|
History
In 1897, a group of ten students at the University of Maine perceived a need for an honor society on broader lines than any then in existence. They were assisted by interested professors and organized the Lambda Sigma ETA Society. A year or so later, the name was changed to the Morrill Society, in honor of the sponsor of the Congressional Act which provided for land-grant colleges. In 1900, it was transformed into a national society by action of a committee composed of the presidents of the University of Maine, the University of Tennessee and Pennsylvania State College (now Pennsylvania State University). The Society was renamed Phi Kappa Phi, from the initial letters of the Greek words forming its adopted motto: Philosophia Krateito Photon, "Let the love of wisdom rule humanity." Phi Kappa Phi currently has chapters in institutions from Maine to the Philippines and from Alaska to Puerto Rico. Phi Kappa Phi at Carnegie Mellon
Phi Kappa Phi was an important presence on the campus of Carnegie Tech and Carnegie Mellon from 1933 until 1983, when a lapse in membership led to the disbanding of our chapter. But the dedication of present Phi Kappa Phi members and the interest and support of potential members made the revival of our chapter possible in 1995. Since then, membership has been growing and chapter activities have been evoving apace. This Spring, we anticipate a faculty/student reception and research talk as well as a spring trip to a City Theatre performance. |