Member Spotlight – Alyssa Mroz

Born in Worthing, England, Alyssa Mroz’s family moved to the United States when she was young, and she grew up in Collierville, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis on cognitive impairments and autism spectrum disorder at Grand Valley State University, where she was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi last spring. She hopes to teach students with autism in an inclusive elementary environment after graduation.

When she’s not attending classes and studying, Alyssa devotes twenty hours each week to teacher apprenticing and is an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She volunteers with Girls on the Run, a program that strengthens third- to eighth-grade girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills, and Dégagé, a local ministry in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that offers help and hope to the homeless and disadvantaged.

Alyssa shared a few fun facts about herself, “I am an only child, left-handed, and love being a plant mom! I was also a competitive cheerleader for eleven years, winning a national championship title in 2015 and a world championship title in 2017.”

Let’s get to know Alyssa!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
After my freshman year, the Grand Valley State Phi Kappa Phi chapter selected me as a freshman honoree. This inspired me to study, work hard, and keep my academics up to become a Phi Kappa Phi member. When I received the invitation to join, I knew my hard work had paid off. It was a true blessing to be recognized as one of the top students in my class.

2. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas is my favorite holiday by far! I love all the decorations, lights, food, and quality time I get to have with my family. It is also another way that I am reminded of how grateful and blessed I am and that I should stay humble and give back to those less fortunate than me.

3. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is a sirloin or bison steak, mashed potatoes and dark gravy, and either broccoli or asparagus.

4. Do you travel back to England often?
The last time I traveled to England was in the summer of 2019, but I plan to travel there next summer! The thing I miss most about being there is seeing my grandmother and all the traditional English foods I cannot get in the United States. To name a few: monster munch, quavers, traditional Indian food, kebabs, Tesco’s custard cream biscuits, and fish and chips.

5. What is something that makes you feel like a kid again?
Playing board games, watching classic movies, or coming downstairs on Christmas morning and watching the Grinch with my family.

6. What intrigues you most about helping those with autism?
What intrigues me the most about helping those with autism is knowing that I can be the person who actually makes a difference in their lives. I am the one who can guide them onto the path of living a fulfilling and successful life while also helping them achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.

7. Do you have any mentors?
I do! I currently have a mentor teacher through my teaching apprenticeship. She has such a creative and open-minded spirit, shows me what a healthy collaborative relationship is, and provides me with countless support to ensure that I am prepared when I become a full-time teacher. She has included me in many educational experiences and taught me how to evaluate my mindset to understand what I need to do to be the best person and teacher I can be.

8. Any pets? If so, tell us about them.
I have one dog named Angus. He is a 15-year-old Maltese, and he loves to get ear and belly rubs and eat steak and treats! He is not a fan of car rides or when we aren’t giving him attention when he wants it.

9. Where do you most want to travel but have never been?
I would love to travel to Switzerland. I want to go skiing in the Swiss Alps and try new cuisines! My second choice would be to go to Singapore, so I can experience a completely different culture than my own and expand my food palette at the open street markets!

10. What's your go-to productivity hack?
I would say my go-to productivity hack is to make a to-do list. This way, I can prioritize what needs to get done and when it needs to get done. I also limit distractions to help me stay focused and on task.

To learn more about Alyssa 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 include background information for the nomination.

Make an Impact on Giving Tuesday!

Today is #GivingTuesday! We’ve had a day for giving thanks…now we have a day for giving back!

After taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, please consider participating in Giving Tuesday.

Here at Phi Kappa Phi, we strive to make an impact by providing opportunities that fund a vast variety of academic endeavors and professional development through our award programs that distribute $1.3 million annually to outstanding students and members.

Please join us today, November 29, and help show the power of collective generosity this Giving Tuesday, by making a tax-deductible gift in support of our award programs.

All donations are appreciated and will play a vital role in transforming the lives of deserving students and members in their academic endeavors, from study abroad to graduate school to lifetime learning.

When you give on Giving Tuesday, you are helping create tomorrow's opportunities!

Member Mentions – November 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:

Margaret Williams (United States Military Academy) has been named as one of 32 Americans chosen as a Rhodes Scholar and will become the first cadet in women’s lacrosse program history to be named a Rhodes Scholar. The scholarship provides all expenses for two to three years of study at the University of Oxford

William Hennig (Angelo State University) was named Top Presenter for his research presentation at the 2022 Physics Congress in Washington, D.C. The conference is held every three years and is the nation’s largest for physics and anatomy for undergraduate students with more than 1,200 participants.

Blair Burrell (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) is a current member of Phi Kappa Phi and was recently appointed the Communications Coordinator of the Phi Kappa Phi national office. Congratulations to Blair for joining our team!

Kathryn Hofmann (SUNY Cortland) has been awarded the University’s Imgard Mechlenburg Taylor Award for the highest-grade point average among active members. The award provides a $750 scholarship to be used in an undergraduate semester.

Lynne O’Connor (Kutztown University) has won an honorable mention in Graphis New Talent Annual 2022. Her winning design featured sleek silver cylinders with dark gradated labels. You can view the design here.

Anthony Scibelli (SUNY Cortland) has been awarded Scholar of the Year for his chapter. The award is given to a Phi Kappa Phi member that has demonstrated, academic strengths and accomplishments that have enriched the lives of others.

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

Deadline Near for Dissertation Fellowship and Graduate Research Grants

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

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

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

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi's awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. Each year $1.3 million is awarded through programs that recognize approximately 450 individuals annually.

Ship and Save with UPS This Holiday Season

The holiday shipping rush is just around the corner. Let the Phi Kappa Phi UPS Saving Program help make this holiday season more manageable with exclusive savings.

Take advantage of member-only savings and receive the following:

• 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred
• 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential
• 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports
• Up to 50% off on additional services.
• Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free.

Visit www.SaveWithUPS.com/PhiKappaPhi to sign up for a new UPS account or log in to your existing UPS account to ensure you are taking advantage of the Phi Kappa Phi UPS Savings Program discounts.

Important Holiday Shipping Dates
Let UPS help you prepare and manage your shipments so they arrive as expected. Download the 2022 Year-End Schedule from UPS.com/Holidays. Use the schedule to answer questions about holiday season shipping, services, and recommended ship-by dates.

Don't Let Porch Pirates Steal Your Holiday Cheer
A lot can go wrong in shipping – package loss, breakage, and porch piracy theft. The good news is that you can mitigate the financial impact of some shipping mishaps with InsureShield shipping protection. It can give you the defense you need to keep the Grinch away.

According to a SafeWise report, around 210 million packages disappeared from porches across America in 2021. Make sure you're using InsureShield coverage to protect your shipments. All you have to do is enter the value of the goods in the declared value field of your UPS-approved shipping system, and you are on your way to better shipping experiences. Click here to learn more.

Giving Tuesday – Help Spread the Word

Tic-tock—It's the final countdown! We're two weeks away from Giving Tuesday, and we invite you to join us in spreading the word about the event. Leading up to Nov. 29, you can encourage fellow members, family and friends to join the movement to support the Phi Kappa Phi mission.

Sharing your generosity can inspire others to do the same. All gifts, no matter the size, will open doors of opportunity to members, students and communities, both near and far.

From awards to member benefits, we're able to provide support at every stage of learning — and it is made possible only through the generosity of donors like you. Your commitment to honor and excellence makes it possible for Phi Kappa Phi to distribute $1.3 million to deserving students and members each year.

Ready to help? Here's how:

• Share our donation link with five friends and family to amplify your impact!
• Follow, like and share Phi Kappa Phi’s #GivingTuesday updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter
• Download art from our social media toolkit to share on your social pages.
• Share your #WhyIGive story with us for the chance to be featured on our national social media channels.
• RSVP to our Giving Tuesday event on Facebook and share with others.
• Update your Facebook profile with the custom Phi Kappa Phi Giving Tuesday frame. Simply click your profile picture and select "Add Frame," and search "Phi Kappa Phi Giving Tuesday" to find and use the frame.

Gifts made on this global day of giving back will help others realize their goals and build a better tomorrow for us all. Use your love of learning to inspire someone else's dream of the future.

Congratulations 2022-2023 Circle of Excellence Chapters

Phi Kappa Phi today announced the chapters receiving a 2022-2023 Circle of Excellence commendation. The awards—Platinum, Gold, and Silver—are given to the Society’s top chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence on their local campus and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.

The Circle of Excellence distinction was introduced in 2018. This year, the program named 70 chapters with recognition including 23 as Platinum, 20 as Gold and 27 as Silver.

“Our chapters and officers are the foundation of Phi Kappa Phi. We are proud to recognize and celebrate the chapters that exemplify our mission through the Circle of Excellence Awards,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer.

By receiving the Circle of Excellence honor, these chapters are recognized as thriving organizations that hold annual initiations, uphold the Society Bylaws, regularly attend chapter training opportunities and submit a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.

Chapters achieving the Circle of Excellence distinction receive:

• a commendation letter from the Society sent to campus administration
• special recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website
• specially-designed logo for use in chapter communications
• a cash award

To learn more about the Circle of Excellence program and see the full list of 2022-2023 chapters, visit www.phikappaphi.org/2023Excellence.

Extend the Conversation: What's one of your favorite cultural dishes?

In the Fall 2022 issue of Forum, writer Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin (California State University, Long Beach) reflects on her frequent phone chats with fellow artist Luis Becerra – exchanges that sometimes touch on the Mexican dishes they grew up eating and still enjoy. If you missed Aparicio-Chamberlin’s story, you can read it here.

Aparicio-Chamberlin’s mouth-watering reminiscences got us thinking about family dishes in our own households that we might savor although they’re not familiar to everyone. For Forum editor Danny Heitman and his Louisiana family, they herald autumn by making the first pot of gumbo – a hearty stew, usually featuring either sausage or seafood, that’s a centerpiece of Cajun culture.

Extend the conversation and share your favorite dishes from your regional or ethnic culture. We’d love to hear about it, and feel free to send pictures if you have any. Bon appétit, everyone, and happy autumn!

Please note, our online 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.

If you are a member but your active membership has expired, click here to renew and regain access to this exclusive benefit.

Member Benefits – Save on Holiday Travel

Will you and your family be traveling this holiday season? If so, don’t let it drain your pockets. After all, less money spent on travel arrangements means more money for that perfect gift! Book through the Society’s travel partners and save up to 50% on hotels, 30% on car rentals, and 10% on airport parking.

Avis Rent A Car
Save up to 35% off Avis base rates on every rental. Visit www.Avis.com/PhiKappaPhi to make your reservation online, or call 800-331-1212 and mention Avis Worldwide Discount number W980400.

Budget Car Rental
Budget offers quality vehicles and a rewarding rental experience at nearly 1,800 rental locations worldwide, and you can save up to 25% off base rates. Visit www.Budget.com/PhiKappaPhi to make your reservation online, or call 800-527-0700 and mention Budget Customer Discount number R023600.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Phi Kappa Phi members can receive a 5% discount on Enterprise's standard, undiscounted daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Click here to book your reservation online or call 800-261-7331 and mention Phi Kappa Phi ID number XZ14050.

MemberDeals on Hotels, Airfare and Car Rentals
Phi Kappa Phi members, friends, and family can access savings of up to 60% on hotels, rental cars, and airfare. Click here to book today and take advantage of huge savings!

National Car Rental
Phi Kappa Phi members can receive a 10% discount on National's standard, undiscounted daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Click here to book your reservation, or call 800-CAR-RENT (227-7368) and mention Phi Kappa Phi ID number XZ14050.

The Parking Spot
Members can join the Spot Club Exec program for a 10% discount at all parking locations nationwide. Click here to order your Phi Kappa Phi Spot Club Exec card, view discounted rates, get directions, and make reservations.

We hope you find these tips helpful and save money this holiday season. Remember, traveling and the holidays are always smoother with a plan. So, start planning with our partners today!

A Day of Service

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, members of the Phi Kappa Phi national office joined Baton Rouge non-profit Clean Pelican for a “Clean Community Event”. Participants included Phi Kappa Phi members from Louisiana State University and Nicholls State University, employees of Iron Tribe Fitness and Trader Joe’s, and several other adults and children from the Baton Rouge community.

Johanna Landreneau, interim executive director of Clean Pelican, had these remarks to begin the day, "Clean Pelican was organized to fight litter in Baton Rouge. Community litter pickups are a way to raise awareness about the negative impacts of litter on the environment and economy as well as make our community cleaner and more beautiful. Clean Pelican is thankful to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for giving their time and talent to participate in the service day litter pickup! It's groups such as Phi Kappa Phi that make our city a wonderful place to live, work and play."

The goal of the event was to pick up litter within a half-mile radius of the shopping center. Clean Pelican provided all the necessary clean-up equipment such as trash bags, litter pick-up tools, buckets and gloves, and Trader Joe’s donated snacks and water. Clean Pelican also provided information on how litter is not just unsightly but that the accumulation of it creates flooding issues in Baton Rouge.

Phi Kappa Phi encourages all its chapters to get involved in a community service project during the Fall. The Phi Kappa Phi Council of Students, a national leadership group, initiated the Fall Service Project in 2019 to fulfill part of the Society’s mission statement, “a community of scholars in service to others.”

Theodore Alivio, chapter president at Nicholls State University and assistant professor of chemistry, drove from Thibodaux, Louisiana to join the event. “I had a wonderful time giving back to the community as a member of Phi Kappa Phi. I am thankful to Clean Pelican for the experience. Outreach activities such as this serve as great avenues to further our love of learning," said Alivio. "In these small but meaningful gestures, we learn how we can make our local, national, and global communities a better place."

For any questions on Fall Service Projects or Phi Kappa Phi community service initiatives, please contact Edward White, assistant director of chapter services at ewhite@phikappaphi.org.



Announcing Our Costume Contest Winner

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

Congratulations to Talaine Lyle (University of South Alabama) who used her spooktacular creativity and dressed as Beetlejuice and Lydia. As our contest winner, Lyle will receive a Phi Kappa Phi gift pack that includes Society branded merchandise.

If you missed out on this one, your next chance to win is coming soon. Watch for our semi-annual graduation photo contest launching Dec. 5.

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

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

‘Tis the Season to Save with these Phi Kappa Phi Partners

The holidays are upon us, and you can save big this season when you shop these Phi Kappa Phi partners. All active members have access to exclusive savings, so what are you waiting for? Check off every item on your list and save!

Brooks Brothers
Do you have clothing on your holiday gift list? Members can sign up for a complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card and save 15% on regularly priced Brooks Brothers merchandise. Click here to sign up for a complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card and present it when checking out in-store. To shop online, visit www.BrooksBrothers.com and create an account. Check the I am a Corporate Member box and enter your Brooks Brothers membership number.

Dell, HP and Lenovo
Have a techie on your list? Access exclusive savings on select Dell laptops, desktops, and hundreds of electronics and accessories through the Phi Kappa Phi Dell Member Purchase Program. Visit www.Dell.com/PhiKappaPhi to shop today!

Save up to 35% on your HP purchases this holiday season! Shop a broad line of notebooks, desktops, printers, accessories, and more at www.HPDirect.com/Member/Phi_Kappa_Phi. Before shopping, you must register for a new HP account by clicking the blue Register button.

Instantly save up to 40% off Lenovo laptops, PCs, gadgets, and gifts for all on your list. Stockings need stuffing, too, so don't forget accessories! Shop the Lenovo member store at www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi today!

LifeLock
With the holiday season comes more travel, gift-purchasing, and chances for identity theft. Protect yourself with LifeLock. Phi Kappa Phi members can enjoy 35% off their first year of LifeLock. Click here to learn more and start protecting your identity today!

Phi Kappa Phi Gear
The Phi Kappa Phi Online Store features a large selection of Society-branded products, from dressy polos to technology accessories to certificate frames and everything in between. Plus, members can take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more!

UPS
Ship through the Phi Kappa Phi UPS Saving Program this holiday season, so your gifts arrive as expected while you save! Members can take advantage of savings up to 50%. Plus, the UPS Smart Pickup service is free. Visit www.SaveWithUPS.com/PhiKappaPhi to sign up for a new UPS account or log in to your existing UPS account to take advantage of the Phi Kappa Phi UPS Savings Program discounts.

Don’t Forget to Support ΦΚΦ While You Shop
When it comes to holiday shopping, the Phi Kappa Phi Visa® Rewards Credit Card is the perfect way to show your Phi Kappa Phi pride and earn unlimited cash back and rewards. Plus, each time you use the card, you help support the Society. Click here to sign up today!

If you are shopping on Amazon during the holidays, support Phi Kappa Phi through AmazonSmile, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Society. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/AmazonSmile to learn more.

Happy Holidays from Phi Kappa Phi and our Partners! We hope you will remember to shop with us this holiday season.

Giving Tuesday: Be the Impact You Want to See

As the holiday season draws near, our attention turns to the gift-giving season and finding the perfect item for the important people in our lives. Here at Phi Kappa Phi, the most important people are our members – you! At the end of the month, we will celebrate Giving Tuesday – a global day of philanthropy dedicated to giving back through the support of nonprofit organizations.

Join us on Nov. 29 to support our mission to recognize and promote academic excellence and fund our awards program which gifts deserving recipients with $1.3 million each year.

Together let's open doors and change lives for generations to come. Your donations, no matter the size, will work to support lifelong learning.

Want to join the giving movement on Nov. 29? Mark the date on your calendar and follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.