William Bowerman Receives Inaugural Phi Kappa Phi Sabbatical Award

William “Bill” Bowerman, professor of wildlife ecology and toxicology at the University of Maryland, College Park, has been selected by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—as the inaugural recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Mary Todd Sabbatical Award.

The $50,000 Sabbatical Award, named for former Society Executive Director, Dr. Mary Todd, honors one faculty member to support a sabbatical year or similar reassignments of duties. Bowerman will use the funds from the award to conduct research on the effect of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and its transmission to domestic poultry flocks.

Bowerman intends on conducting research both locally and nationally, in hopes of creating new collaborations across five continents and bringing together some of the largest and longest data sets on populations of sea eagles. “I had a big dream for my sabbatical, this award will make it a reality,” said Bowerman.

The selection process for a Sabbatical Award is based on applicant letter addressing the significance of the proposed research or other scholarly project and the relevance of the proposed activity in contributing to Phi Kappa Phi's mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.

“It is with great pleasure that we recognize Bill with Phi Kappa Phi’s inaugural Sabbatical Award. This new Phi Kappa Phi award was designed to recognize our faculty scholars and dedicated volunteers who demonstrate the Love of Learning throughout their career. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of William’s extraordinary research and service activities well into the future,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer.

The Sabbatical Award is one of the newest additions 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.

To learn more about the Society’s award programs, visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards. The application process for the 2024 Sabbatical Award will open in August 2024.

Member Spotlight – Ross Bachiller

Born and raised in Pioduran, Albay, Philippines, Ross Bachiller earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in library and information sciences at the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus. He was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2023 while pursuing a doctorate in Philippine studies and international relations at UP Diliman and has twice received the UP Diliman Presidential and Leadership Scholarship.

Ross is a licensed librarian and is employed at the Truman Bodden Law School Library in the Cayman Islands.

He enjoys serving the Filipino community, which led him to establish the Layunin ng Mapayapang Kaisipan Movement in 2014. The group works to improve local children's educational outcomes and quality of life by providing development support and advocacy through multiple programs, including storytelling, reading, feeding, gift giving, games, school supplies giving and more. Ross has received many awards over the years for his community service work, including the 2022 Iconic Professional Educator Leader and Remarkable Humanitarian Advocate of the Year Award from the Alliance of Hospitality and Tourism Movers of the Philippines.

Let’s get to know Ross!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
Joining Phi Kappa Phi recognizes my academic achievements and commitment to excellence and validates my hard work and dedication. I accepted the invitation for recognition, networking, resume building, access to numerous resources, and the ability to engage in community service and leadership activities. I also believe it will open doors to numerous personal and professional growth opportunities.

What is your favorite meal to cook?
I love to cook Bicol Express and adobo, delicacies in the Philippines.

What do you enjoy most about living in the Cayman Islands?
Living in the Cayman Islands offers a high quality of life, low crime rates, good healthcare, and a stable political environment combined with beautiful natural resources and a tax-friendly environment. I also enjoy the beauty of the beaches, specifically the ever-popular Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City.

What motivates you to work hard?
The poverty and financial difficulty that my family has experienced motivates me to work hard in every endeavor. It fuels my desire to be more dedicated and passionate about my studies and the job opportunities given to me.

How do you unwind and reduce stress?
The Layunin ng Mapayapang Kaisipan (Goal of the Peaceful Mind) Movement I founded helps me unwind and reduce stress. I participate in different outreach programs such as storytelling, feeding programs, crafts, and games. Seeing the genuine smiles of the children we impact makes me feel balanced and complete.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
The simplicity of life of our family in the beautiful municipality of Pioduran. With my beloved parents and siblings, we were happy and contented even if we encountered financial problems. For me, contentment means to be happy with what you have, who you are, and where you are.

What is your favorite movie?
James Cameron's "Titanic". The movie is about the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic. It stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. The two play characters who are of different social classes. They fall in love after meeting aboard the ship.

What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Always choose kindness instead of anger, hatred, or violence. It means we make a conscious effort to put kindness into the world, no matter the circumstances. That was the best advice given to me by my beloved mother.

What is your favorite holiday?
I love the Christmas season in our country. I am reminded of the Filipino family-centric values wherein families reunite during Christmas. We often go to our hometowns to spend Christmas and always look forward to Simbang Gabi, a novena or nine-day series of masses in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Mother, and Noche Buena (a Christmas Eve celebration).

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy collecting different types of refrigerator magnets and stamps. Some were bought in souvenir stores, but others in my collections were given to me by my friends.

To learn more about Ross 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.

Support Phi Kappa Phi on Giving Tuesday

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

As we embrace the spirit of generosity on Giving Tuesday, there's no better way to make a lasting impact than by supporting the mission of Phi Kappa Phi.

From awards to member benefits, we're able to provide opportunities for every stage of learning — and they are made possible only through the generosity of donors like you. Your gift will go toward vital programs and services designed to foster a lifelong love of learning.

Please join us today, November 28, and help show the power of collective generosity this Giving Tuesday, by making a tax-deductible gift to Phi Kappa Phi.

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

Member Mentions – November 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:

David Tindoll (Mississippi State University) received the Epting/Mathews Co-op Student of the Year Award presented by the MSU Career Center’s Cooperative Education Program. The award recognizes one outstanding co-op student for academic excellence, exhibited professionalism in the workplace and leadership. Tindoll will receive a scholarship provided by program sponsors.

Anna Ware Brown (University of Mississippi) was recently crowned the Ole Miss Homecoming Queen.

Madeleine Dotson (University of Mississippi) was named a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship allows students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom to complete their master's or doctoral degree.

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

Phi Kappa Phi Adds Three New Chapters

Phi Kappa Phi is growing, with three new chapters installed at campuses around the United States during an especially busy autumn 2023 season.

Fall is typically an active time for Phi Kappa Phi as many of its approximately 325 campus chapters initiate new members. But in October and November, three newly created chapters gathered for the first time, expanding the Society’s community of scholars.

The new chapters are located at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida; Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina; and Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Ave Maria University, a Catholic institution of higher learning established in 2003, installed its new chapter on Oct. 17. Its first slate of officers includes President Agnes Berki, Presidents-elect Ladislav Sallai and Stephen Wirick, Secretaries Megan Hare and Marie Ferman, Treasurer TJ Ijima, and Public Relations Officer John Spadaccini.

“To have a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi on Ave Maria’s campus means inspiring our community to greater heights and possibilities,” Chapter President Agnes Berki said. “The motto of Phi Kappa Phi, ‘Let the love of learning rule humanity,’ and the motto of Ave Maria University, ‘The Splendor of Truth,’ resonate with each other on a deep and fundamental level. The pursuit of truth is the end to which all learning is directed; hence, the two mottos are mutually reinforcing.”

Meredith College, which installed its new Phi Kappa Phi chapter on Oct. 25, began in the 19th century as a small women’s college but has since grown to include abut 1,600 students, including men who are part of its graduate programs. Officers elected to serve the new chapter are President Betty-Shannon Prevatt, President-elect Laura Davidson, Secretary Jean Jackson, Treasurer Whitney Manzo, and Awards Officer Rebecca Duncan.

“I think it means Meredith College is able to have national recognition for the work and scholarship that we’ve already been doing,” new Chapter President Betty-Shannon Prevatt said of Phi Kappa Phi’s presence on campus.

Founded in 1963 with fewer than 200 students, Sacred Heart University now serves about 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England. Sacred Heart installed its new Phi Kappa Phi chapter on Nov. 3, with the following officers selected to advance its mission: President Christina Gunther, President-elect Molly Paguaga, Secretary Guljana Torikai, Treasurer Chris Lieby, Awards Officer Chris Mavrides, and Volunteer and Service Learning Officer Anne Johnson.

“Our new chapter means a deeper fostering of our community of academic excellence, where diverse disciplines converge in pursuit of knowledge and scholarly achievement,” Chapter President Christina Gunther said. “Our chapter symbolizes a commitment to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners while supporting our culture of lifelong learning and service within our university community. I am honored and humbled to serve as chapter president.”

Phi Kappa Phi began in 1897 with 10 seniors and two faculty members at the University of Maine. It now has about 100,000 active members around the world and awards $1.3 million a year to outstanding scholars.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these new chapters to Phi Kappa Phi’s community of scholars,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer. “Their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service exemplifies Phi Kappa Phi’s highest ideals.”

For more information about starting a Phi Kappa Phi chapter on your campus, click here.

Tinsel and Savings Galore this Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, which means we will soon be shopping. Whether you’re looking for the latest technology or stylish trends, you can save big when you shop these Phi Kappa Phi partners.

Brooks Brothers
Find stylish presents that will bring a smile to the sophisticated dresser on your list. Members can sign up for a complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card and save 15% on regularly priced Brooks Brothers merchandise. Learn more at www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Brooks-Brothers.

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

Shop HP’s broad line of notebooks, desktops, printers, accessories, and more at www.HPDirect.com/Member/Phi_Kappa_Phi, and save up to 35% off your HP purchases.

Instantly save up to 40% off Lenovo laptops, PCs, gadgets, and gifts for all on your list. Shop the Lenovo member store at www.Lenovo.com/PhiKappaPhi today.

Franklin Planner
We all have that one person on our list who gets joy from being organized, so why not help them get a head start in the new year? Shop at www.FranklinPlanner.com and use promo code PKPMEMBER to save 15% on your purchase.

UPS
Ship with UPS this holiday season and save up to 50%. Click here to sign up for a new UPS account or log in to your existing one to take advantage of savings when you ship.

Finally, don’t forget to protect yourself while you shop. Enjoy a safer online shopping experience this holiday season with LifeLock. Phi Kappa Phi members can enjoy 35% off their first year of LifeLock. Click here to learn more.

Happy Holidays from Phi Kappa Phi and our partners! To learn more about all the Society’s partners that can help you save this holiday season, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts.

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. 28, 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 currently distribute $1.3 million to deserving students and members.

Ready to help? We challenge you to:

• Share our donation link with five friends and family members to expand 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 and 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 invite others.

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.

New Member Benefit: Member Options

The Society is excited to announce its partnership with Member Options. Take the guesswork out of finding the lowest home, auto and renters insurance rates, and get multiple quotes from up to five top-rated carriers like Farmers, Progressive, Safeco and Travelers in a matter of minutes.

There are countless options for auto insurance, and Member Options can help you save as much as $810. No more doing all the research yourself. Member Options will help you find affordable insurance for less.

Save time and money by getting multiple quotes at once with Member Options. They even make switching your carrier mid-policy simple and fast. Call (833) 378-8224 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. It’s quick, easy and convenient.

To learn more, visit www.Member-Options.com/PKP.

The Society is partnered with more than 30 companies to help you save. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts to learn more.

Save When You Ship with UPS

The holiday shipping rush is just around the corner, and UPS is ready to help you save on your shipments and ensure they arrive on time. Make this holiday season more manageable with savings of up to 50%.

Visit www.SaveWithUPS.com/PhiKappaPhi to sign up for a new UPS account or log in to your existing one. Plus, you support the Society each time you ship with UPS.

Have questions about holiday shipping services and dates? Visit UPS.com/Holidays to learn more about holiday season shipping, services, and recommended ship-by dates.

Happy Holidays from Phi Kappa Phi and our partners! To learn more about all the Society’s partners that can help you save this holiday season, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts.

Phi Kappa Phi Announces 2023-2024 Circle of Excellence Chapters

Phi Kappa Phi today announced the chapters receiving a 2023-2024 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 74 chapters with recognition including 13 as Platinum, 23 as Gold and 38 as Silver.

“The cornerstone of Phi Kappa Phi is constituted by our chapters and officers. We take immense pride in acknowledging and celebrating the chapters that embody our mission by presenting them with the Circle of Excellence Awards. Let the love of learning continue to rule,” 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 2023-2024 chapters, visit www.phikappaphi.org/2024Excellence.

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!

The golden ticket for the best costume goes to Curtis Cathcart (Marshall University) who dressed as Willy Wonka himself. As our contest winner, Cathcart will receive a goodie bag of Phi Kappa Phi merchandise valued at over $100.

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. 4.

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.

Celebrate Generosity on Giving Tuesday

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. 28 to give the gift of a lifetime, supporting our mission and paving a path for excellence. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us make a real difference in the lives of deserving students, members, and communities around the world.

Mark the date on your calendar and follow us on social media for updates leading up to the big day.

Save Big on Holiday Travel

For a lot of us, the holiday season means we’ll be on the road to visit friends and family. Don’t spend your holiday budget on travel. Book through the Society’s partners to save big on airfare, hotels, vehicle rentals, airport parking, guided travel and more.

Airfare and Hotels
Phi Kappa Phi members, friends and family can take advantage of huge savings of up to 60% off hotels and 20% off airfare. Click here to find your perfect deal today.

Airport Parking
Access a 10% discount at all Parking Spot locations nationwide. Click here to order your Phi Kappa Phi Spot Club Exec card, view discounted rates, get directions and make reservations.

Guided Travel
Have you been hoping to plan the trip of a lifetime? Now is the perfect time to gift yourself a trip for 2024.

Save up to $600 per person on guided travel with Collette, a guided travel pioneer who has taken travelers across the globe for the last 100 years. Visit https://www.GoCollette.com/PhiKappaPhi to learn more about how you can save on a trip of a lifetime.

Road Scholar offers members savings of $100 on any one of their learning adventures in 150 countries and 50 states. Visit www.RoadScholar.org/HSPKP to sign up for a Road Scholar catalog, and you’ll receive $100 off your first Road Scholar adventure.

Vehicle Rentals
Save up to 35% off Avis base rates. From the car to the accessories, choose what best fits you and your trip. Visit www.Avis.com/PhiKappaPhi to make your reservation.

Book your rental through Budget to save up to 25% off base rates To make your reservation, visit www.Budget.com/PhiKappaPhi.

You can also access a discount of up to 10% off Enterprise and National standard rates. Click here to book your reservation.

Happy Holidays from Phi Kappa Phi and our partners! To learn more about all the Society’s partners that can help you save this holiday season, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts.