The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines — recently recognized The University of Toledo 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 73 chapters with recognition this year, including 54 as a Chapter of Merit. UT was among 32 chapters that received chapter recognition in 2011.
“The sharp rise in the number of chapters that have achieved recognition this year is impressive. It shows our chapters aspire to live Phi Kappa Phi’s mission to recognize academic excellence, starting on their own campuses,” said Dr. Mary Todd, executive director of the society. “Chapter officers are volunteers with a deep commitment to Phi Kappa Phi; they are to be commended for their tireless effort on behalf of students.”
By receiving the Chapter of Merit distinction, The University of Toledo chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that meets frequently, holds annual initiations, and applies frequently for Phi Kappa Phi’s select scholarships, grants and fellowships.
“We are very grateful to the leadership of past president, Dr. Mohammed Hefzy, which led to our chapter receiving this award for two consecutive years, a first in the history of our chapter,” said Wade Lee, associate professor of library administration and chapter president. “The faculty, staff and student officers of our executive committee have worked hard to maintain an active and engaged chapter, which not only recognizes excellence but reaches out in service to our campus and community, and promotes the involvement of our chapter members through both the national and local Phi Kappa Phi scholarship and award programs.”
Chapters achieving the 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; and
• $100 award.
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, the society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines.
The UT chapter was founded in 1952. Its roots date back to 1935 with the formation of The University of Toledo Honor Society by four faculty members who were Phi Kappa Phi members. The chapter has more than 360 members on campus.
This is not the only honor accorded to the chapter this year. Dr. Tom Barden, dean of the UT Honors College and a member of the chapter’s executive committee, was named the Phi Kappa Phi National Scholar for 2012-2014 at the society’s recent national convention.
For more information on Phi Kappa Phi, visit phikappaphi.org. For more information on the UT chapter, go to pkptoledo.org.
