The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will install its 353rd chapter at Methodist College in Peoria, Illinois, today, March 29. Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

“The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to welcome Methodist College to its community of scholars,” said Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “The holistic and comprehensive academic experience Methodist offers its students is central to its commitment to educate quality and engaged health care professionals.”

The installation of the Methodist College chapter comes after a thorough petitioning process, site visit and approval from the Society’s board of directors. To be eligible, an institution must be a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an established reputation of excellence and an expressed commitment to upholding the values of the Society.

The officers at the newly installed chapter are President Charles Clark, President-elect Eileen Setti, Secretary Pam Ferguson, Treasurer Barry Soffietti, Public Relations Officer Debbie Stark, and Awards and Grants Coordinator Melissa Williams.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 when Marcus L. Urann, a student, brought to his professor the idea of creating a different kind of honor society—one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and the Philippines and inducts approximately 30,000 new members each year. Membership is by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, along with faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.