The University of South Alabama chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society was recently recognized at the organization's 2004 Triennial Convention in Albuquerque, N.M., and awarded a special certificate for its 25th anniversary.

Founded in 1897, the society seeks to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.

The society includes members from all academic disciplines, and election to membership is by invitation only. Those elected to membership include upper 7.5 percent last-term juniors (having completed at least 72 semester hours) and upper 10 percent seniors, along with outstanding graduate students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni.

Students elected to be Phi Kappa Phi members may apply for graduate fellowships and study abroad grants. Faculty are eligible for awards in the sciences and arts as well as literacy grants to promote literacy in the community. More than $500,000 is awarded each year for these projects.

Dr. Julio Turrens, associate dean of the College of Allied Health Professions, would like to identify all PKP members on campus to re-organize the University chapter and increase its visibility. If you haven't been contacted, please notify him at 380-2714 or e-mail, jturrens@usouthal.edu.

For more information on Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.