The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, PKP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society’s mission is “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” The motto of PKP is Philosophia Krateitõ Phõtôn, translated “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” Today chapters of PKP are on the campuses of nearly 300 colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Boise State University Chapter 159

In 1974, Dr. William Mech and Dr. Wallace Kay of the Honors Program were instrumental in beginning a PKP Chapter at Boise State University.

• The primary purposes of this organization are to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education; to recognize outstanding achievement by students, faculty, and others through election to membership and through various awards for distinguished achievement; and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.
• Membership in this chapter is open to qualified scholars with integrity and high ethical standards from all academic disciplines.
• Initiated members remain members of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi even though they do not maintain active membership in either this chapter or in the national society.

Phi Kappa Phi Induction

The Boise State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi will induct new members in the spring semester of every year. Students must be in the top 7.5% of the junior class, the top 10% of the senior class, or the top 10% of graduate students with at least 18 credits. Eligible students will receive an email invitation to membership.

Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships, Scholarships, and Awards

Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million each year to outstanding students, Phi Kappa Phi members and chapters. Check out this fact sheet or click below to learn more about which Phi Kappa Phi awards may be right for you:

• Pioneer Award
• Study Abroad
• Graduate Research
• Literacy
• Distinguished Service
• Fellowship
• Dissertation Fellowship
• Love of Learning
• Mary Todd Sabbatical
• Scholar & Artist

Each chapter may select one candidate from its local applicants to compete Society-wide. Requirements: Active membership or acceptance to Phi Kappa Phi, acceptance full-time to the first year of post-graduate education for the coming year, application submitted to Boise State Chapter by April 3. Note: The Boise State University chapter may nominate one student for fellowship awards. PKP members who want to apply must be current on dues payments. If you would like to be nominated for a PKP fellowship, send your application materials to Esperansa Aguilera, chapter secretary, no later than April 1. A committee will review the applications and will select one to go on. More information and application materials about Phi Kappa Phi Awards.