Phi Kappa Phi’s national office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, includes a small courtyard made possible by donors. Patio bricks bear the names of some of the Society’s supporters, which is what makes this space so special. The patio is an especially nice spot each autumn, when milder temps allow staff to gather there for lunch, work meetings, and other Society functions.

Individually, each brick makes a modest impression. When joined, though, they create a striking landscape. Any visitor to our courtyard is quickly reminded of an abiding truth about Phi Kappa Phi. Alone, each member has obvious value. But when our cause is joined with others, our power to do good becomes exponentially greater.

That’s a compelling reality to keep in mind at a time when so many aspects of civic life right now seem challenged by division. Since its inception in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi has offered an alternative vision, one in which scholars thrive and advance progress through community. Those courtyard bricks just beyond my office at Phi Kappa Phi symbolize the deeply impactful work the Society is doing on much greater levels. It’s all made possible by individual members, just like you, who are joining with Phi Kappa Phi stakeholders around the world to build a better future.

Our local chapters are undertaking service projects that make their communities stronger. Your active membership allows us to recognize ambitious scholars for their academic excellence, setting a standard for other students to follow. Each year, thanks to the support of our donors, Phi Kappa Phi gives about $1 million in grants and awards to the best and the brightest minds so that they can learn more and embrace groundbreaking research. Empowered by these resources, great minds are helping to cure disease, grow better crops, build stronger cities, nurture the planet, and inspire our imagination through the liberal arts.

Phi Kappa Phi’s recently concluded convention affirmed our collective strength. I was heartened to see the vitality of our Phi Kappa Phi community, a key resource in our ongoing work. Here at the national office, we’re advancing a new strategic plan to guide the Society’s future, targeting new technology and other resources to better track and serve our chapters and members, and building our capacity, through enhanced fundraising, to make even greater impacts on our world through the power of knowledge.

I welcome your continuing involvement in our mission. You can help by volunteering at a local Phi Kappa Phi chapter, maintaining your active membership, and considering a donation to support our ongoing projects. More information about getting involved is available at phikappaphi.org.

As always, please feel free to email me at bnewcomer@phikappaphi.org with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.