Phi Kappa Phi’s national office staff held a viewing celebration for the solar eclipse on April 8.

The gathering was an occasion for fun and fellowship, though viewing conditions were less than ideal. The national office is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which wasn’t on the “path of totality” that revealed the most dramatic effects for the eclipse as it worked across North America. Clouds and rain in Baton Rouge further compromised viewing.

Even so, staff members found other ways to mark the astronomical event. Staffers gathered in the Society’s John R. Baker Library for “eclipse cookies” and lemonade. The cookies were decorated with alternating lemon and chocolate icing to simulate the light and shadow of the eclipse. The library’s collection, endowed by Diane G. and Webb M. Smathers Jr., formed a backdrop to the festivities. 

“Fellowship is key for Phi Kappa Phi’s community of scholars, and we want to model those connections within our work at the national office,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer. “Even when there’s no eclipse to draw our attention upward, Phi Kappa Phi members are always curious about the world’s marvels. Their passion for learning is a great engine of progress.”

Phi Kappa Phi’s role in exploring the heavens is impressive. Some 30 Phi Kappa Phi members have traveled into space. James McDivitt, who was initiated at University of Michigan in 1959, was the first Society member in space.   

On March 14, 1995, a record-breaking total of 13 people were in space at one time. They were aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the Mir space station, and the Soyuz TM21. Flying high on the Space Shuttle were three Society members – Samuel Durrance, initiated at California State University, Los Angeles; Wendy Lawrence, United States Naval Academy; and Ronald Parise, Youngstown State University. 

Phi Kappa Phi’s legacy in helping to push the boundaries of space complements the theme of its current biennium, “Excellence Knows No Bounds.” 

The theme also points to the Society’s ongoing work in advancing scholarship and innovation across all disciplines. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi dispenses $1.3 million in awards and grants to deserving scholars – support that comes from the Society’s global community of donors.

For more information about giving opportunities within Phi Kappa Phi, please visit phikappaphi.org/giving.