Phi Kappa Phi celebrates 50-year anniversary

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) chapter of Phi Kappa Phi celebrated 50 years this spring. On March 28, the organization welcomed 11 new inductees into membership at the Dahlonega Campus. 

Jill Holman, UNG chapter president and director of internal audit, gave the welcome and closing remarks to the 46 attendees, which included retirees Dr. Richard Oates and Dr. Donna Gessell. 

"Membership in Phi Kappa Phi denotes excellence and affords continued opportunities for learning," Holman said. "Members have access to numerous awards for pursuing education abroad, graduate study and professional development." 

Inductees included: 

• Tim Daniels, interim assistant dean of libraries and associate professor 
• Dr. John Delaney, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students 
• Ervin M. Howard, instructional designer 
• Caroline Jones, a UNG junior from Blacksburg, Virginia 
• Melissa Lockaby, collection management librarian and coordinator of information services 
• Beyza Lorenz, assistant director of instructional design 
• Mirela Makarevic, a graduate student and nurse practitioner from Dacula, Georgia 
• Maria C. Martinez, a UNG alumna and graduate student from Gainesville, Georgia 
• Brett M. Merritt, university registrar 
• Cheryl Y. Reed, a UNG alumna, graduate student and nurse practitioner from Jefferson, Georgia 
• Dr. Troy M. Terry, dean of graduate studies 

Terry, who was unable to make the induction, shared he was excited to join and is looking forward to participating in the chapter. 

"I was honored to be invited to join Phi Kappa Phi, UNG Chapter, since it is one of the nation’s oldest, most prestigious all-discipline honor societies.  With members from all walks of life and from across all parts of the nation, the network it provides members is truly advantageous," said Terry. 

Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, dean of the UNG College of Health Sciences and Professions, gave the keynote address, which was followed by the reading of the motto, introduction of the initiates and a pinning presentation.  

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and is the oldest multidisciplinary honor society in the United States. With more than 300 chapters, UNG's chapter was launched in 1974 and chartered by 16 faculty and staff members, including Dr. John H. Owen, then president of the college.