Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Named a National Platinum Chapter

The ASU chapter is one of only 67 chapters recognized by the PKP Circle of Excellence program for 2020-21, and one of only 21 to be awarded the Platinum designation. There are currently 325 PKP chapters on select college campuses in the U.S. and the Philippines.

“Phi Kappa Phi is proud to recognize these chapters with the Circle of Excellence award,” said Dr. Mary Todd, PKP executive director. “Our chapters are the lifeblood of our society, and we are delighted to celebrate their success.”

The Circle of Excellence Platinum honor is given to chapters that scored a perfect 100 on a criteria scale that evaluates chapter health indicators. By receiving the Platinum distinction, the ASU chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that holds annual initiations, upholds the society bylaws, regularly attends chapter training opportunities, and submits a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.

Dr. Lesley Casarez“We are so honored to receive this designation for our chapter,” said Dr. Lesley Casarez, ASU chapter president. “It really highlights the efforts that our chapter officers have made to continue to reach out to students over the past year, even amid the disruptions caused by moving to virtual learning in the spring. We would like to thank the national office for their support, as well.”

Chapters achieving the Circle of Excellence Platinum distinction receive:

• A commendation letter from the PKP national office
• Special recognition on the national PKP website and social media
• A specially-designed logo for use in chapter communications
• A $300 cash award

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10% of seniors and graduate students and top 7.5% of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.

ASU inducts new students to its PKP chapter toward the end of each fall and spring semester. In 2020, the ASU chapter inducted 109 students during virtual ceremonies. Additionally, 42 Certificates of Merit were awarded to freshmen in the top 2.5% of their class and sophomores in the top 5% of their class in recognition of their academic success and as encouragement to join PKP when they are eligible as juniors.