Purpose
The Primary objective of the national Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. The Society is convinced that in recognizing and honoring those persons of good character who have excelled in scholarship, in whatever field, it will stimulate others to strive for excellence. Moreover, the Society serves the interests of the student capable of excellence by insisting that in order to acquire a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, an institution provide the means and atmosphere conducive to academic excellence.
The seal of the Society (shown above) has at its center the badge. This in turn is surrounded by a crenelated line which represents the battlements and walls of Troy and which symbolizes a technological aspect of the ancient Greek culture reflected by the Society. In the space between this line and the periphery of the seal appear three stars just above the badge, one for each of the three original chapters. Just below the badge is the phrase "Founded 1897."
The ribbon of the Society (shown in the border above) is a meander pattern which is common in ancient Greek art and which thus symbolizes the classical features of the Society.
The Phi Kappa Phi Badge
The badge of this Society, which appears on the key, is a globe against the background of the sun, whose rays form an expansive corona and radiate in a number of symmetrical concentrations from behind the globe.These signify equivalence among the various branches of learning and represent the dissemination of truth as light.
Encircling the globe is a band containing the Greek letters for Phi Kappa Phi and symbolizing a fraternal bond which girds the earth and binds the lovers of wisdom in a common purpose.
SIUC and Phi Kappa Phi
Chapter 072 of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi was installed on March 29, 1956. At that time, ten charter members and seven initiates became members of the new local chapter which was consolidated with a University Honor Society established in 1951. In 1956, 48 students were elected to membership in Phi Kappa Phi, joining 55 members of the new chapter.
Scholarships and Fellowships
The SIUC chapter rewards academic excellence with a Sophomore Scholarship, a Junior Scholarship, and a Senior Fellowship for graduate study.
Questions? Contact Terri
Harfst by email at terriw@siu.edu or call 618-453-4628.
Research Day
In March or April each year, Phi Kappa Phi cooperates with the SIUC Office of Research Development and Administration in sponsoring and participating in the "Undergraduate Research Forum," which celebrates and recognizes the research and creativity of undergraduate students and the "Annual Research Town Meeting and Fair," which celebrates research, scholarship and creative activities at SIUC. Held at the SIU Student Center researchers at each event display their research by posters, research demonstrations or exhibits and interact with other researchers from all disciplines.