I’m happy to connect with you as we greet another spring, when many of Phi Kappa Phi’s chapters hold their initiation ceremonies. I’ve been privileged to visit many of our host campuses in spring to participate in these ceremonies, and the campus itself can be a wonderful backdrop for the proceedings. Spring is a time, of course, when universities and other public spaces are at their greenest. The season’s generous light helps life thrive.

Phi Kappa Phi’s scholars also thrive when we put light on their efforts. When we publicly recognize, encourage, and celebrate academic achievement, we make it more likely that others will embrace curiosity and learning as core values.

That’s why Phi Kappa Phi’s initiation ceremonies are so powerful. In a special way, they marshal communities in common witness to our best selves. These ceremonies celebrate a central truth: Humanity reaches its fullest promise when we harness learning in service to others.

That’s why a handful of scholars founded Phi Kappa Phi in 1897 — and why it’s grown to include some 100,000 active members around the world. There’s still much more to do.

Phi Kappa Phi calls its defining ceremonies “initiations” because they’re meant as beginnings, the first steps on a lifelong journey. We want Phi Kappa Phi to follow our members wherever they go. We plan to award more than $1 million this year in grants and awards to ambitious scholars. This investment in the future will drive innovation across many disciplines, including biology and literature, chemistry and agriculture, medicine and engineering. I’m deeply proud that Phi Kappa Phi touches all disciplines, nurturing dynamic collaborations among a range of fields. These kinds of synergies are powerful drivers of discovery and progress.

I’m excited about our mission, and I’d like to suggest a few ways for you to deepen your engagement with our ongoing work. Consider volunteering for your local Phi Kappa Phi chapter this year. Our chapters sustain our community of scholars, and opportunities abound for you to get involved.

Please remember to maintain your active membership in Phi Kappa Phi, which strengthens our ability to empower new generations of scholars.

Let me also invite you to consider making a financial gift to the Society. Your donation helps us support the world’s best minds as they advance new frontiers of knowledge. You can find lots of great information about your membership and giving opportunities at phikappaphi.org/giving.

Spring is a hopeful season, and the work that we do each day at Phi Kappa Phi’s national office is a cause for hope, too. In a challenging time for the world, we’re committed to building a brighter future driven by the love of learning, and I’m grateful to all of you for undertaking the journey with us.

As always, please feel free to reach me with your comments, ideas, and suggestions at bnewcomer@phikappaphi.org.