I’m writing to you in winter, when New Year’s resolutions nudge us to become better  at how we think and what we do. Voicing a desire for change is the easy part, as we  all know. The challenge comes in developing a plan to make those changes happen.

We’ve been reminded of that this year at Phi Kappa Phi’s national office, where  we’ve been working hard to advance the goals of the Society’s new strategic vision.  Phi Kappa Phi has a proud set of traditions and a great history, but it’s grown over  the years by evolving to answer the needs of our members.

That’s why our national office, in collaboration with Phi Kappa Phi’s national  Board of Directors, developed a planning document that embraces several key  priorities. We want to diversify sources of support for the Society’s mission,  strengthen support of local chapters, raise the Society’s profile and stature beyond  its membership, and reduce financial barriers to membership for ambitious scholars  who want to join.

This year, our national office has been developing implementation strategies to  advance those ambitious objectives and measure our progress. The end result? A  finalized strategic plan to guide the Society’s work for coming generations.

To share ideas, Phi Kappa Phi’s staff conducted a daylong retreat in August  just down the street from our national office. I was deeply impressed throughout  the retreat by the energy and collaboration among our team members and their  thoughtful insights regarding the Society’s mission. That spirit of innovation and  service has guided our shared work in charting Phi Kappa Phi’s future, and it’s  continuing as we work to put our strategic plan in place.

I’m very proud of our staff and their commitment to our members, and I’m  grateful for the wisdom and support that our national Board of Directors has  brought to this process. But I also know that Phi Kappa Phi’s continued success  ultimately rests with our members.

Let me suggest several ways that you can help keep Phi Kappa Phi strong. First,  please maintain your status as an active member by renewing your membership.  Secondly, consider volunteering with a local chapter. Our chapters are the lifeblood  of our community, and they greatly benefit from your engagement. Thirdly, I invite  you to consider a financial gift to the Society. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi distributes  more than $1 million in awards and grants to the world’s best scholars. Your  contributions make that support possible.

Last, but not least, please feel free to share your ideas with us. You can reach me  with comments and suggestions at bnewcomer@phikappaphi.org.

Thanks to you, Phi Kappa Phi made great strides in 2025. I wish all of you a  happy and prosperous 2026.