The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently recognized the College of Charleston chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Circle of Excellence Platinum Chapter, the highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization.
Introduced in 2018, the Circle of Excellence program recognized 67 chapters this year, including 21 with the Platinum distinction. The award is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and who demonstrate sustainability and vitality as a chapter of Phi Kappa. In order to receive a Platinum honor, chapters must score a perfect 100 on a criteria scale that evaluates chapter health indicators.
By receiving the Platinum distinction, the CofC 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.
“Our chapter is honored to receive this award for the second year in a row in recognition of our work in promoting excellence and in engaging scholars at the College of Charleston,” says Jim Bowring, associate professor of computer science and president of CofC’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter.
In addition to receiving a $300 cash award, chapters achieving the Circle of Excellence Platinum distinction receive a commendation letter from the society, special recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website and a specially designed logo for use in chapter communications.
“Phi Kappa Phi is proud to recognize these chapters with the Circle of Excellence award,” says Mary Todd, executive director of the Honor Society. “Our chapters are the lifeblood of our society, and we are delighted to celebrate their success.”
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. With a mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others, the society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States and the Philippines.
Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. 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.
College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu became an honorary member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society when he was the dean of engineering at San Jose State University.
