WKU News

Three WKU students recently were awarded study abroad grants worth $1,000 each from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The students are part of a select group of 25 students nationwide to receive the award.

The students receiving a Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant are:

• Andi Dahmer, a senior from Fisherville, will use the grant to study in Spain
• Lauren Pedersen, a senior from Barbourville, will use the grant to study with the Semester at Sea program
• Dimond A. Shelton, a junior from Cromwell, will use the grant to study in Kenya

The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and acceptance into a study abroad program. Each recipient will receive $1,000 to be applied toward travel abroad.

Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program has awarded more than $800,000 to undergraduate students. The grants are part of the Society’s robust award programs, which give nearly $1 million each biennium to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

About Phi Kappa Phi: Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

Contact: Hannah Breaux, (225) 923-7777 or hbreaux@phikappaphi.org