Earlier this year, staff at Phi Kappa Phi’s national office gathered in our workplace and took CPR training, something we do from time to time. The training lasted for half a day, and for a busy staff such as ours, it’s always challenging to find time for such professional development.

But if an emergency occurs in our workplace, we want employees trained and equipped to help their colleagues until medical professionals arrive. Just as importantly, this training also helps our national office staff give life-saving assistance to friends, family, even strangers who might be in desperate need.

Our CPR class took place in the John R. Baker Library of our national office, which was endowed by Kyle Baker in memory of his father. The space features a library collection endowed by Drs. Diane G. and Webb Smathers Jr. There are classic works of literature, history, and science on the shelves, along with a special bookcase that highlights books published by Phi Kappa Phi members.

It was moving to see our staff members huddled on the floor of the library as they honed their CPR skills on practice dummies. In a book-lined room, they were literally surrounded by some of the world’s key knowledge. But in practicing what they’d just been taught, our staff was embracing a primary principle of our Society: putting knowledge in service to others.

That’s what makes Phi Kappa Phi such a singular institution. We aren’t just a group of smart people who made good grades in college, though academic excellence is surely worth celebrating. We’re also committed to putting knowledge into action, harnessing the gifts of the mind to make a better world. As Phi Kappa Phi’s executive director and CEO, I’m privileged to visit chapters across the country, engaging with Society scholars who are advancing medical breakthroughs, innovating agriculture, pioneering space, and enriching our understanding of literature, philosophy, and the arts.

To fulfill that mission, Phi Kappa Phi distributes more than $1 million each year in awards and grants to ambitious scholars. You can be a part of that support by engaging with our giving opportunities at www.phikappaphi.org/giving.

I hope that all of you have a restful and fulfilling summer. We’re remaining busy here at the national office as we continue to implement key objectives of our strategic plan. You can read more about those efforts within this issue. Should you have any comments or questions about Phi Kappa Phi, please feel free to reach me at bnewcomer@phikappaphi.org.