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The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Nicholls State University P.O. Box 2176 Thibodaux, LA 70310 |
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About Phi Kappa Phi Committed to its motto, “Let the love of learning rule humanity,” the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi promotes academic excellence in all fields of higher education and recognizes outstanding scholastic achievements by students, faculty, staff, and alumni. History In 1897, ten seniors at the University of Maine, assisted by the university president and some interested faculty members, founded an academic honor society open to superior college students regardless of academic discipline or gender. In 1900, with strong support from the presidents of Maine, Pennsylvania State College (now Pennsylvania State University), and the University of Tennessee, the Society became a national organization. In the same year, the Society was renamed Phi Kappa Phi from the initials of the three Greek words of its adopted motto: “Philosophía Krateítõ Phõtôn” ‘Let the love of learning rule humanity.’ Because the Society accepted members from the newer technological disciplines as well as from the traditional fields of arts and sciences, many early chapters were founded in the emerging land-grant colleges and universities. Currently, there are more than 280 chapters of Phi Kappa Phi, ranging from Maine to the Philippines and from Alaska to Puerto Rico. Since its founding over a century ago, more than one million persons have become members of the society. The Nicholls chapter was the 157th chapter to affiliate, in 1974, with 20 faculty charter members, 9 graduate students, and 45 undergraduate students being initiated. Our first president was Dr. Al Delahaye, who is still an active member. Motto “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” Mission "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Symbols The three primary symbols of the Society are the badge, the seal, and the ribbon. The badge is a globe with the sun’s corona radiating in 8 symmetrical configurations. The sun has traditionally been a symbol for the source of truth and knowledge that enlightens the world. Derived from the eight divisions of general education common in 1900, the eight equivalent rays represent the equal value in all academic fields. Encircling the globe is a band containing the Greek Letters Phi Kappa Phi representing the bond of fellowship that binds all lovers of learning in a common purpose. The seal of the Society features the badge in its center. It is encircled by a crenellated line that represents the battlements and walls of Troy, a great city produced by ancient technology and celebrate in the greatest of Greek poems. Above the crenellation are three stars honoring the three original chapters. Below are the words “Founded 1897.” A line representing the circle of fire the ancient Greeks thought enclosed the whole visible universe completes the seal. The ribbon of the Society is a meander pattern common in ancient Greek art and symbolizes the enduring values and ideals of learning promoted by the Society. |
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Last Modified: 5/18/06 |