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Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

photo of maura and paulLocal Students Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Pioneer Award

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines — is proud to announce the recipients of a 2025 Pioneer Award. The $1,000 grants were awarded to 50 students across the nation.

The Pioneer Awards are designed to encourage and reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.

Recipients from University of South Alabama include:

Maura Hawkins of Orange Beach, Alabama, was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2024.

Paul Nguyen of Mobile, Alabama, was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2024.

The selection process for a Pioneer Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, honors and awards, relevant research experience, service and leadership experience, on and off campus, a personal statement and letter of recommendation.

The Pioneer Award, established in 2022, is the newest addition to the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which currently gives more than $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to offer an award exclusively for undergraduates through this program.

To see the complete list of 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/2025PioneerAward.

Hannah Richardson photoCongratulations to Hannah Richardson for receiving Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship

Hannah Richardson Awarded $8,500 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship

Hannah Richardson of Spanish Fort, Alabama, has been awarded a Fellowship worth $8,500 by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Richardson is one of 48 recipients nationwide to receive a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship.

Richardson received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from University of South Alabama. As a Phi Kappa Phi Fellow, Richardson will pursue a master's degree in mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University.

Since its creation in 1932, the Fellowship Program has become one of the Society's most visible and financially well-supported endeavors. This year’s program awarded two awards at $35,000 each, the 1897 Fellowship and the Sherrill Carlson Fellowship; six $15,000 Marcus L. Urann Fellowships, named for the Society’s founder; and 40 fellowships of $8,500 each.

The selection process for a fellowship is based on the applicant's evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals, and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.

To see the complete list of 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/2025Fellowships.

Phi Kappa Phi 2024-25 Award Recipient  Bret Webb photo

The University of South Alabama Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi proudly announces the 2024 Scholar of the Year, Dr. Bret Webb, Professor in Civil Engineering.

"Let the love of learning rule humanity."

Phi Kappa Phi Chapter #194

Phi Kappa Phi was born different. In 1897, 10 senior students, 2 faculty members and the University of Maine president created a new kind of honor society, one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Under the leadership of student Marcus L. Urann, the group formed the Lambda Sigma Eta Society, later renamed Phi Kappa Phi from the letters of the Greek words forming its motto, Philosophìa Krateìto Photôn, "Let the love of learning rule humanity." Today, Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and promotes academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engages the community of scholars in service to others.

 

 Learn more about joining Phi Kappa Phi at USA.