Member Mentions – October 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.

Brooke Bailey (Troy University) was among the students recognized for outstanding achievements in academics during the Accountancy Day Award Ceremony at Troy University. Bailey received the Accounting Society Award, Becker Professional Education CPA Review Course, and Bettie Hopper Perpetual Memorial Scholarship.

Brandy Burbante (Nicholls State University) was recently appointed as the Library Director of Ellender Memorial Library at NSU.

Laura Clippard (Middle Tennessee State University) was selected by the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to serve as a Gilman Advisor Ambassador. She will serve as a voice for higher education, advising diverse U.S. colleges and universities about the Gilman scholarship program.

Ethan Lambert (University of Mississippi) was selected as one of four 2023 Portz Scholars in the National Collegiate Honors Council's annual competition for outstanding undergraduate honors papers. Lambert won $375 and a free trip to present his honors thesis at the 58th annual NCHC conference in Chicago this November.

Lydia Shanklin Roll (University of Kentucky) was recently selected as an Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow. Fellows are doctoral-level scientists who engage in a year-long immersive opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. government while leveraging their expertise to help confront major societal issues.

Andrew Ng (Carnegie Mellon University) and Keith Dreyer (Michigan State University) were recently named in Time Top 100 Influential People in AI list. Ng is the founder of DeepLearning.AI and Dreyer is the chief data science officer at Mass General Brigham.

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

How to Boost Your Networking Efforts on LinkedIn

LinkedIn turned 23 years old in May and remains a vital part of your career connections. Most recently, LinkedIn has 875 million members, and 52 million people use it weekly for their job search.

Even though other social media platforms may have more users, LinkedIn remains a strategic way to connect with other professionals in the business community. As with other marketing tools, it is only as effective as the user. It takes planning and effort to network on LinkedIn, but unlike traditional networking that takes place during special events or within business hours, it is open 24/7, regardless of your location.

LinkedIn’s purpose is to help you build your network by connecting to people you know and those with whom you share similar interests. It differs from Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in that it focuses on growing your professional contacts instead of personal ones.

Networking will always be vital to growing your career. Learning how to meet new people, join groups or attend training events is all available to you on LinkedIn. How you approach others and grow your contacts list remains up to you.

Recently a friend received an invite, and we discussed how well the person briefly described her background, what they shared in common, and the purpose of wanting to connect. Her invitation stood out and made a positive impression. Instead of using LinkedIn’s auto invite to help members connect, she addressed her by name, making the message and connection more personal. The approach was much more effective in making a good impression and attracting interest versus a generic invite.

Even though the speed and ease of making connections to people are not comparable to traditional networking, you still need to follow some golden rules of networking to make your efforts successful such as:

• Have patience and stay consistent with the process. It takes time to build relationships and make new contacts.
• Post information that could help others and slowly build a community of contacts with similar interests. Develop an attitude of looking for ways to give back rather than take from others. Make your interactions give and take, mostly giving, to build credibility and goodwill.
• Follow others on LinkedIn you would like to connect with and comment on their posts. Have good manners and show thoughtfulness when reaching out to others. Joining groups and asking questions is a great way to generate conversations and become part of a discussion.
• Think quality rather than quantity. While others may opt for the open networker status with literally thousands of connections, the reality is that you only have so much time to devote to building quality relationships.
• Keep following up with those you meet. You build momentum and keep your relationships moving forward when you try to keep others informed and in the loop.
• Be genuine when sending a LinkedIn invite. Using generic invitations sends the same message as a “to whom this may concern” letter. If you take the time to add a bit of personality to your message, it makes your invitation genuine and shows more interest.
• Traditional networking is primarily based on timing and luck, such as an unexpected meeting with a senior executive at work that is unplanned. The benefits of social networking take out the luck factor and give you access to numerous people rather than waiting to meet with them accidentally. Social networking needs to be part of your relationship-building efforts. However, you need to use it actively.

Click here to tell us about your networking success on LinkedIn. How do you take it to the next step and use it to advance your career opportunities? We would love to hear your advice and tips!

Member Spotlight – Mohammad Hossein Tavangar

Mohammad Hossein Tavangar was born and raised in Mashhad, Iran. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, he completed a master’s degree in management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi.

As a venture capitalist, Mohammad guides startups and established companies toward success, turning visionary ideas into strategic actions across various sectors. He also serves as the Financial Advisor for the European Commission in Brussels and Director at the Founder Institute Germany in Berlin.

Mohammad finds immense joy and fulfillment in giving back to the global community. He volunteers with Transparency International Deutschland, Wedu, DELITELABS, Leaders for Climate Action, Futures4Europe, 2hearts, and Epic Foundation.

Let's get to know Mohammad!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
Joining Phi Kappa Phi was an easy decision; it was like being invited to join a family of lifelong learners and intellectual explorers. Their commitment to academic excellence aligns beautifully with my personal ethos.

What is your favorite sports team?
I'm a fervent supporter of FC Barcelona. Their games are a spectacle of teamwork and strategy, which I find deeply inspiring.

What are your hobbies?
Outside the fast-paced world of finance, I find solace in the rhythm of music and the thrill of mountaineering. The former allows me to express my emotions and unwind, while the latter challenges me physically and mentally, making me push my boundaries. I also have a penchant for astrophotography, a hobby that perfectly combines my love for the outdoors and my fascination with the cosmos.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my most cherished accomplishments is the successful launch of a sustainable development initiative during my tenure at the European Commission. This initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged communities in developing nations. To see tangible improvements in the lives of these communities was deeply fulfilling.

What piece of advice would you share with someone entering college?
To those embarking on their college journey, I'd say - stay endlessly curious, embrace every challenge, and remember that stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to the greatest rewards.

What is your favorite thing to cook?
My favorite dish to prepare is a hearty lasagna. It is delicious and nutritious and allows me to get creative with various combinations of vegetables, cheeses, and spices, making each preparation an exciting culinary adventure.

What was your first job?
My first professional endeavor was as a market analyst at Iran Oil Exploration Operation Company. It instilled in me the importance of thorough research, strategic foresight, and meticulous attention to detail.

What’s the best advice you were ever given?
The best pearl of wisdom I ever received was from my father, who said, "Integrity is the cornerstone of success." It has since been my guiding light.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Among a treasure trove of fond childhood memories, one that stands out is my first solo bicycle ride. After countless attempts and falls, the moment I finally managed to balance and pedal away on my own was one of pure joy and accomplishment. It taught me the invaluable lesson that perseverance pays off.

What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas holds a special place in my heart. It's a time of kindness, giving, and togetherness. The aura of warmth, love, and joy that envelops everyone during this season is truly magical. Whether it's decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, or exchanging gifts, every tradition associated with Christmas fills me with a sense of nostalgia and happiness.

To learn more about Mohammad 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.

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

As we prepare for the spring edition focusing on the theme of stewardship, we'd love your suggestions for items to include in "Forum 15." Can you think of a work of art, architecture, literature, or music that perfectly expresses the ideal of stewardship? By stewardship, we mean taking care of something so that it can be passed along to future generations. 

Share your ideas in our members-only online community. We'll include as many ideas as we can in the spring Forum.

The community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in with your Phi Kappa Phi credentials. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

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

The Princeton Review Presents: MCAT Practice Test

The Society has teamed up with its partner, The Princeton Review, to offer a free virtual MCAT Practice Test on Saturday, November 18, at 9 a.m. C.T.

Taking a practice test gives you a better sense of your strengths and weaknesses, and it's a great first step towards your ultimate goal—getting the score you want! Find out how you will score by taking a full-length practice test under realistic testing conditions. After the test, you’ll receive 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 MCAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT and more. Click here to access our exclusive promo codes and learn more.

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

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

Medical School Admissions Counseling | Medical school admission is fierce, and The Princeton Review’s goal is to get you noticed. Get started by taking their survey to find out where you stand right now as a medical school applicant.

Medical School Management Tool | Access The Princeton Review’s free medical school management tools and reminders to make sure you build your medical school application the right way.

Dedicated 1-on-1 Support | Access expert instruction with flexible schedules and locations. Learn more about MCAT private tutoring.

Upcoming Webinars and Archive | Access a wide range of medical school topics, from crafting your personal statement to why high MCAT scores can still be rejected.

Find the Right Medical School | Compare medical 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!

We're Changing to Better Serve You

On March 21, 2022, Phi Kappa Phi staff members joined some of the Society’s top leaders for a solemn ceremony honoring lives lost to COVID-19. As part of the program, we planted a young pond cypress as a living memorial, an event I wrote about in my summer column last year.

The sapling looked a bit like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree of the famous yuletide TV special – thin, spindly, and quite bare. But our memorial tree quickly grew, and it’s thriving in spite of some challenging seasons. After last year’s winter, our cypress was brittle and brown, without the slightest hint of green. A few of our staff members wondered if the cypress had survived.

But slowly, little shoots of new growth emerged, and now the tree sports a bright green canopy for staff and visitors to enjoy.

A landscaper had told us to expect nothing less from the pond cypress, a tree known for its resilience in many kinds of conditions.

Each day, our memorial tree reminds Phi Kappa Phi staff of an abiding reality: Life favors those with an ability to adapt. It’s a lesson we’re keeping close to heart and mind at our national office, where we’re embracing a number of changes to sustain and grow Phi Kappa Phi and better serve our members.

We’re deeply investing in new technology to improve how we track our members, support our chapters, and engage with our community of stakeholders around the world. We’re creating a strategic plan to help advance the Society’s mission.

We’re also creating new opportunities for our donors to deepen their engagement with Phi Kappa Phi. Our Benefactor program, an enhanced donor tier we unveiled earlier this year, is an important part of the effort.

As Phi Kappa Phi’s executive director and CEO, I’m privileged to participate in chapter functions in many places. Those events remind me that Phi Kappa Phi is always at its best when we connect with each other.

Luckily, all of us have several ways to make those connections. First, I invite you to participate in Phi Kappa Phi at the chapter level, which is the heart of our Society. Secondly, take advantage of Forum, our award-winning magazine, and our online Link community at Link.PhiKappaPhi.org. They’re great venues for learning what other members are doing – and important opportunities to let us know about you. 

Because membership is the lifeblood of Phi Kappa Phi, please take a couple of minutes to keep your membership current through our convenient portal at Members.PhiKappaPhi.org/Profile.

At PhiKappaPhi.org/Giving, you’ll also find some great tools to engage with the Society as a donor.

As always, I welcome your ideas about how the national office can better serve you. Please feel free to reach me at bnewcomer@phikappaphi.org.

Graduation Regalia Now Available

Show your Phi Kappa Phi pride during your upcoming commencement ceremony with Society-branded graduation regalia. Honor stoles, cords, tassels, and the Phi Kappa Phi medallion are available individually, or you can save when you buy all three items in the recognition bundle and receive a free ΦΚΦ tassel. Plus, take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Click here to shop now. Be sure to have your 8-digit Phi Kappa Phi member ID available to validate your purchase. Your member ID can be found on your membership card and within your membership account at Members.PhiKappaPhi.org/Profile.

Questions about ordering or shipment time frames? Click here for a list of FAQs, call customer service at (888) 502-0635 or email pkpstore@egroupengage.com.

Forum Features: The Splendor of Autumn

The latest edition of the Phi Kappa Phi Forum will be arriving in your mailbox soon. Continuing with the 2023 season-based topics, the fall edition's theme is "The Splendor of Autumn". The featured stories, regular columnists, and even our custom crossword puzzle will all dive deeper into that idea.

The feature articles discuss:

Blazing New Trails – Phi Kappa Phi’s new Benefactor program helps donors deepen engagement with the Society’s mission.

The Deepening Sky – Time abroad shapes Midwesterner Richard Terrill’s view of autumn.

A World of Wonders – For writer Aimee Nezhukumatathil, nature is an abiding fascination.

The Year Turns a Page – Autumn’s arrival means some sublime shifts in how writer Amina Cain does her work.

Flintlike Against the Mind – For coastal farmer Scott Chaskey, autumn brings new sounds as well as sights.

As always, we welcome letters to the editor, member news, poetry submissions and story ideas for upcoming themes. Visit www.phikappaphi.org/Forum to learn more.

Unleash Your Spooktacular Creativity for Our Halloween Costume Photo Contest

Are you ready to bring your Halloween costume A-game and show off your spine-chillingly spooktacular outfits? Look no further! Our Halloween Costume Photo Contest is here to celebrate your eerie ensembles and give you a chance to win a goodie bag of Phi Kappa Phi branded merchandise.

Visit our member-exclusive Link community and post your photos in this conversation to enter. The deadline to submit photos of your spooktacular costumes is Nov. 2. The winning entry will receive a goodie bag of Phi Kappa Phi gear valued at $100.

While you're there, check out all of the community conversations you may have been missing. From tech discussions in the STEM Lab to publishing world chats in the Writer's Block to successful job search tips in the Career Corner, there's a topic of interest for everyone.

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.

Cure Your Wanderlust with Collette and Save

Let your heart wander to the coolest place on earth with Collette, a guided travel pioneer who has taken travelers across the globe for the last 100 years. Their tours help you get the most out of any adventure, with itineraries designed to take you to iconic locales and show you hidden gems.

Phi Kappa Phi members can save up to $600 per person when they book a Collette tour, plus an additional $50-$100 per person with offer code SOCIETYSAVE. Visit www.Collette.com/PhiKappaPhi to browse all tours, request more information and make reservations.

Experience an unparalleled journey through the cultural diversity and abundant wildlife of southern Africa. Follow the allure of the Nile, uncover complex legends, and retrace the steps of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Travel Portugal’s dramatic shoreline, meandering cobblestone streets, ocean front promenades and quaint bays.

As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette offers over 160 tours to all seven continents with five distinct travel styles to show you the world. From the allure of Paris to whale watching in Iceland, Collette can help you make memories that will last a lifetime!

Save the Date for Giving Tuesday

Mark your calendar! On Nov. 28, Phi Kappa Phi will celebrate Giving Tuesday – a day of philanthropy dedicated to giving back through the support of nonprofit organizations.

This year, we ask that you consider making a gift to Phi Kappa Phi to support deserving students and help members realize their educational and career goals. All gifts, no matter the size, will open doors of opportunity to members both near and far.

Want to see exactly how your contributions can make an impact? Check out these testimonials from Phi Kappa Phi members across the country.

Ready to join the Giving Tuesday movement? Here are some ways to get involved:
1. Make sure you save the date on your calendar.
2. Follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.
3. Spread the word by joining and sharing our Facebook event with friends and family.

Up for Discussion: What is Your Favorite Family Heirloom?

As we prepare the spring edition of the Phi Kappa Phi Forum, we're asking members to contribute their ideas to the theme. We enjoy reading your responses and choosing a sample to share in the print edition of the magazine.

For 2024, each edition of Forum will focus on basic cornerstones of civic engagement. Our spring issue will explore the theme of stewardship, which can involve taking care of something so that it can be passed along to our descendants. This made us think about family treasures. What’s your favorite family heirloom, and what’s the story behind it?

For Forum editor, Danny Heitman, it’s the dining room table his grandparents bought as newlyweds. It’s been the site of thousands of meals and now rests in his own home for new generations to enjoy.

We’d love to hear about your favorite heirloom, and feel free to share a picture of yourself with your heirloom if you like. Share your response by replying to this discussion on our online member community Link. A sampling of your answers will be published in the “Up for Discussion” feature of Forum’s spring issue.

Responses of no more than three or four sentences are recommended, and we look forward to reading your contributions.

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.

Let the Love of Learning Rule with These Phi Kappa Phi Partners

As the Society’s motto states, let the love of learning rule humanity! Continue your quest for knowledge and keep your brain in tip-top shape with exclusive savings from these Phi Kappa Phi partners. Plus, when you support our partners, they support the Society.

Academic Journals
Ensure the accuracy and quality of your work with JPASS by JSTOR. Subscribe and gain access to expertise from more than 2,000 of the world's leading academic journals. Save 25% when you purchase an annual subscription. Click here to get started!

Brain Training and Games
Exercise your core cognitive abilities with Lumosity's groundbreaking program based on extensive research in the field of neuroplasticity. The Society is partnered with Lumosity to offer members a 35% discount off their scientifically designed games and training. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Lumosity to learn more.

Graduate Program Rankings
Grad Compass by U.S. News helps students find the right graduate school and connect their education to their dream career by offering complete rankings and expanded profiles of business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing programs. The Society is partnered with U.S. News to provide members a 20% discount on unlimited Grad Compass access for one full year. Click here to learn more and use promo code PKPSAVE to apply the 20% discount to your subscription.

Language Learning
If you are thinking about learning a new language, Fluenz is here to help! They offer interactive language learning software that can be streamed online and flashcards. Phi Kappa Phi members can save 20% on any Fluenz purchase with code FLUENZPKP20. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Fluenz to start learning today!

Resume Services
Seeking Success can help you rise above the competition with a resume focused on your target. Their team will work with you to develop a complete set of career-related documents, including a resume, cover letter, and new language for your LinkedIn profile. To learn more, visit www.SeekingSuccess.com/PKP and use code PKP2015 to access the Phi Kappa Phi member page. You will also need to use the code to apply the $100 discount to your order.

Test Prep
The Princeton Review can help you achieve your dreams with personalized and innovative ways to prepare for the big test. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Princeton-Review to learn how you and your family can save up to 15% on tutoring and prep courses for the MCAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT and more.

To learn more about all the benefits available to active Phi Kappa Phi members, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Benefits.

Now Accepting Applications for Graduate Research Grants and Dissertation Fellowships

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 Graduate Research Grant and Dissertation Fellowship Award.

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 nearly 500 individuals annually.

Questions about the Society's award programs? Contact Kelli Partin, director of awards at

kpartin@phikappaphi.org.