In 1916, the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society was established on the Syracuse University campus, the 16th chapter in the nation at the time.
The society, the nation’s oldest and most selective, is unique in that it comprises both undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines, making it a good fit for Syracuse.
In 2014, reorganizations left the Syracuse chapter without someone to lead it. But that is changing, as the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) is currently in the process of restarting the chapter. Invitations have recently been sent to eligible students, says Adam Crowley, fellowships advisor with CFSA and president of the University’s chapter. An induction ceremony for the new members will be held on campus on Wednesday, March 27.
A 1916 telegram from Penn State congratulating Syracuse University on receiving enough votes to establish a Phi Kappa Phi chapter (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Archives)
“This is the perfect time to relaunch our Phi Kappa Phi chapter,” Crowley says. “Phi Kappa Phi recognizes academic excellence in all disciplines, including professional schools. As the University emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, this felt like the right opportunity to build a forum bringing together outstanding students in diverse fields.”
Initiation into the organization is limited to the top 7.5% of juniors based on academic standing, Crowley says. Seniors and graduate students in the top 10% based on academic standing are also eligible.
There are currently 325 active chapters in the country. From 2010-14, 545 students were inducted into the Syracuse chapter.
Crowley says membership in the organization opens up new opportunities for students, including scholarships, networking and attendance at a national conference. As the chapter grows, Crowley envisions bringing in speakers and developing opportunities for community service.
“One of our first priorities is recruiting student officers to help identify programming that will appeal to all of our members,” he says. “I’m looking forward to working with our student leaders to find ways that our new members can collaborate with each other.”
Crowley will be assisted in the administration of the chapter by Robert Wilson, associate professor of geography and the environment in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs (vice president) and Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA (secretary).
Members of Phi Kappa Phi across the nation have served in the White House, in Congress and the Supreme Court, and have won Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes and other national and international awards for service and achievement in their chosen fields.
