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K-State Today

November 4, 2013

Kansas State University recognized as a Phi Kappa Phi Chapter of Merit

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, recently recognized the Kansas State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Chapter of Merit. The award is given to chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.

The Chapter of Merit distinction is a part of the society’s Chapter Recognition Program, which acknowledged 69 chapters with recognition this year, including 50 as a Chapter of Merit.

"Phi Kappa Phi is proud of all its chapters, but we are pleased to offer special recognition to those who have achieved the status of Chapter of Merit and Chapter of Excellence," said Mary Todd, society executive director. “The efforts of chapter officers to promote academic excellence on their campuses demonstrate their strong commitment to the mission of Phi Kappa Phi and to their students.”

By receiving the Chapter of Merit distinction, the chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that meets regularly, holds annual initiations and applies frequently for Phi Kappa Phi’s select awards, grants and fellowships.

"The Kansas State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi is honored to receive the Chapter of Merit award,” said Mary Beth Kirkham, chapter president and professor of agronomy. “It would not be possible without the hard work of the chapter officers and committee members. We are fortunate to have a committed leadership that promotes scholastic excellence."

Chapters achieving the Chapter of Merit distinction receive:

  • a commendation letter from the society sent to chapter officers and campus administration
  • special recognition on the society’s website and publications
  • specially designed logo for use in chapter communications
  • recognition advertisements in local media and educational journals
  • $100 award

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines.