howell, Nicholas Manuszak, Sydney Morris and Lee Snodgrass. Four superlative awards were also distributed. Those recipients included Hardegree for Community Service Excellence and Morris for Leadership Excellence.

San Jose State University has announced that 14 Spartan student-athletes were named as Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars. Leading the list is women's water polo player Riley Agerbeek who was chosen as one of the 10 finalists for Female Athlete of the Year. It is Agerbeek's second year as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. Other Spartans honored included football player Andrew Jenkins. Jenkins is also a two-time SJSU Presidential Scholar.

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

Travel Tales: From Samantha Bryan and You!

As we start to see the light at the end of the yearlong travel restrictions tunnel, we're taking a look back at one Study Abroad Grant recipient's adventures and asking you about yours!

Phi Kappa Phi's $1,000 Study Abroad Grants are designed to support undergraduate students participating in international travel programs as they gain experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. For students like 2019 grant recipient Samantha Bryan, it can make an incredible impact on their academic journey.

As a nursing major at Brigham Young University, Bryan headed to Accra, Ghana, to learn more about their healthcare system. While shadowing medical staff there, she provided humanitarian care for rural villages, helped kids living on the street and learned about Ghanaian culture and customs.

"I am humbled to receive this grant, and extremely grateful to Phi Kappa Phi for supporting me in fulfilling a life-long dream to study abroad in Africa and serve the people there," Bryan said.

Where did you make your favorite travel memories in the past? Where is the first place you will head when worldwide travel restrictions have eased? Join the conversation in our members-only Link community and share your favorite travel destination.

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.

Do you want to be one of our next Study Abroad Grant recipients? Click here to learn more about the award and sign up to be notified when the application process opens.

Announcing the 2021 Phi Kappa Phi Week Chapter Awards

The Society is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 Phi Kappa Phi Week Awards. During the first week of February, chapters were encouraged to celebrate member achievements and host chapter activities that reinforced the love of learning shared among members. Since campuses were still working with social distancing guidelines, creative ideas flourished as chapters worked to find new and exciting ways to promote the Society.

The chapters selected for the awards include:

Marymount University (Division IV) – Chapter 351 used Instagram throughout the week to spotlight students and ask trivia questions. The first student who answered each question correctly won a $10 gift card. They also promoted a fundraiser for Hawksbill Hope, a nonprofit organization that protects endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Finally, chapter officers hosted two information sessions on Zoom to promote the Society to interested students.

Methodist College (Division V) – Chapter 353 celebrated with multiple events to raise awareness of Phi Kappa Phi on campus. Not only did members staff an informational table in the student commons and hand out popcorn, but they also partnered with Barnes and Noble on a book drive to benefit a local high school. A weeklong social media campaign highlighted Society members around campus.

Southeast Missouri State University (Division III) – Chapter 260 planned several different events for the week. Chapter President Dr. Suhair Amer hosted an information session online with a Q&A at the end. As the week continued, other officers hosted meetings to discuss chapter-sponsored service opportunities. Finally, the chapter coordinated a literacy campaign that asked members to share messages based on their perceptions of a literacy-rich environment.

Texas State University (Division I) – Chapter 325 hosted two virtual events during Phi Kappa Phi Week. On Feb. 1, the chapter hosted an informational workshop about applying for the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship. Later in the week, they held "Grad Chats" where current graduate students shared their experiences with research.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Division II) – Chapter 228 included the celebration of its 40th anniversary into the week's events. Daily social media posts included trivia, historical photos and member profiles. Students who answered the trivia questions correctly earned Phi Kappa Phi swag. The chapter also hosted two informational meetings on Zoom for interested students.

Each of the five chapters selected will be awarded a $200 Amazon e-gift card from the national office in recognition of their work.

Want to hear more about the projects hosted during Phi Kappa Phi Week or need some inspiration for campus events for your chapter? Contact Michelle Lowery Gussman, chapter development director.

First to Finish: First-Generation College Students Share Their Journeys

Navigating the path from high school to higher education can be challenging, even with the best support system in place. Students venturing into that world as the first in their family to do so often find it even more daunting of a task.

These Phi Kappa Phi members recently shared their stories as first-generation college graduates and opened up about why the added acknowledgement of Society membership was important to them.

Mary Anne Gunter (University of Louisiana at Monroe) realized there would be challenges from the very beginning. "When I started my first freshman class, I was so green I didn't even know what a transcript was," she said. As a single mom, she sometimes worked multiple jobs during the two decades she spent working on her bachelor's degree, but with determination, she persevered. "I put in the work. I paid my dues. I am working on my doctoral dissertation, and it's a journey I would take nothing for."

She has tried to inspire others along the way. "I have often helped other women, of all ages, believe in themselves to finish that GED or that doctorate," she shared. "I am a grandmother earning a doctorate with a 4.0 GPA when I was told more than once I'd never make it."

"When I finish my Ph.D. one of the proudest days of my life will be to put on that Phi Kappa Phi stole and braid and wear it proudly," she said.

Judy Kaiser (San Diego State University) was a senior when she was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2014. "I was a returning college student in my 40s. To be the first in my family to graduate university and accomplish it with summa cum laude, highest honors, is one of the greatest achievements of my life," said Kaiser.

When asked why she joined Phi Kappa Phi, she shared, "Finishing what I started so many years earlier means a great deal to me, which is why I joined the honor society when I was invited."

Amanda Knapp (University of Maryland, Baltimore Campuses) grew up with parents who hadn't finished high school at the time. Though she was a good student, she didn't have the help that many have when it came time to apply for college. Her success was a triumph. "As a first-generation college student from rural West Virginia, I will never forget the day I was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi," she said. "I felt emotional, honored and beyond grateful to have been recognized by colleagues in this way."

Now as an associate vice provost and assistant dean at University of Maryland, Baltimore Campuses, and a Society officer at the UMBC chapter, Knapp works to help others who are facing similar challenges. She serves in the First Generation Network at UMBC to support their students. "I have devoted my entire career to working in higher education and being a part of Phi Kappa Phi, now serving on the executive board (at UMBC) has been one of the highlights," she shared.

Have you achieved a major life goal? We want to hear all about it! Share your story in our online community today.

Please note, the community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org. Not active? Click here to renew your membership and gain access to this exclusive benefit.

Extend the Conversation: Is Solitude an Occupational Necessity?

Our spring 2021 issue of Forum, which is devoted to the theme of solitude, includes an article by author W.D. Wetherell that argues that being alone is critical for a writer to do his best work. If you missed Wetherell's piece, you can read it here.

To what degree, if any, has solitude shaped your own work life? Does it enhance your performance or make it more difficult to complete tasks? Do you prefer to be alone to do your work or do you miss the energy of having others 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.

Phi Kappa Phi Annual Report Showcases Achievements of 2020

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the publication of its 2020 Annual Report.

The report, themed Focus on Excellence, showcases a number of achievements of the past year made possible through the generosity of donors to Phi Kappa Phi. Because of this generous support, the Society was able to expand upon its mission in 2020 to recognize and promote academic excellence.

“We’re proud to highlight some of our remarkable award recipients in this year’s annual report. Their love of learning and focus on excellence embody the spirit of Phi Kappa Phi,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “Despite the many challenges of 2020, our members demonstrated their commitment to excellence through donations and volunteer service, and for that we are tremendously thankful.”

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

Highlights of the 2020 Annual Report include:

• Stories and testimonials from winners of Phi Kappa Phi awards.
• A story showcasing the Excellence in Innovation Award recipient.
• An inspirational story of how a member rose above her past.
• The increase of the Society’s awards program to more than $1 million annually.
• A story recognizing a chapter’s 19-year tradition.
• Listing of Phi Kappa Phi donors.

To read the 2020 Annual Report, visit www.phikappaphi.org/annualreport.

Like Father, Like Daughter – A Phi Kappa Phi Legacy

Although they attended different colleges, decades apart, Dennis and Grace Majewski have a proud moment that few parents and children share - they are both Phi Kappa Phi members.

After Grace's recent induction at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, her father thought back to when he was welcomed into the Society. “It was a privilege to be inducted into Phi Kappa Phi when I completed my undergraduate degree. Now my daughter gets to share in the same experience, becoming a member of this prestigious honor society; and sharing this recognition with her dad,” said Dennis.

Dennis recalled his college journey in the 1970s. Early on, a clerical error on his high school transcript resulted in multiple rejections from universities and junior colleges alike. After resolving the issue and diving into communications and broadcasting at Western Illinois University, he graduated as a proud Phi Kappa Phi member with honors. "It is a particular honor for me to become a member because of an early obstacle I had to overcome," he said. He continued his education at WIU earning a master's degree in 1980.

When it was time for Grace to choose a school, Dennis was happy to see her pick one with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Now, as she earns her bachelor's degree in music education, she also joins the ranks of top scholars who are proud Society members.

In addition to having his daughter as a fellow member, Dennis also appreciates other perks of active membership. "One of the benefits I enjoy most about the membership is the Forum quarterly magazine. I find the articles enlightening and thoughtful," he said. "It is always good to read about what is happening with other members of the society and with Phi Kappa Phi."

Does the legacy of Phi Kappa Phi run in your family? We want to hear all about it! Share your story in our online community today.

Please note, the community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org. Not active? Click here to renew your membership and gain access to this exclusive benefit.

Photo provided by Dennis Majewski - Daughter and father, Grace and Dennis Majewski, share the pride of Phi Kappa Phi membership.

Participate in the ΦΚΦ Member Directory Project

We know it can be difficult to keep your contact information up to date. That is why we are working with a trusted partner, Publishing Concepts (PCI), to update our member database and create the Phi Kappa Phi Member Directory.

If you have not already, you may soon receive postcards and emails from PCI asking for updated contact information, and we would appreciate your cooperation in updating your information. All updates are returned to the Society so that our database remains current.

PCI is only collecting information for purposes of the directory, and your information will not be released to any third parties. You can also decide whether your personal information is published in the directory by making your wishes clear to the representative with whom you speak.

Your participation in the directory project is a great way to stay connected to the Phi Kappa Phi community and help us build a useful networking tool that will serve as an important benefit for all members. Please help us update our records and make this project a success!

The extensive directory will be available in both print and digital format and is scheduled for publication in 2022. To learn how you can be included in the directory and order your personal copy, call 855-358-1011, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT.

For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, click here.

Forum 15: Family

With each edition of the Society's Forum magazine, "Forum 15" highlights elements of popular culture related to the theme. Our goal is to affirm that the ideas we discuss in Forum have a vivid presence in our daily lives – in the books we read, the shows we watch, the songs we sing, the movies we see, and the buildings we admire.

As we prepare for the fall edition focusing on family, we'd love your suggestions for items to include in "Forum 15." Is there a movie, book, painting, sculpture or piece of architecture that strikes you as a memorable exploration of family? Share your ideas in our members-only online community. We'll include as many ideas as we can in the fall Forum.

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.

Submit Your Graduation Photo for a Chance to Win!

Are you finally crossing that long-awaited graduation finish line? We want to see you shine! Whether you donned Phi Kappa Phi graduation regalia at a commencement ceremony or in a photoshoot to celebrate your achievement, share your photos with us for a chance to win a Dell laptop or an Amazon gift card, and to be featured in Society materials.

To enter, click here to submit your photo(s) by June 30. 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 Dell Inspiron 15 3000 laptop, second place will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, and third place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Click here for more details including official rules and submissions from previous graduation photo contests.

Questions? Contact Alyssa Perez at aperez@phikappaphi.org.