Member Spotlight – Gabriel Horton

Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Gabriel Horton was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2022 while studying cybersecurity at Augusta University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree earlier this year and is spending his summer at The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a Criminal and Cyber Intelligence Analyst Intern.

In addition to interning at NASA, Gabriel has interned with the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Army Cyber Command. He hopes to return to AU to pursue a master’s in information security management soon.

During his time at AU, Gabriel won several awards, including the University’s English & World Languages Chair’s Award and the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service. He participated in the Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition, Cybertronic Makers’ Club and AU’s Association of Computer and Machinery.

Gabriel enjoys serving his community as an acolyte at his local church and volunteering with local community service programs that assist those experiencing homelessness.

Let’s get to know Gabriel!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
Joining Phi Kappa Phi recognized my academic achievements and commitment to excellence. It validates my hard work and dedication. I accepted the invitation for the recognition of academic achievement, networking, resume building, access to numerous resources, and the ability to engage in community service and leadership activities.

What did you enjoy most about interning with the United States Secret Service?
Gaining valuable experience, real-world application, and insight into an agency using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) cybersecurity.

What piece of advice would you share with someone entering college?
My advice would be to set realistic goals, manage your time, prioritize academic tasks, seek help when needed, join organizations and clubs that align with your interests, and don’t forget about self-care.

Where does your passion for cybersecurity come from?
It originated back in high school when I was selecting my career pathway. I attended Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School, which focuses on STEM, and took a cybersecurity course that solidified my decision to pursue the field.

What is your favorite movie?
There are many, but if I had to choose one, it would be Spider-man, Into the Spider-Verse, because I like the characters, the animation style, and especially the story.

Have you ever had a nickname?
As a small child, my nickname from my grandfather was “Butterball.” He gave me this name because I was fat. Thank goodness, I slimmed down as the years went by.

What is your favorite sports team? Do you attend their games?
For college, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football, and for a professional football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Do you cook?
Well, I dabble. I don’t cook meals, but I make things I like, such as scrambled eggs, peanut butter cookies, and pancakes.

Do you enjoy traveling?
Yes, I enjoy traveling. My favorite vacation is at Disney World. This was my 2023 graduation gift to me from my parents. It was a family trip, and it was fun.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
I cannot go a day without thanking God.

To learn more about Gabriel 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.



Member Mentions – August 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:

Cierra Anzelmo (Youngstown State University) is the recipient of the 2023-24 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Student Scholarship of $10,000 for Undergraduate Students.

Paige Bossaller (Missouri State University) was recognized for her contributions to agronomy, crop science and soil science. She received a scholarship from the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America.

Alison Gregory (Marymount University) was recently promoted to Dean of Libraries and Assistant Provost for Special Projects at Marymount University.

Martayn Van de Wall (United States Military Academy) has been selected as the First Captain of the U.S. Military Academy’s Corps of Cadets for the 2023-2024 academic year, achieving the highest position in the cadet chain of command. The First Captain is responsible for the overall performance of the approximately 4,400-member Corps of Cadets.

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

Extend the Conversation: Fond Summer Camp Memories

In our new summer issue of Forum, Roger Mummert wistfully recalls that empty nest feeling as his two daughters went off to summer camp. If you missed Roger’s story, you can read it here.

What are your fondest memories of summer camp? For Forum editor, Danny Heitman, it involved weeks spent at Camp Grant Walker in rural Louisiana, which served kids who were members of the 4-H Club. He still recalls the almost deafening sound of frogs and crickets as they dozed in their bunks each night. Do you have similar recollections of summer camp?

Extend the conversation and share your favorite summer camp memories. Who knows? You might, in telling your story, manage to connect with a fellow former campmate.

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.

Shop with Pride: Phi Kappa Phi Visa® Rewards

The Phi Kappa Phi Visa® Rewards credit card is the perfect way to show your ΦΚΦ pride everywhere you shop, dine and travel. Plus, each time you use the card, you will be supporting the Society’s mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence!

Cardholder benefits include:

• Unlimited cash back with no point caps & no opt-in
• Many choices to redeem rewards—from 1% cash back to gift cards, travel, merchandise, and more.
• A low introductory rate
• No annual fee

Visit www.CommerceBank.com/PhiKappaPhi to learn more and apply online.

Learn more about all the discounts available to active members at www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Benefits.

Congratulations to the 2023 Inaugural Pioneer Award Recipients

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—today announced the recipients of a 2023 Pioneer Award. The $1,000 awards were given to 50 Phi Kappa Phi members nationwide.

The Pioneer Awards, in its inaugural year, are designed to encourage and reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.

“It is a pleasure to recognize our inaugural cohort of 50 Pioneer Award winners this year. This new award focuses on supporting opportunities for our undergraduate scholars during this critical phase of their academic journey,” said Society Executive Director and CEO, Bradley R. Newcomer. “It is our hope that this award program will continue to grow and allow Phi Kappa Phi to deepen our support of academic excellence and service to others across all academic disciplines well into the future.”

The selection process for a Pioneer Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, honors and awards, relevant research experience, service and leadership experience, on and off campus, a personal statement and letter of recommendation.

The Pioneer Award is the newest addition to the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which gives $1.3 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to offer an award exclusively for undergraduates and this program is a welcome addition to the Society's portfolio.

For the complete list of recipients, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/2023Pioneer. The application process for the 2024 Pioneer Awards will open on Dec. 15, 2023.

Graduate School Resources Available

Preparing for graduate school can be overwhelming. Let Phi Kappa Phi and our partners guide you through testing, school selection and more.

Researching Schools and Programs
Figuring out the best grad school fit can be confusing and feel like a huge hurdle on your way to your dream career. The Society partners with the Princeton Review and U.S. News Grad Compass to provide information on thousands of programs, rankings and research so that you can find the perfect one for you. Click here for free resources as well as a promo code to save 20% on a year of unlimited Grad Compass access.

Admissions Exam Prep
The Princeton Review offers up to 15% off to Society members, family and friends on courses and tutoring to prepare for graduate school testing. Plus, you can take advantage of test prep webinars and practice exams.

Financial Support
Did you know that Phi Kappa can help with funding? Our award and grant programs offer diverse funding options for graduate school and graduate research—from $35,000 Fellowships to $1,000 Love of Learning Awards. Learn more at www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Awards.

Visit our Graduate School Resources page to find even more tools and support for your journey!

Now Accepting Applications for the Inaugural Mary Todd Sabbatical Award

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society – is currently accepting applications for its Mary Todd Sabbatical Award, named in honor of its former Executive Director, Dr. Mary Todd.

This prestigious award, valued at $50,000, will be presented annually to one outstanding faculty member to support a sabbatical year or similar reassignment of duties, allowing them to focus on research, writing, or other professional development activities. The Society recognizes the importance of providing faculty members with the time and resources necessary to explore new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and make significant contributions to their disciplines.

“It is a pleasure to see this newest award program come to fruition this year. The Sabbatical Award will help our outstanding faculty members continue to fuel their passion for the love of learning by supporting their scholarly work. It is our hope that this award program will continue Phi Kappa Phi’s tradition of supporting academic excellence and service to others across all academic disciplines well into the future,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer.

Applications for the award will be open to active members who are faculty members. A committee of esteemed professionals will review the applications and select the recipient based on their demonstrated excellence, potential for impact, and alignment with the Society's mission and values.

The new award will be added to the Society's already robust portfolio of awards, which currently gives $1.3 million annually to deserving members and students.

The deadline to apply for the Sabbatical Award is Oct. 1, 2023. To learn more about the award, visit www.phikappaphi.org/sabbatical.

The Princeton Review Presents: LSAT Practice Test

The Society has teamed up with its partner, The Princeton Review, to offer a free LSAT practice test on Saturday, September 2, at 9 a.m. C.T.

Find out how you will score by taking a full-length practice test under realistic testing conditions. Try your hand at the types of questions you’ll see on the real test and get a personalized score report highlighting your strengths and areas of improvement.

Click here to register now.

If you are looking for in-depth review courses, test prep materials, or tutoring, don’t forget that the Society is partnered with The Princeton Review to offer members savings of up to 15% off all classroom, online and self-paced test prep courses for the LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, and more. Click here to access our exclusive promo codes and learn more.

Here are more resources that may help you prepare for law school:

Knowledge is Power | Review in-depth information about the LSAT, including how much it costs, how long the test is, and the maximum score you can earn.

Advice and Tips | Find all the answers to your questions and get sage advice from The Princeton Review team.

Test Dates | Learn more about upcoming LSAT test dates and registration deadlines.

Find the Right Law School | Compare schools based on location, admissions criteria, concentrations, tuition costs, and more.

Since 2005, our members have trusted The Princeton Review to help them prepare for test day and achieve their academic goals, and you can too!

The Princeton Review Presents: GRE Overview Webinar

Preparing to sit for the GRE? If so, you don’t want to miss this free GRE Overview Webinar hosted by Society partner, The Princeton Review. Register today to join the session on Wednesday, August 23, at 7 p.m. CT.

A Princeton Review instructor will walk you through everything you need to know about the exam, review sample questions and offer score-raising strategies. Don’t miss your chance to improve your score!

Click here to register now.

Looking for in-depth review courses, test prep materials, or tutoring? The Society is partnered with The Princeton Review to offer members savings of up to 15% off all classroom, online and self-paced test prep courses for the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, and more. Click here to access our exclusive promo codes and learn more.

Here are more resources that may help you prepare for graduate school:

What is the GRE | Review in-depth information about the GRE, including how to register, how the exam is scored, when scores expire, subjects tested and more.

Advice and Tips | Find all the answers to your questions and get sage advice from The Princeton Review team.

GRE vs GMAT | Learn more about each exam and find out which one is right for you.

Knowledge is Power | Begin your journey to graduate school by researching schools and programs to find the perfect fit.

The Right Fit | Use these tips to focus your attention on a few, carefully selected schools, and choose the best fit.

Application Timeline | Access a sample application timeline and start crafting your plan to get into your dream school.

Statement of Purpose | Follow these tips to write an effective graduate school statement of purpose.

Since 2005, our members have trusted The Princeton Review to help them prepare for test day and achieve their academic goals, and you can too!

Protect Your Loved Ones and Support Phi Kappa Phi this Month

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a reminder of the importance of securing your legacy and protecting what matters most to you. As a cherished member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, you understand the transformative power of learning and the enduring value of excellence.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to complete this essential task:

1. Security: Clearly communicate your important financial and healthcare decisions, ensuring preparedness for the future.
2. Peace of mind: Provide for the people and causes you love, including those who may depend on you.
3. Impact: Through a legacy gift in your will, you can contribute to Phi Kappa Phi's mission of championing academic excellence and integrity for generations to come.

We've partnered with FreeWill, a free online estate planning tool that supports our community in completing this vital task. As you write your will, FreeWill empowers you to make a planned gift of any size to Phi Kappa Phi — securing the Society for the next generation of dedicated scholars.

In the last National Make-A-Will Month, over 70,000 people trusted FreeWill to secure their legacy and protect what they love at no cost. Whether it's your family, friends, or the commitment to lifelong learning and scholarship that Phi Kappa Phi embodies, your will is a powerful tool to protect and perpetuate what matters most to you. Create your free will today and have peace of mind!