TAMIU Phi Kappa Phi Recognized As Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) has been recognized by a national collegiate honor society for its commitment to its chapter operations and sustainability.
TAMIU’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter has been named a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, an accolade awarded by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest honor society for all academic disciplines.
According to a statement released by honor society, University chapters are recognized that, “…exceed expectations in chapter operations and who demonstrate sustainability and vitality as a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.”
Initially introduced in 2018, this year’s Circle of Excellence program recognized 108 chapters, including 37 with the Gold distinction. Currently, Phi Kappa Phi has more than 300 chapters at campuses in the United States and the Philippines.
The Circle of Excellence Gold honorees are awarded to chapters scoring between 95-99 out of 100, based on a criteria scale that evaluates the chapter’s health on campus. Active organizations often hold annual initiations, follow and uphold the Society Bylaws, regularly attend chapter training opportunities and submit a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.
"We are so very proud of this recognition. We work very hard to exemplify excellence at our university and take great pride in the achievements of our students. We will continue to strive to merit future awards," said Dr. Lola Orellano Norris, TAMIU chapter president.
Circle of Excellence Gold recipients are awarded a letter of commendation on behalf of the national society, recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website, a specially-designed logo, and can choose between a $200 cash award or event registration grant.
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi serves as one of the most selective collegiate honor societies for all academic disciplines. Membership is granted by invitation only, and is typically awarded to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors.
More than 1.5 million members have been initiated, including prominent members such as former President Jimmy Carter, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.
Every year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through fellowships and grant initiatives.
For more information on the Circle of Excellence program, visit www.phikappaphi.org/2020Excellence.
TAMIU is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and its 25th Anniversary at its north Laredo campus throughout 2019-2020. A dedicated website shares the University’s transformation from a hybrid upper-level university to a full doctoral degree-granting University enrolling over 8,400 students and over 29,000 alumni worldwide. It includes a calendar of Anniversary events and more at tamiu.edu/50.
For more on the University’s story, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
