The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Provost Teresa Sullivan, second from right, chats with some of the students who have been invited to join the national honor society Phi Kappa Phi. They are John Bakarich (right), Oben Ceryan (left) and Jacqueline Kauza. Fiona Ruddy is in the foreground. Earlier Tuesday evening, Sullivan gave a formal presentation about the benefits of belonging to the group. (Photo by Mary Beth Donovan)

By Mary Beth Donovan
Phi Kappa Phi Public Relations, University of Michigan Chapter

As part of ‘Blitz Week’ activities for the University of Michigan Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, Provost Teresa Sullivan spoke Tuesday evening to students invited for membership in 2010.

Sullivan spoke about her own experiences as a member of the national honor society and treasurer of its University of Michigan chapter.

“Three primary benefits to joining are: 1) the people you will meet and networking opportunities you will have; 2) the ability to compete for more than $700,000 in scholarships and fellowships awarded annually by the society; and 3) Phi Kappa Phi is one of only four honor society memberships that appear on a Michigan student’s transcript,” Sullivan said.

She also mentioned to a select group of attendees that plans are under way to induct President Mary Sue Coleman as an honorary Phi Kappa Phi member at the chapter’s initiation ceremony on March 21.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. Founded in 1897, its distinguishing characteristic is the belief that all branches of higher education merit recognition. It extends its interest and eligibility across the entire range of academic inquiry.

Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. Since its founding in 1926, the University of Michigan chapter has inducted more than 8,000 members.