Distinguished Service - Resources

The Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award recognizes service over the course of one's professional career beyond the realm of academia.  To that end, students are not eligible for this award.

• The nominee must have been initiated by Feb. 1, 2019.
• The nominee need not be affiliated with an academic institution.
• The nominee must be an active member with current dues paid as of Feb. 1, 2026.
• The nominee cannot be a sitting Phi Kappa Phi board member, divisional vice president, member of the Distinguished Service Award committee or Society employee at the time of application or announcement.

Please note:

• The service cannot be part of the nominee's job description or position.
• The service cannot be the sole donation of money to a cause or organization.
• The service can be performed by a non-U.S. citizen and conducted in any country.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2026.

You will be required to submit a cover letter from the chapter president or other nominator (including self) describing the sustained service and the evidence of the impact of the service; your current CV; and at least one (up to three) letter(s) of support.

• Distinguished record of dedicated, sustained service over many years to one or more causes or organizations (at least six years of substantive service).
• Demonstrated involvement of the nominee's participation in the service activities.
• Evidence of demonstrated impact of the service.

The recipient's attendance at the Society's biennial convention is expected.

Award recipients are required to submit a W-9 and will receive a 1099-MISC from the organization. Recipients should consult with their tax advisor regarding the taxability of award payments.

* Foreign persons, including nonresident aliens, must provide Form W-8 BEN. Depending on the information provided, Phi Kappa Phi may be required to withhold 30% of the award for tax purposes per Internal Revenue Service regulations.

Instructions for completing W-8BEN.