Water Quality

Valuing Regional Water Supply Planning and Conservation Alternatives

Water for Life: Addressing a 21st Century Crisis

Jim Carlson
Chapter Relations Director
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Promoting the "Unity and Democracy of Education"

In 1897 at the University of Maine, ten senior students, two faculty members, and the school president created an honor society that was different from the few others then in existence-one that recognized and honored excellence in all academic disciplines. Under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann, the group formed Phi Kappa Phi from the initial letters of the Greek words forming its adopted motto: Philosophìa Krateìto Photôn, "Let the love of learning rule humanity."

Phi Kappa Phi supports the pursuit of interdisciplinary scholarship through its mission: "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."  The principles of Phi Kappa Phi go back to the beginning, with its original symbols.  The PKP badge is an 8-rayed sun representing the various branches of general education. The arrangement was established to recognize and encourage superior scholarship without restriction as to area of study and to promote the "unity and democracy of education.”