Member Mentions - February 2023

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:

Tanae Lewis (North Carolina A&T State University)-was recently named a 2022 Astronaut Scholar, one of 68 across the nation. In addition, she was named a Barry Goldwater Scholar, making history as North Carolina HBCU’s first student to achieve this dual recognition.

Jean Crisostomo (Jacksonville University)- has been announced as the new Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

Justin Terlisner (Salem State University)- passed his practical exam to become a Certified Master Trainer through the organization Leadership Trainer. Justin works as a student affairs educator, facilitator, and advisor at Mount Holyoke College.

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


And the Winners Are...

Drumroll, please!

Phi Kappa Phi is excited to announce the winners of its Fall 2022 Graduation Photo Contest. Congratulations to Patricia Tran from University of North Texas who was selected as the first-place winner. As first-place recipient, Tran received a Dell Inspiron Laptop. Maria Carissa Marual from Florida Institute of Technology was awarded second place and a $100 Amazon gift card. Third place and a $50 Amazon gift card went to Tamara Knox from CSU Stanislaus.

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 Initiation Photo Contest, which will open this April.

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

Member Spotlight-Erick Martinez Rodriguez

Learning has always been a passion for Erick Martinez Rodriguez. He grew up in rural San Antonio de Oriente, Honduras, and traveled two hours a day to attend grade school. His passion led him to graduate from the Pan-American Agriculture School, El Zamorano, in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture sciences and production.

In 2018, Erick studied the invasive Japanese beetle along with soybean and sugarcane aphids as a visiting scholar at the University of Missouri. From Missouri, he moved to The Ohio State University, where he researched greenhouse, field, and urban pests as a visiting scholar.

Erick began pursuing a master’s degree in entomology at OSU in 2022, and he was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi the same year. He is currently researching plant extracts as repellents and insecticides against mosquitos.

Erick has volunteered as an English tutor for many orphanages and low-resourced schools in his native Honduras and served as a member of Operation Smile. He has also volunteered with local animal shelters and recreational sports leagues in Ohio.

Let’s get to know Erick!

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
Phi Kappa Phi is a community of elite members joined by the desire to continue growing in all aspects of life—professionally, academically, socially, and personally. I was very honored to be invited and was drawn in by all the benefits, opportunities, and interactions you can obtain from being a member.

Why did you choose your field of study?
The concept of biological control has always fascinated me. I’ve always been intrigued by insects that feed or parasitize other insects, most of which destroy our food. This fascination led me to study agriculture and urban pests. As an intern at OSU, I had the opportunity to study both mosquitos and agriculture pests, which opened the door for me to study Entomology.

Where was your first job?
When I was around fourteen, I broke my wrist on the last day of school while attempting a spectacular save as a goalie in a soccer match. It was not the best way to start my summer vacation! I spent most of my days in bed watching TV and fighting with my siblings, all habits my parents did not appreciate. One day I was bored and shaved my head. That did it for my mom. She sent me to work at a local store for the rest of the summer and, get this, for free! In the end, it wasn’t really that bad. I got to know the store workers and frequent customers and enjoyed a lot of free snacks! I did learn my lesson, however. It’s not a good idea to test mom’s patience on a warm summer afternoon.

Do you travel back to Honduras often?
The last time I visited Honduras was in December 2021; however, the time before that was May 2018. I never stop thinking of my family. My sister is currently enrolled in college, and my brother is attending high school, and I feel like I’m missing the opportunity to guide them and help them mature.

What is your favorite TV series?
This is a tough question because I consider myself a TV aficionado. I’m into all types of shows, and I would have to say my favorite is between Netflix’s Mindhunter and HBO’s Game of Thrones.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
All my life, I’ve wanted to be a chef. My favorite movie growing up was Disney’s Ratatouille, and I spent many afternoons watching cooking shows with my grandmother. This was back when it took a whole hour to see the meal cooked from start to finish, not as efficiently as the 30-second TikTok videos available nowadays. Haha! My dream is to retire and manage my own restaurant as a hobby.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My undergraduate studies required me to prepare and defend a thesis during my senior year. It was challenging to conduct research and write a complete thesis while managing other responsibilities, and it required a lot of time. However, I really enjoyed the process, and it paid off. My thesis was selected as one of the best-graduating theses, and I was invited to be a guest speaker at the Entomological Society of America meeting held in Denver. It is very unusual for a student from my college to give a presentation abroad, so the university volunteered to cover all my expenses. Attending that meeting changed my plans and led me to where I am right now. Hard work does pay off!

What’s your favorite sports team?
I enjoy many sports, but my favorite sport to watch is soccer. I’m a huge fan of Italy’s AC Milan, and my dream is to attend an AC Milan versus Inter De Milan game.

How do you stay motivated?
I’m a very active person and work out at 6 a.m. every morning. I think it gives me the energy I need for my day. If you make yourself get out of bed and sweat for one hour, let me tell you, nothing will stop you during the day. By 8 a.m., your mind will be focused on what your next move is, while others are just waking up. You will gain two or three extra hours in your day and exercise your body and mind, so you are ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

What travel destination has been your favorite?
I’m Honduran and half-Ecuadorian on my mother’s side. I’ve lived in Ecuador and try to visit at least every four years. Let me tell you, it’s just amazing! There are many things to love about Ecuador, from beautiful beaches to volcanoes and jungles. However, I enjoy the food the most! The diversity and richness of their meals are incomparable to other countries I’ve been to.

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

2022 Fall Service Project Winners

The Society is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Fall Service Project. They are:

Division I – Virginia Commonwealth

Division II – University of Louisiana at Monroe

Division III – Southeast Missouri State University

Division IV – (tie) Elmhurst University and Fontbonne 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 and establish a partnership with a community organization. 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 Virginia Commonwealth University (Chapter 193) offered a seminar entitled “Children of Incarcerated Parents” and hosted a discussion lead by local non-profit, Assisting Families of Inmates. The goal was to educate students about mass incarceration and the often less discussed impact on children and families. In addition, the chapter partnered with students from the VCU Honors College and from the Sociology Department to create motivational cards for 80 elementary students in Richmond Public Schools who participate in a trauma-informed programs.

Division II winner University of Louisiana at Monroe (Chapter 113) hosted a book drive to benefit the Emily Williamson Laboratory School (EWLS), which had recently suffered an electrical fire that destroyed most of the school. The campus community used the book drive to help EWLS rebuild, and the school continues to receive additional donations from the book drive. It has asked the chapter to participate in the re-opening celebration, during which all of the donations will be presented.

Division III winner Southeast Missouri State University (Chapter 260) participated in two literacy projects: the "Read to Succeed” program through the United Way of Southeast Missouri, and the chapter’s signature literacy project, “Born to Read.” Since its inception in the year 2000, the “Born to Read” project has given away over 20,000 books. In the United Way program, volunteers from the chapter were paired with students with reading difficulties at four different elementary schools in the area.

Division IV winner Elmhurst University (Chapter 195) celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the university by partnering with campus groups such as the Black Student Union to collect 150 journals and to initiate a campus-wide creative writing and art campaign. Students gathered in the campus library to write letters, poetry, and created art intended to motivate and encourage students at Herzl Elementary School, a low-income community school in Chicago. The creative work was inserted into each journal, gift wrapped, and delivered to the children at the school.

Division IV winner Fontbonne University (Chapter 298) put bins around campus and asked for new and gently used children's books with a goal of collecting at least 100 books to celebrate the university's centennial anniversary. After collecting more than 500 books, the books were distributed by chapter officers to five different local schools, each receiving more than 100 books. In keeping with the original mission of the founders of the university, these five schools serve children with hearing loss.

Division V winner Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (Chapter 336) partnered with numerous campus and community organizations including the PCUPR School of Medical Technology and the Puerto Rico Department of Health to offer free health services and educational guidance about the importance of physical and mental health. Over 200 participants were offered the opportunity to check their blood pressure, and test their hemoglobin, glucose, and cholesterol levels. They also heard presentations on stress and emotional management, and how to better understand nutritional labels.

Phi Kappa Phi would like to thank all of the chapters who participated in the Fall Service Project and offer congratulations to the six 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.

Link Community: Build Your Network

Link is the Society's members-only online community that allows members to query one another, post rich discussions, and connect from around the world in a safe, professional environment. Members can also upload and share valuable resources, search for members in their area, and more.

Community Discussions
Five forums are filled with discussion on every topic under the sun. From advice in the Career Corner to science discussions in the STEM Lab to author networking in The Writer's Block, members can share ideas and answer each other’s questions. Head over to the community to see all the latest discussions.

Member Directory
Members can look up another with an advanced search that allows searching based on name, location, chapter, and community membership. Once located, members can view each other’s profiles, add each other as contacts, and direct message privately.

Expert Directory
This searchable database is designed to help members connect with potential speakers, authors, and other authorities across all disciplines and topics.

If you are an expert in your field, we invite you to set up your expert profile so that you will appear in the Expert Directory search. Click here to access a simple three-step guide to get started.

Should you run into any issues navigating the community, check out all the helpful step-by-step guides in the How-To Guides section of Link. They include screenshots covering everything from uploading your profile photo to posting a message.

We look forward to seeing you around the community soon!

Member Discount: Save on Airfare with MemberDeals

Exciting news! Active Phi Kappa Phi members can now access exclusive savings on airfare through the Society’s partnership with MemberDeals. Create new travel memories and inspire your wanderlust with savings on flights to your favorite destinations.

MemberDeals is your one-stop shop for discounts on nationwide travel and entertainment. Access negotiated rates and substantial savings of up to 60% off airfare, hotels, vacation rentals, and cruises.

Plus, save on tickets to movies, concerts, professional sporting events, and theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal, and Six Flags. Members can also access discounted memberships to Sam’s Club, the Calm meditation app, and AARP.

Click here to start planning your next adventure today!

Want to access even more savings? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts to learn more about all the discounts available to active Phi Kappa Phi members.

Make a Memorable, Lasting Introduction with Employers

Making a great impression on a prospective employer is every job candidate’s desire. However, most struggle with creating a short introduction when meeting new people.

The stress of trying to be natural when positioning your unique value and skills can set job candidates up to fluctuate in overselling and underselling their abilities. They end up missing the main ingredient of a great impression — genuineness.

Talking about yourself in an authentic way becomes less threatening when you frame your information as if you are telling a story. You want to strive for a brief introduction that gives a good overview of your background sprinkled with the right words that support your goals.

Developing a “mini commercial” that sounds genuine takes practice, not memorization. You never want to sound like a robot giving a rehearsed introduction that sounds unnatural. On the other hand, you want to think through what you want to say and the image you want to create.


The goal in telling someone about yourself is to pique their interest while giving them a snapshot of what you do best. How to make a memorable introduction (theladders.com)

Prepare by writing your introduction down using these four areas as a guideline: brief personal background, early work experience, recent work experience with key achievements, and your current situation.

Another suggested outline would be to start with a personal statement beginning with one sentence using a title or profession: “I am a trusted project manager concentrating in the energy field such as exploration and production, utilities, and renewable energies.” The next steps follow with what you do, what makes you unique, and what you want to do in moving your career forward.

You can also introduce yourself by sharing your goals: “I am transitioning my career focus towards my interest in landscaping design, and now is the perfect time to launch my dream job.” Proceed to tell them briefly about your transition with enthusiasm.

Practice your introduction until it becomes a part of you. You are simply telling people about yourself in a way that helps them visualize what you do and stay memorable.

If your introduction tries to sell an employer on your skills, you should develop a better understanding of selling versus telling. When you are in a selling mode, you start pointing out features and building a case of why you should buy.

When you tell an employer about your skills, you are more apt to build trust and rapport. Consider connecting with a potential employer by discussing how they can benefit from hiring you rather than selling them on your degrees or qualifications.

The best way to help you overcome the mindset of selling is to distinguish it from telling a story. A good technique is using the “so what” question at the end of your statements. Here is a typical example, “I have 12 years of experience in leading projects with a certification in project management.” Use the so-what test. If your answer is vague, you are selling rather than telling about the benefits of your experience.

Suggestions for making a great impression: 

• Have a good elevator pitch when meeting with employers. Talk about who you are passionately and authentically. Why Your Elevator Pitch is Important, and How to Master It (lifehack.org)
• Research companies ahead of time and know what the employer values.
• Be knowledgeable about what your competition is doing and what the marketplace needs.
• When asked why you want a specific job, tell a story of why you are interested, drawing on your experience and a sense of passion.
• Dressing for the part impacts your introduction, even though it is a form of non-verbal communication. Never underestimate the image of clean, pressed clothes to add credibility to your impression.
• Practice telling your story till it becomes natural. If your introduction feels uncomfortable, it could signify that it is not really what you want to convey.

What makes a memorable introduction? What would you do to stand out? Tell us in Link, Phi Kappa Phi’s members-only online community. Click here to share your thoughts now.

George Hendricks Loves Literacy

Phi Kappa Phi is proud to highlight, George Hendricks. George was a 2022 Literacy Grant recipient.

The Love of Literacy Project expands upon the ongoing work of the Children Understanding Books (grades K-2) and Methodist Kids Association (grades 3-5) collaborative endeavor in which representatives from Methodist University and Hay Street United Methodist Church provide weekly one-on-one social and academic mentoring to Margaret Willis Elementary students.

The grant aided in funding a special author assembly at the school as part of the University’s “Love of Literacy” initiative. The students were able to learn from Aniesha Jackson, a North-Carolina based Black author whose children’s books focus on diversity and social emotional learning. Aniesha led a reading of her book “Queen Kia’s 8-Step Guide to Friendship,” engaged the children with songs, puppet skits, and more.

The Literacy Grant Program, established in 2003, is part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs. The deadline to apply for a Literacy Grant is April 1, 2023. The Society awards grants of up to $2,500 to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members to fund ongoing literacy projects or to create new initiatives.

For more information, visit https://www.phikappaphi.org/grants-awards/literacy or contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.




Members Save with Phi Kappa Phi Partners

As an active Phi Kappa Phi member, you can access exclusive discounts on products and services from more than thirty corporate partners. The savings add up quickly, from an auto insurance discount with GEICO to special offers on the latest Lenovo technology!

Insurance and Finance -Save on auto insurance with a member discount from GEICO, manage your student debt with loan savings from Citizens and SoFi, protect your identity and save with LifeLock, and access special rates on health, disability, travel, pet, dental, and vision insurance from Mercer. Don’t forget to show your Society pride when you shop with the Phi Kappa Phi Rewards Visa!

Learning and Development – Study with Phi Kappa Phi partners and save up to $300 on courses from The Princeton Review and Becker Professional Education. Members can also access exclusive savings on academic journal access from JSTOR, brain training games from Lumosity, language learning software from Fluenz, resume writing assistance from Seeking Success, and graduate program research from U.S. News Grad Compass.

Shopping – Save up to 80% on clothing from Brooks Brothers, Society-branded certificate and diploma frames from Church Hill Classics, planners from Franklin Planner, shipping with UPS, and supplies from ODP Business Solution, formerly Office Depot.

Technology – Power up with discounts of up to 50% from the Society’s technology partners, including Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Members can also save on their monthly AT&T wireless service and Carbonite computer backup plans.

Travel and Leisure – Plan your trip with our partners and save up to 50% on airfare, airport parking, hotels, guided travel, theme park tickets, and more!

Vehicle Rentals – Access exclusive discounts that may exceed 35% on car and truck rentals from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and more!

Want to access even more benefits? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Benefits to learn more about all the benefits and resources available to active Phi Kappa Phi members.

Featured Fellow: Morgan Preston

Phi Kappa Phi is proud to feature 2022 Sherrill Carlson Fellow, Morgan Preston. This past fall, Morgan started law school at The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law.

As an undergraduate Morgan earned her bachelor's degree, with a double major in English and philosophy and minors in political science and Spanish, from Angelo State University in May 2022. Throughout her undergraduate tenure Morgan participated in ASU's honors college, was a member of the ASU Varsity Volleyball team, and served as a tutor in the university’s Writing Center. Her undergraduate education showed her the value of diverse perspectives and how to recognize our common humanity without glossing over our different cultures, histories, and needs. Her experience has intensified her resolve to help those of whom who are historically underrepresented in the legal system. She wants to become a civil rights litigator at the ACLU, where she plans to continue serving as a voice for underrepresented groups, advocating on behalf of social justice, and uplifting marginalized voices.

The deadline to apply for one of 62 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships is April 15, 2023. The Society will award 54 Fellowships of $8,500 each, six at $20,000 each, and two at $35,000 each to members entering their first year of graduate or professional study.

Since its creation in 1932, the Fellowship Program has become one of the Society's most visible and financially well-supported endeavors, allocating $649,000 annually to deserving students for first-year graduate or professional study. The competition is open to all active Phi Kappa Phi members who meet the eligibility requirements.

Preston credits, “The Sherrill Carlson Fellowship greatly reduces the student loans that I will have to take out in pursuit of advancing social justice, and it will allow me to prioritize finding work based on the need that I see for legal representation in marginalized communities.”

Each active Phi Kappa Phi chapter may endorse one candidate from among its local applicants to compete Society-wide for a fellowship. The national deadline for chapters to submit an applicant is April 15. Applicants must apply through their local chapter. Chapter deadlines vary, typically two weeks prior to the national deadline. Check with your chapter.

For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org/fellowship or contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.







Cast Your Vote Now for the Grad Photo Contest!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos to the 2022 Fall Graduation Photo Contest! We received upwards of 400 submissions of Phi Kappa Phi members proudly sporting Society recognition apparel in a grad photo session on their big day.

Having an outstanding selection to choose from made the process extremely hard, but after much deliberation the Phi Kappa Phi staff narrowed the field down to 10 remarkable entries. Now we need your help to pick the winners!

Click here to vote now! (Please note the system limits entries to one vote per device/IP address. If you are on a shared network—such as a university or office—it is best to vote via a mobile device or tablet not connected to Wi-Fi.)

Voting closes Monday, Feb. 20 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. The entry with the most votes will receive a Dell laptop, and second and third place entries will receive an Amazon gift card. All entrants have a chance to appear in various Society marketing and promotional materials. For the full list of contest rules, click here.

Happy Phi Kappa Phi Week!

It’s officially Phi Kappa Phi week! From February 6-10th we will celebrate the Society, its chapters, and member achievements.

Everyone is encouraged to show their Phi Kappa Phi spirit by participating in chapter activities and donning their Society apparel, pins, and the colors navy and gold.

Chapters can participate in many ways, including:

• Wear your ΦKΦ apparel
• Highlight member achievements on social media and promote Phi Kappa Phi using the resources and tips at the bottom of the Phi Kappa Phi Week page and the hashtag #PhiKappaPhi
• Hand out Phi Kappa Phi fact sheets and/or award sheets.

Let’s make this the best Phi Kappa Phi week to date!

Member Discount: Save 14% with AT&T

Make the most of your membership by taking advantage of a 14% discount on your qualified monthly wireless service just for being a Phi Kappa Phi member. Sign up for new service or apply the discount to your existing AT&T account from the comfort of your own home.

If you’re an existing AT&T wireless customer, enrolling is as simple as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit www.ATT.com/Wireless/PhiKappaPhi
2. Click the Enroll Now button.
3. Follow the prompts to enter your AT&T account information to apply the discount.

To start new service with AT&T, visit www.ATT.com/Wireless/PhiKappaPhi and click the Shop to Enroll button. Follow the prompts through the checkout process to complete activation.

The AT&T Signature Program benefits are only available on qualified wireless accounts. The discount can only be applied online. Once you sign up online, your discount will automatically appear on your monthly wireless bill within two billing cycles.

Want to save more? Your active membership entitles you to discounts from more than thirty Society partners. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts for a complete listing.

Extend the Conversation: What is One of Your Favorite Quotes?

Our Winter Forum 2022 issue, which focuses on the theme of great speeches, includes a survey of some neat things Phi Kappa Phi members have said over the years. If you missed that story, you can read it here.

This leads us to a broader question of eloquence: What’s your favorite quotation, and why? For Forum editor, Danny Heitman, he really likes this one from anthropologist Margaret Meade: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Heitman says, it aptly summarizes the idea that big change can start in small places.

Extend the conversation and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you about your favorite quote – and why you like it.

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.