From the Executive Director: Mission of Service as Relevant as Ever

It is with great anticipation that I write my first column for Forum magazine as your new executive director and CEO of Phi Kappa Phi. I am honored to have been asked to serve as part of the dedicated team of professional staff, board members and chapter volunteers to support our Society’s members and partners.

Phi Kappa Phi’s mission to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education as well as engage the community of scholars in service to others is as relevant today as it has been for the past 125 years. As I have said to many over the past few months, membership in Phi Kappa Phi is not just a recognition of one’s academic success. It is a commitment to be in service to others. Phi Kappa Phi’s service-oriented ethos is what differentiates our Society from other honors entities in this country. This is one of the reasons I am excited to begin this journey of service with you.

We all have an important part to play in supporting the work of Phi Kappa Phi. My hope is that the Society’s impact deepens and our visibility expands as we continue to recognize and support the incredible work of our students, faculty and partner institutions.

In this issue of Forum magazine, we focus on the topic of reading — the joy of the written word. We know that reading is foundational to developing lifelong learners. It allows us to expand our horizons and our perspectives. It helps challenge our preconceptions and our understanding of the world around us. Phi Kappa Phi’s support of reading programs through literacy grants is one of the many valuable programs that our Society and partners support. I can think of no better illustration of Phi Kappa Phi’s commitment to engaging communities of scholars in service to others than its literacy grant program.

In closing, I want to reiterate that I am honored to serve as your representative and partner. Our support of academic excellence, service to others, and our commitment to being the most inclusive all-discipline collegiate honors society will become even more important as the higher education ecosystem continues to transform. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months as we prepare for our 2022 Biennial Convention. Until then, may we all let the love of learning rule humanity!

ΦKΦ Member Spotlight

Richard "RJ" Podeschi grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, and now lives in nearby Decatur, where he serves as the dean of the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University. He earned a bachelor of science in management information systems as a James Millikin Scholar and holds a master of business administration from Millikin, as well as a master's degree in management information from the University of Illinois Springfield.

In addition to being a two-time graduate of Millikin, his time there has included teaching courses in database and security, working for more than a decade in various information technology positions, and his initiation into Phi Kappa Phi as a faculty member in 2017.

As avid runners, he and his wife, a Phi Kappa Phi chapter officer, started Penguin in the Park – a not-for-profit 5K run that raises funds for a Millikin scholarship and local youth athletic programs. He also gives back to his community by serving as a director at Staley Credit Union and in various leadership roles at his church.

Let's get to know RJ!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
My colleagues nominated me to join as a faculty member at Millikin in 2017. My wife is a Millikin chapter officer, and I barely missed the cut as an undergraduate, so I was familiar with the Society. Being associated with a professional organization that shares the value of lifelong learning was important to me, and I appreciate that membership recognizes scholastic achievement. I'm also grateful for the Love of Learning award that I received in 2017. It helped me research using Raspberry Pi computers for distributing processing tasks.

What is the best joke you have ever heard?
Two guys walked into a bar. The third one ducked.

What kind of music do you like?
I don't feel my tastes are incredibly unique, but they do cross over multiple genres. When I run or work out, I listen to classic rock, which unfortunately now includes the '80s. When I'm working, I stick to music without lyrics which ranges from classical favorites to Disney theme park music. When I want to relax, I go with jazz or folk music. I got into vinyl over the pandemic, so that's been a fun hobby.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The real satisfaction is when I get to witness students perform without my assistance or intervention. It's like giving a push to someone learning to ride a bicycle. They wobble a bit at first, but then they straighten out and keep pedaling.

Do you play any sports?
I played golf all through high school and part of college, and it's still a sport I play as often as I can with my parents. I got into running after my Millikin hall-of-famer wife convinced me to. I hated running as a kid but now consider it a great activity with many health benefits, and it helps to clear my mind. I'm also a huge tennis fan – Roger Federer, for those asking. I play a couple of times per week and enjoy the challenge of solving problems on the court.

What is your drink of choice?
Not going to lie; I'm a Northern California wine fan, Russian River Valley, to be specific.

If you had a boat, what would you name it?
Money Pit

What podcasts do you enjoy?
I sometimes listen to podcasts while mowing the lawn. I enjoy a variety of NPR-produced podcasts in addition to Reply All and Freakonomics Radio.

What do you value most about traveling?
I value the privilege of being able to travel domestically and internationally. I feel that being able to experience the United States and beyond provides an opportunity to be immersed in other cultures, actively learn history, and relax. Often, traveling revolves around a must-see or must-do list, but my favorite trips are the ones that include what I'll call in-the-moment experiences that aren't landmark-centric. It's about the simple things for me – an amazing farm-to-table meal in a small village in Italy, hiking through the Scottish Highlands in the rain or being in one of the thousands of European cathedrals when a choir or organist happens to be performing. It's the serendipitous moments that make a trip my favorite.

What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
I like to think my colleagues would say I'm trustworthy, optimistic and kind.

To learn more about RJ and connect, visit his 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.

Forum Features: Reading

The latest edition of the Phi Kappa Phi Forum will be arriving in your mailbox soon. The spring edition's theme of "Reading" launches the 2022 series that will also include in-depth looks at writing, conversation and the art of speech. The featured stories, regular columnists, and even our custom crossword puzzles will all dive deeper into each topic as the year progresses.

The featured articles in the spring edition discuss:

Ready to Lead – Bradley Newcomer, who's devoted his career to growing communities of learning, discusses his new role as Phi Kappa Phi's executive director and CEO.

Reader-in-Chief – As librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden serves as America's most prominent champion of the written word.

Reading to My Mother – As her mother's vision failed, Phyllis Theroux began reading to her aloud, sparking a community of readers to get involved.

Back on Main Street – After years of challenges, independent bookstores seem to be having a rebound.

Priceless Reading – In a colorful career writing about book culture, author Nicholas Basbanes connects with memorable literary treasures.

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.

Want to read the Forum on the go? Download our mobile app to access the digital version.

Member Mentions – March 2022

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:

Ali Ugur Aksoy (California State University, Fullerton) was appointed as the President of the Board of Directors for the International Institute of Business Analysis Orange County, California, Chapter. He is a Senior Corporate Director at Montage International.

Jack Bresenham (Winthrop University) has been named to the inaugural cohort of the IEEE Computer Society's Distinguished Contributor Program. The newly created program is intended to showcase the group's innovative power of its membership while recognizing volunteer commitment.

Renee Clement (University of North Georgia), who graduated with a sociology degree from UNG, took second place in the Georgia Sociological Association undergraduate research paper competition. Her paper focused on the challenges faced by working mothers.

Kaitlyn Fowler (Mercer University) was selected to Campus Contact's 2022-2023 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. The sociology major is a junior and will join students from across the U.S. and Mexico who were all recognized for their commitment to creating positive change in the world around them.

Zebiba Nassir (University of Mississippi) was selected to receive the Graduate Achievement Award in Integrated Marketing Communications. She will be honored at a ceremony at the school next month.

Marci Reagan (Angelo State University) has earned a Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas Award from the Texas School Counselor Association. Reagan is an intern school counselor at Woodland Heights Elementary in Brownwood, Texas.

Mitchell Topf (Youngstown State University) earned an honorable mention award in YSU's recent Three-Minute Thesis Competition. Topf's entry was entitled "Falling into Place: Israel, Syria, Arlen Specter, and the Greater Prospect of Middle Eastern Peace."

Two seniors from State University of New York College at Cortland were recently recognized for excellence by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Physical education majors Jenna Kratz and Matthew Milano each earned Major of the Year. This honor is one of the highest pre-professional honors given by SHAPE.

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 2021 Fall Service Project Awards

The Society is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Fall Service Project. They are:

• Division I – Mississippi State University
• Division II – University of Louisville
• Division III – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Division IV – Frostburg State University
• Division V – Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

The Fall Service Project initiative began in 2019 and is supported by the Council of Students. Chapters were encouraged to focus on a community need with a literacy component and establish a partnership with a community organization. For the purposes of this project, literacy was defined very broadly to address the needs of the community. The council also recommended inviting student organizations or campus departments to participate in the service project. The project was required to take place for any length of time between September and December.

Division I winner Mississippi State University (Chapter 60) got their hands dirty by establishing a living collection of woody and herbaceous plants around the College of Forest Resources. Chapter members partnered with the student chapter of the Wildlife Society, the student chapter of the Society of American Foresters, and the Tree Campus USA Advisory Committee. Their goal was to educate students and campus visitors about the importance and diversity of southeastern native plants.

Division II winner University of Louisville (Chapter 50) partnered with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency and their Area Agency on Aging to host a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. After setting a fundraising goal of $2,300, they raised $2,320 for Alzheimer’s research. In addition, they educated more than 50 caregivers on communication strategies used to build relationships with family members who have Alzheimer’s disease.

Division III winner Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Chapter 203) partnered with Residential Options, Inc., an affiliate company of Challenge Unlimited, Inc., to collect and distribute books for adults with developmental disabilities. Student Vice Presidents retrieved leftover books from a local book drive and hand selected appropriate reading material for the residents. The project was so well received that the chapter is sponsoring another collection on campus of crafts and other items that will benefit Residential Options.

Division IV winner Frostburg State University (Chapter 348) held a Spirit Night fundraiser at the LaVale, Maryland, Chick-Fil-A restaurant with proceeds donated to the FSU Children's Literature Centre. Nearly 150 people participated, culminating in total retail sales for the evening in excess of $1,000. The profit earned for the Children's Literature Center that evening was $205. This was used by the Centre to help fund its annual Storybook Holiday celebration held in December.

Division V winner Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (Chapter 336) partnered with no less than 23 campus student organizations to collect, sort and distribute children’s literature, school supplies and other needed items for three Puerto Rico orphanages. Members of the chapter also participated in literacy talks to the children to share information on open access educational resources with a goal to demonstrate how a lack of resources is not a barrier to access books and other educational materials.

Phi Kappa Phi would like to thank all of the chapters who participated in the Fall Service Project and offer congratulations to the five winners. It is in these small moments where our members truly embody a “community of scholars in service to others.”

To see a collection of photos from all of the projects, visit our Flickr album.

Phi Kappa Phi Announces 2022 Dissertation Fellows

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the recipients of a 2022 Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship. The $10,000 fellowships are designed to support active Society members in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study.

This year’s class of fellows represents a group of 10 students spanning a number of academic disciplines from science and technology to arts and humanities.

The 2022 Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellows are:

• J.A. Barron, Texas State University
• Mukulika Bose, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Nicole Breault, University of Connecticut
• Hannah Clipp, West Virginia University
• Kimson Johnson, University of Michigan
• Morgan Maly, North Carolina State University
• Molly Miranker, Texas State University
• Uyen H. "Carie" Nguyen, Texas Tech University
• Lindamarie Olson, University of Houston
• Mark D Zuppichini, The University of Texas at Dallas

“In its mission to support academic excellence and engage the community of scholars in service to others, Phi Kappa Phi created its Dissertation Fellowship to enable doctoral students to have the necessary resources to support the dissertation writing phase of their studies. By providing financial assistance to these doctoral students, Phi Kappa Phi helps to support their continued academic excellence and service journey,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer. “We are proud to support these scholars and look forward to seeing their completed dissertations.”

The recipients were selected based on a number of criteria including how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair.

Established in 2014, the dissertation fellowships are part of the Society’s robust awards portfolio, which gives more than $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 Dissertation Fellowship Program and this year’s recipients, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation.

Show Your ΦKΦ Pride with Society Graduation Regalia and More

You've worked hard to get where you are and have earned the right to celebrate your achievements. Make sure you showcase your dedication to excellence by proudly displaying your Phi Kappa Phi membership. From Society-branded graduation regalia to customized frames for your membership certificate and diploma, we've got you covered.

If graduation is around the corner, be sure to check out the graduation regalia available in the Phi Kappa Phi store. Society recognition items are available for individual purchase or you can bundle the package – buy an honor stole, honor cords and Phi Kappa Phi medallion and you'll receive a free tassel. Plus, all orders of $50 or more get free shipping.

Please note, graduation recognition items are available for members only. You will be asked to enter your 8-digit member ID to validate the purchase. Also, some colleges and universities have restrictions about what can be worn during graduation ceremonies. Be sure to check with your school before the big day.

Don't forget to protect to protect those valuable keepsakes with a frame from Church Hill Classics. Your graduation regalia, as well as your membership certificate and diploma, can all be preserved for years to come with their custom framing options. Click here to browse their entire collection which can be customized to suit your taste and décor with assorted mat colors, moulding and styles. You can even incorporate the Phi Kappa Phi logo!

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

Phi Kappa Phi Leaders, Staff Plant Tree to Honor Members Lost to COVID-19

On March 21, the staff of Phi Kappa Phi’s national office gathered in its garden to plant a tree in honor of members around the world who have died in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joined by Society Past President Missy Hopper and President-Elect Lora Becker, the staff heard words of remembrance, shared solemn music and took turns casting soil over a pond cypress that will stand as a testament to those lost in the global health crisis.

The idea of the ceremony was developed during a meeting of Phi Kappa Phi’s Board of Directors last autumn. “This tree for me symbolizes hope,” Hopper told listeners. “I look forward to coming back and seeing it grow.”

It’s still unclear how many Phi Kappa Phi members have died as a result of the pandemic. According to official estimates, COVID-19 has claimed more than five million people across the world.

In his remarks at the tree planting ceremony, Phi Kappa Phi CEO and Executive Director Brad Newcomer said that reports of member deaths to the national office have climbed significantly over the past two years. He noted that the pandemic sometimes brought delays in health care that caused other fatalities.

“Although not all of these deaths are directly caused by COVID-19, many are related to the pandemic,” Newcomer told his staff. “The planting of this tree is a symbolic gesture that allows us to pause, reflect, and honor those members lost to – and during – the pandemic.”

Newcomer thanked Phi Kappa Phi’s board for developing the tree planting ceremony. “It also allows us to remember our many members who have labored – and struggled – on the front lines and behind the scenes fighting the pandemic,” he added.

Pond cypresses are known for their adaptability, resilience, and steadfastness – all qualities at the heart of Phi Kappa Phi’s long history. The ceremony affirmed the Society’s commitment to grow its memorial tree – and Phi Kappa Phi – as a tribute to members lost during the pandemic.

Phi Kappa Phi Enrollment Manager Kay White and Assistant Director of Chapter Services Edward White sang Abide With Me, a popular hymn of solemn reflection, to conclude the ceremony. The song, which touches on the power of resolve through both “cloud and sunshine,” pointed to the highs and lows of the past two years.

The day of the memorial tree planting ceremony was bright and clear. Attendees paused for a moment of silence in the sunny morning to honor lives lost in Phi Kappa Phi’s global community.

A plaque will be placed near the trunk of the new pond cypress. It will read:
In memory of Phi Kappa Phi members whose lives were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. May they rest in eternal peace.
Dedicated by the Board of Directors and Staff of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi on March 21, 2022.

Featured Fellow: Amanda Campbell

The deadline is drawing near to apply for one of 62 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships ranging from $8,500 up to $35,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Though the national deadline is April 15, students must apply through their local chapter and each one has a unique local deadline prior to that date. Check with your chapter for your chance to join the list of recipients like Amanda Campbell.

Campbell graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in history and African/African-American studies. She was active in the University of Memphis’ honors college, serving as a college ambassador for three years and serving on the Honors Student Organization’s executive board.

Campbell will pursue graduate studies at Harvard Divinity School in theological studies in history of Christianity. The $35,000 fellowship will help support her as she continues to move forward with her schooling. “I look forward to engaging questions of religion, race, and memory in a rich interdisciplinary environment at Harvard Divinity School. Receipt of the Sherrill Carlson Fellowship provides financial freedom to pursue these questions,” she said.

Could you be in our next class of fellows? Take these steps to get started on your path to success!

• Visit the award page for more info.
• Download the Applicant 101 Guide.
• Check out our "6 Top Picks" blog for applicant advice.
• Since local deadlines vary, check with your chapter to determine their deadline for submissions. The national deadline is April 15.

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

Free GRE Strategy Webinar – Register Now!

If you are preparing for the GRE, you don’t want to miss this free GRE Strategy webinar hosted by Society partner, The Princeton Review. Register today to join the session on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. CT. A Princeton Review expert will be on hand to offer advice that can help on testing day.

Click here to register. If you cannot attend, your advance registration will guarantee you access to a recording of the session within your Princeton Review account. During the strategy session, you will learn everything there is to know about the exam. You will walk through sample questions and learn score-raising strategies from their team.

Need additional help? Phi Kappa Phi partners with The Princeton Review to offer our active members the opportunity to access test prep resources including free sample classes and practice tests that show you how you'll score, as well as review material for the MCAT, LAST, GMAT and GRE. Plus, our members can save 15% on all classroom, online and self-paced test prep courses.

Learn more about the benefits The Princeton Review offers to help you achieve your academic goals!

Phi Kappa Phi Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Today The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, marks its 125th anniversary of honoring excellence and serving others.

The Society was established in 1897 at the University of Maine by a small group of seniors led by Marcus L. Urann. Urann proposed that a society be formed to elect the ten highest-ranking seniors to an honor group. Following discussion with A.W. Harris, president of the University, and several interested professors, the Society of Lambda Sigma Eta was created. In 1899, the name of the group was changed to the Morrill Society, in honor of the senator who sponsored the act that created land-grant colleges. In 1900, the Society expanded to other campuses and adopted its present name, Phi Kappa Phi.

“The Society has a long tradition of celebrating academic excellence and service. This year we are particularly thankful as we reflect on our storied past, celebrate our members and look forward to a bright future. We are thankful for our many supporters over the past 125 years and look forward to building on their legacy as we work to deepen the impact of our numerous recognition, award, and grant programs,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer. “Here’s to the next 125 years of recognizing academic excellence and supporting the community of scholars as they continue to serve their communities.”

Currently, the Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines and initiates approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni each year. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors.

To celebrate, the national office will hold a celebratory luncheon for its staff. In addition, the Society will celebrate the milestone at its Biennial Convention this year in Orlando, Florida, Aug. 4-6.

To learn more about Phi Kappa Phi, including member benefits and eligibility requirements, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Ease the Stress of Tax Season with Phi Kappa Phi Support

Are you dreading the annual chore of filing your taxes? Let Phi Kappa Phi help! Our resources and partners can get you on the right path for organizing your information, calculating your tax obligations and wrapping up last year's finances with ease.

Get started on the right foot by protecting your irreplaceable computer files with a backup plan from Carbonite. Active Society members can take a 10% discount on a subscription with promo code PHIKPOFFER10. Not only will your financial documents be backed up securely, but Carbonite's cloud-based storage allows you to access them from anywhere and protects you from data loss. Visit www.Carbonite.com to find your perfect plan today.

Phi Kappa Phi's financial literacy resources cover a wide range of tools for members at every stage of life. Our partners SoFi and Citizens can help with tax-related issues such as calculating how much you may owe from stock profits or even providing a free appointment with a financial advisor to get advice based on your unique needs. Click here to learn more.

Don't let disorganization add to your stress. Take advantage of all that FranklinPlanner offers to categorize your statements and transactions. Their products include an auto mileage log, a planner-specific check register, expense envelopes and more. Visit www.FranklinPlanner.com and use promo code PKPMEMBER to get 15% off your purchase of the organizational products you've come to love and trust.

Both your identity and your tax refund can be at risk from theft if not protected properly. LifeLock can help you protect yourself from cyber criminals as well as offer advice on the most common scams seen during tax season. Phi Kappa Phi members can enjoy 35% off their first year of LifeLock membership with a 60-day money back guarantee.

Make tax season less taxing with paper products, tax and financial software and more from Office Depot. Whether you need the latest tax forms, boxes for your files or a shredder for safe disposal, let the pros help you find the right products to fit your needs. Visit OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP to take advantage of exclusive, member-only savings up to 75%.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, membership director.

Apply for a Literacy Grant by April 1

As part of Phi Kappa Phi’s mission “to engage the community of scholars in service to others,” Literacy Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members to fund ongoing literacy projects or to create new initiatives.

The Literacy Grant Program welcomes proposals for projects targeting any age group and ranging from traditional reading initiatives to those fostering learning in cultural, digital, environmental, financial, health, historical literacy and beyond.

Pam Ferguson, with the Methodist College chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, reflected on being chosen for a 2021 Literacy Grant Recipient. "Not only is this the first major award received as a chapter, it is an incredible opportunity for chapter members to remain consistent with the mission of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi as we engage in service to the community in Peoria County, Illinois," she said. The project, The Art of Empowerment: Building Social-Emotional Learning Through Art," focused on supporting students enrolled at the Peoria Regional Learning Center.

Don't miss the April 1 deadline to apply! To learn more about the award, find resources and FAQs for applicants, as well as see our recent recipients and descriptions of their projects, visit www.phikappaphi.org/literacy today.

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

Phi Kappa Phi Announces Graduate Research Grant Recipients

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, 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:

• Petra Banks, Texas State University
• Shermel Edwards-Maddox, Texas Woman's University
• Chkwuyem Ekhator, Northern Illinois University
• Mic Fenech, The University of Texas at Austin
• Gavin Gleasman, Clemson University
• Emma Harlet, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Sarah Weber Hertel, George Mason University
• Sophia Mavroudas, Texas State University
• Nina Naghshineh, Fordham University
• Emily N. Napier, East Tennessee State University
• Iqra Pervaiz, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Kieron Dwayne Sargeant, Florida State University
• Alexander Schmid, Louisiana State University
• Emily R. Schumacher, The University of Tulsa
• Sarah N. Sexton, The University of Tampa
• Eliza Stein, Louisiana State University
• Rachel Stein, University of Idaho
• Patricia Stout, The University of Texas at Dallas
• Rachel Tharp, Missouri State University
• Gordon Blaine West, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“The Graduate Research Grant program has had another amazing response this year. This year’s recipients represent a diversity of institutions and disciplines. I am excited to see this specific award program fill an important need for our graduate student members as they continue their academic journeys,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer.

Established in 2018, the grants are part of the Society’s robust awards program, which gives more than $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.

Get Your Resume in Shape with Strong Accomplishments

Writing your resume under pressure rather than keeping it updated can take a good career exercise and turn it into a stressful event. People often describe a love-hate relationship with their resume, loving the way it helps them generate attention from employers while disliking the process of structuring their content.

Resumes will continue to evolve as technology changes. However, the last few years have opened the doors to more creative formats. Even though your feelings about writing a resume can stall the process of keeping your information current, it is still an important step in your career development. Writing your resume benefits you more than you might realize. It is much deeper than just a marketing tool.

Going through the exercise of writing a resume helps you identify your most notable accomplishments that will come in handy when you need to talk about them during an interview or career discussions with your manager. Yet the need to hurry up and write a resume for the sake of job applications, unfortunately, lessens the significance of its value.

The truth is much easier just to start throwing information down than to think through the process of choosing your words carefully. A sign your resume could use a good review is when it fails to generate attention and is unclear in conveying who you are within 30 seconds or less.

The opportunities you could be missing are alarming when you take for granted that employers will read your resume just because you send it in for job applications.

Here are three areas to look for when reviewing your resume:

Use your accomplishments wisely. Listing every accomplishment in your career can overwhelm the reader. Too many accomplishments can have the same issue as too few. Both can lose the attention of the employer. A recent job candidate listed 11 accomplishments during his first three years with an employer. Being motivated is wonderful. However, when you need to sum up your career history in two pages or less, you need to seriously select your accomplishments.

To help you decide which accomplishment to use, first consider the job role and skills needed. Accomplishments without credible evidence to back them up resemble statements. Here is a good example of using a statement instead of an accomplishment, “Organized and managed inventory for a new warehouse.”

Put your accomplishments to the test. Use the “so what?” question at the end of each accomplishment. If you cannot answer the question with results, you are making a statement more than likely. For example, use “so what” on the statement, “Organized and managed inventory for a new warehouse.” Revised accomplishment: “Managed the reduction of stock (two million cases per month) by implementing a new inventory management system that supported business and improved customer service.”

Review your resume from an employer’s point of view. Generic resumes blasted out to every possible job posting are not as effective as those written to a specific audience. Tailor your resume to match the job you are seeking. Customizing your resume takes more time and effort. However, if you are serious about landing a job, your experience needs to speak to the employer.

While you might be tempted to overstate your results to gain a recruiter’s attention, it is a mistake that will cost you future interviews. Take an honest approach when listing your accomplishments. Exaggeration usually backfires and sends a negative perception from the start.

Most of all, getting your resume into shape requires an open mind knowing that your content will change to meet an employer’s needs. Leaving accomplishments out that are not relevant makes you a much stronger candidate and opens more doors of opportunity.

If you are working on your resume, don’t forget about all the resume benefits and resources available to Phi Kappa Phi members, including a free resume review through the ΦΚΦ Career Center and $100 off a Seeking Success resume writing package. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Career-Resources to learn more today!

Exclusive Spring Savings for ΦKΦ Members

The scenery around us won't be the only thing turning green soon. Put a little extra green in your pockets with these exclusive savings available to active Phi Kappa Phi members. From a fresh new wardrobe to a vacation getaway, we've got you covered.

AT&T – New and existing customers can enjoy 15% off their monthly wireless phone service with special savings made available to active Society members. Click here for all the details on qualified wireless plans and activate your savings today.

Brooks Brothers – Looking for the perfect graduation or job interview outfit? Does your wardrobe need a bit of sprucing up? Members can save 15% when they shop our partner, Brooks Brothers. Sign up for your Corporate Membership Card today.

Collette – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with big savings from March 9-18 on tours to Ireland and the United Kingdom. Society members can save with offer code LUCKY22. Click here to let Collette handle the details of your tour so that you can focus on relaxing and having fun.

Lenovo – Refresh your tech this spring by saving up to 60% on a variety of Lenovo devices and accessories. Plus, each time you shop www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi, you support the Society!

Phi Kappa Phi Travel Programs – Don't miss your chance for a free trip! Book your spring and summer travel through Phi Kappa Phi Travel Discount Program before March 31, and you could win back your purchase. Click here to find discounts on hotels, car rentals and more.

Your member login may be required to access the links above. For assistance with your login, visit our FAQ page or email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Featured Fellow: Kalei Hering

Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million each year to students and professionals pursuing their love of learning. Of that total, $649,000 is distributed to the 62 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows, each of whom earn awards ranging from $8,500 to $35,000 as they enter their first year of graduate or professional study. Lt. Kalei Hering was the top-scoring applicant in a STEM program for 2021 and was named the Society's 1897 Fellow.

Hering graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor's degree in life science. Not only did she maintain a 4.0 GPA, but she was also a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, a Barry Goldwater scholar, a rugby player, a campus leader and more.

After graduating from West Point, she chose to continue her education at Harvard Medical School to earn her M.D. The $35,000 fellowship will help support Hering as she continues to move forward with her schooling. "I am extremely grateful to be a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship recipient and be recognized alongside individuals of the highest caliber," she said.

What's her favorite part about being in Phi Kappa Phi? "The best part of Phi Kappa Phi is having a community of other students with different majors passionate about their field of study," she shared.

Could you be in our next class of fellows? Take these steps to get started on your path to success!

• Visit the award page for more info.
• Download the Applicant 101 Guide.
• Check out our "6 Top Picks" blog for applicant advice.
• Since local deadlines vary, check with your chapter to determine their deadline for submissions. The national deadline is April 15.

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

Announcing the Graduation Photo Contest Winners

Drumroll, please!

Phi Kappa Phi is excited to announce the winners of the Fall 2021 Graduation Photo Contest. The top 10 photos received more than 900 votes in total!

Congratulations to Maria Bautista, from Marymount University, who was selected as the first-place winner. As the first-place recipient, Bautista received a Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop. Natally Rairan, from Florida Atlantic University, was awarded second place and a $100 Amazon gift card. Third went to Keilani Cannister, from University of West Georgia, who received a $50 Amazon gift card.

Watch for the winning entries, along with other submissions, to appear in various Phi Kappa Phi marketing and promotional materials. And stay tuned for details about the Spring Graduation Photo Contest, which will open in May.

To see all photos entered into the contest, visit our Flickr page.