New Zion native Matt Harrington was recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society," according to the fraternity's website.
Inducted as a student at Francis Marion University, Harrington was among about 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated this year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
"Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership," reads the group's website. "Graduate students in the top 10 percent of number other candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Founded in 1897 by University of Maine undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann, who wanted to recognize excellence in all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi now has chapters on more than 300 college campuses in the United States and the organization recognizes more than 100,000 active members and 1.5 million members overall since its founding.
Notable members include former President Jimmy Carter; NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence; novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.
For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.7u
