by Britty Johnson
University of West Georgia’s Cherie Jade Grant represented UWG’s chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi as the vice president at this year’s Student Leadership Summit. The two-day summit, hosted by the society, took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 31 and August 1.
When asked how it feels to be a part of Phi Kappa Phi, Cherie said, “It is somewhat overwhelming to be a part of such a prestigious honor society, knowing that I have actually worked my way to this point. Being given this acknowledgement feels like I have defied the odds and am not a statistic.”
As the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society, Phi Kappa Phi brought together more than 65 student vice presidents from across the nation and the Philippines for the summit. Engaging the society’s student vice presidents in personal organizational development, the summit also allowed participants to learn about strategies for operating and maintaining active chapters of Phi Kappa Phi. Participants also took advantage of a one-day training program of Collegiate EmPowerment seminars, which explored and enhanced individual strengths, interpersonal styles, and the capacity to lead.
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. With such substantial history, the current members of Phi Kappa Phi have a tremendous reputation to uphold. And Cherie says she has developed a strategic plan to do just that as well as help continue the Society’s growth.
“I plan to get the word out to the campus, students, and faculty who are lifetime Phi Kappa Phi members or students who are prospective members,” she said. “[I will] even try to conduct informational presentations to the Honors College and/or our campus to make people aware of the vast amount of benefits Phi Kappa Phi offers.”
With its mission statement, “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others,” Phi Kappa Phi has had a tremendous academic influence on universities nationwide and continues to do so. The student leadership summit was not only an excellent opportunity to expand and recognize the growth and success of Phi Kappa Phi, but also allowed students, like Cherie, to come together from different communities to support a common cause.
Do you have a comment or opinion about this story's topic? Perspective Online wants to hear from you. Submit a letter to the editor today.
