The Phi Kappa Phi honor society recently celebrated its 53rd anniversary on the campus of The University of Mississippi.
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is both the nation’s and the university’s oldest and most selective academic honor society.
The Ole Miss chapter was founded in May 1959 and included many recognizable names.
Notably, former Chancellor J.D. Williams and Frank Anderson, for whom Anderson Hall is named, were members of the inaugural class. To celebrate the organization’s 53 years here, the university held a small ceremony in the Lyceum last week.
The Phi Kappa Phi national organization provided a certificate to commemorate the occasion. The certificate matches the original charter of the university’s chapter and has been placed next to the original document in the entrance hall of the Lyceum.
“Chancellor Jones graciously joined us and shared his thoughts about the importance of student academic achievement and Phi Kappa Phi’s role in recognizing outstanding Ole Miss students,” chapter president Kerry Melear said. “Also, Dr. Dale Flesher, of the School of Accountancy, shared remarks concerning the history of the organization and the UM chapter.”
Inductees must be juniors in the top 7.5 percent of their class or seniors or graduate students in the top 10 percent of their class.
Jordan Troisi, a candidate for a master’s degree in higher education administration and student personnel, was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi this year.
“For me, being a part of Phi Kappa Phi means recognition for the hard work and diligence I have put into being successful,” Troisi said. “I firmly believe that people are products of not only their character but also their environment.”
