DECATUR, Ill. – celebrated academic excellence and scholarly achievement during its Spring 2026 initiation ceremony for the , held March 31, 2026 in the Perkinson Gallery at Kirkland Fine Arts Center.
The ceremony welcomed a new class of student, faculty and staff members into 鶹Լ’s Chapter 052 of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.
Led by Chapter President Denice Love, the event brought together inductees, family members, faculty mentors and campus leaders to recognize the exceptional academic accomplishments of 鶹Լ’s top scholars.
“Today, we celebrate excellence as we gather to initiate worthy individuals into the society of Phi Kappa Phi,” Love said during the ceremony. “You were chosen based on your superior scholarship, and we are proud to welcome you into a community defined by leadership, achievement and service.”
Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin addressed the initiates, emphasizing both the honor of selection and the responsibility that comes with membership.
“This celebration of your academic excellence is only a beginning,” Curtin said. “Phi Kappa Phi calls its members to lives of continuous learning and service. I encourage you to use your talents to contribute to your communities and to help build a more just and sustainable world.”
Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation only and is extended to the top 7.5% of junior students and top 10% of seniors and graduate students, along with select faculty and staff who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi has more than 325 chapters worldwide and recognizes excellence across all academic disciplines. Its members include individuals who have gone on to serve in leadership roles across government, education, science and the arts, as well as those making meaningful contributions in their communities.
During the ceremony, initiates formally affirmed their commitment to the society’s motto, “Let the love of learning rule humanity,” a guiding principle that reflects Phi Kappa Phi’s mission to promote lifelong learning and service.
2026 Phi Kappa Phi Student Initiates
- Madelyn Beck
- Caleb Blair
- Chloe Davis
- Joshua Fields
- Hannah Fraley
- Guy Gahungu
- Tatum Harman
- Juno Hopson
- Kenneth Johnson
- Elizabeth Portman
- Kailynn Ray
- Audrey Soetermans
- Amy Webb-Braun
- Nicole Wells
Faculty, Staff and Alumni Initiatives
- Jaclyn Cantwell
- Eric Hector
As members of Phi Kappa Phi, inductees receive lifetime membership in the society and access to a wide range of scholarships, fellowships and professional development opportunities.
At 鶹Լ, the Phi Kappa Phi chapter continues to recognize students and professionals who exemplify the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its signature Performance Learning approach — preparing graduates to lead with knowledge, integrity and purpose.
