The Campbell University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi
held its 29th anniversary banquet and induction ceremony on
Wednesday, March 24. A total of 61 new members were inducted into
the Campbell chapter, which was chartered in 1975.
Dr. Bruce McNair, associate professor in the
Department of Government, History, and Justice, and president of
Chapter 180, presided at the event, which opened with an invocation
by Dr. Gina Peterman, president-elect of the chapter.
Dr. Wendell McKenzie, alumni distinguished professor
of Genetics at North Carolina State University and national
president of Phi Kappa Phi, gave the keynote address. In his
remarks, McKenzie quoted the poem "Pretty Good" by Charles Osgood,
pointing out that being pretty good is not enough to achieve
greatness. "We're not here to recognize 'pretty good,'" McKenzie
said. "We're here to celebrate excellence."
McKenzie also shared some of his personal thoughts
on excellence and the personal responsibility that excellence
necessitates. "Excellence, I believe, is more so a process than an
end, something to pursue rather than to acquire," he said. "As with
many pursuits, the journey is better than the destination."
In addition to the undergraduate and student
inductees, David Lewis was honored as an alumni inductee. Lewis, a
1994 graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration,
currently serves in the North Carolina House of Representatives for
the 53rd District. He operates Harnett Tractor Co. in Dunn, NC.
Also recognized was senior Nikki Reason, Campbell's
current nominee for a Phi Kappa Phi national graduate fellowship,
and senior Steven Hamilton, the runner-up for Campbell's nomination.
Over the last 14 years, eight of Campbell's fellowship nominees have
been awarded either the graduate fellowship or an award of
excellence.
Invitations to join Phi Kappa Phi are based on
academic achievements and exemplary character. Seniors are selected
from the top 10 percent of their class, while juniors must be in the
top 7.5 percent. Also eligible for membership are outstanding
graduate students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, which numbers more than
one million members worldwide, was founded at the University of Maine in 1897
and currently has chapters at nearly 300 colleges and universities in the
United States, Philippines, and Puerto Rico. It is the oldest and most
selective honor society dedicated to the recognition and promotion of academic
excellence within all fields of higher education.
Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $500,000 in national and local
scholarships each year. The society also sponsors internship and study abroad
grants for undergraduates, and recognizes renowned scholars and artists
through its Scholar and Artist competitions. Famous members of Phi Kappa Phi
include Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, and authors John Grisham and Stephen Ambrose.
Founded in 1887, Campbell University is North Carolina's
second largest private institution of higher education and the second largest
Baptist university in the world. Located in Buies Creek, NC, just east of the
center of the state, Campbell combines academic excellence and Christian
commitment.
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