TAMIU Phi Kappa Phi Named Circle of Excellence Silver Chapter

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines— has recognized Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Chapter 296 as a Circle of Excellence Silver Chapter.

 The Award is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and demonstrate sustainability and vitality as a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.

“The Circle of Honor program recognizes Phi Kappa Phi chapters that have gone above and beyond to promote academic excellence on their campuses,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

The Circle of Excellence Silver honor is given to chapters who scored a 90 - 94 out of 100 on a criteria scale that evaluates chapter health indicators. By receiving the Silver distinction, the TAMIU 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. Tariq H. Tashtoush, Chapter President, said the honor is a reflection of TAMIU’s vibrant Chapter and members’ commitment.

“This affirms the steadfast commitment of our officers and membership, who despite tremendous challenges like the COVID-19 Pandemic, found innovative ways to continue our Chapter’s mission.  We have welcomed 54 new members to the Chapter and are continuing  special scholarship programs that  uphold our Chapter’s commitment to the love of learning, our PKP motto,” Dr. Tashtoush said.

In addition to Dr. Tashtoush, TAMIU PKP Chapter 296 officers include Dr. Ruby A. Ynalvez, President-Elect; Dr. James A. Norris, Secretary; Laura Elizondo, Treasurer; Priscilla Y. Muñoz, Scholarship Coordinator; Dr. Peter F. Haruna, Student Vice-Presidents Liaison and Mayra Can, Student Vice-President.

As part of its Award, the Chapter receives a commendation letter from the Society, special recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website, a dedicated logo for use in chapter communications, and the choice of a $100 cash award or applicable event registration grant.

The Circle of Excellence distinction is a part of the Society’s Circle of Honor program, which was introduced in 2018 and awarded for the first time this year. The program recognized 75 chapters this year, including 31 with the Silver distinction. Phi Kappa Phi currently has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and the Philippines.

To learn more about the TAMIU Phi Kappa Phi Chapter, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/lla/phikappaphi

About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, 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 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives.

For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.