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Giving Tuesday: Changing Lives for Years to Come

Marla Elsea
Nov 16, 2021

In just two weeks, Phi Kappa Phi will join organizations around the world to celebrate Giving Tuesday – a global day of philanthropy dedicated to giving back. The gifts our supporters make today have the opportunity to impact lives for years to come. Two decades ago, one special member did just that.

In 2001, a fellowship was created to honor the memory of Kathleen Greey. As a longtime chapter officer at Portland State University, Greey made the decision to donate to the Society as part of her estate plan. Twenty years later, her gift is still making lasting change for students today.

Hayley Betty Fitzgerald-Smith, who was initiated at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was named the Kathleen Greey fellow for 2021. "Receiving this fellowship removed a mountain of stress," said Fitzgerald-Smith. "Attending law school is my dream, but funding my dream is very difficult. With this scholarship, my goal of becoming an attorney feels closer than ever. With this scholarship, I can relax and enjoy the fact that I am truly going to be able to pursue my lifelong goal."

Greey's generosity, along with other donors throughout the years, has helped our awards program grow to the robust program it is today granting more than $1 million each year to deserving students, members and schools.

"I believe that the best part of Phi Kappa Phi is the support that it provides to its members. I am not simply referring to the scholarship funding that it offers," said Fitzgerald-Smith. "Phi Kappa Phi gives its members a chance to lead and to create a positive impact at their universities and in their communities. I do not think that I would be the leader I am today without the support of Phi Kappa Phi."

Mark your calendar for Nov. 30, and learn more about Giving Tuesday today.

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