Phi Kappa Phi Inducts the Class of 2024

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As the first notes of the saxophone, piano, and bass filled the air, a sense of anticipation and pride surged through the Campus Center Auditorium at UMass Amherst. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most prestigious all-discipline honor society, was about to celebrate the induction of its newest members and recognize their outstanding academic achievements.

The ceremony, held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, brought together students, faculty, and staff to honor the resilience and excellence of the inductees in their academic pursuits. Professor Christine E. Hatch, President of the UMass Amherst Phi Kappa Phi chapter, and Professor Elena Carbone, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Oversight at Commonwealth Honors College, delivered welcoming remarks and congratulated the inductees on their remarkable accomplishments.

Chancellor Javier Reyes, the event's guest speaker, delivered a powerful message about the transformative power of education and the importance of lifelong learning. He stressed the value of academic excellence, praising the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in recognizing and promoting scholarly success. 

Chancellor Reyes also emphasized the importance of celebrating one’s achievements not just for personal glory, but as a recognition of the community’s support, "Every time I talk to students and say, 'Well, I don't know if I'm going to walk in graduation, or I don't know if I'm going to go to my induction ceremony, or I don't know if I'm going to go and get that award,' I always tell them, 'That award is not only for you. That induction is not only for you. That graduation ceremony is not only for you,'" 

Chancellor Reyes further encouraged students to recognize the collaborative nature of their achievements. 

"Students, I want you to realize one thing. You have done amazing things. But, no one does things alone. No one. You're here because you have shown your commitment. But there also has been a lot of support from other individuals who are here with you today to celebrate this moment." 

Reyes' words painted a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of success, reminding the inductees that their accomplishments were a testament to the love and support they had received from others, parents, friends, professors, administrators, and the like. 

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Professor Stephen Fernandez, Engineering Engagement Specialist at the College of Engineering

Honoring Faculty Alongside Students

One of the ceremony’s highlights was the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Professor Stephen Fernandez, Engineering Engagement Specialist at the College of Engineering. This prestigious award celebrated his profound and lasting impact on students, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the academic community and his dedication to fostering student success. His relentless, and heartfelt efforts in promoting transformative justice in engineering have inspired a new generation of engineers, earning him resounding applause and widespread admiration. 

The induction of new members followed, with each inductee being acknowledged for their academic achievements. This year, the chapter recognized 50 sophomores with a certificate of recognition, and inducted a total of 178 students, including 78 juniors, 28 seniors, and 72 graduate students. The students were invited to the stage to introduce themselves and share their plans for the following year, encouraged to take up space and boast their accomplishments boldly. From there, they shook the Chancellor's hand and stepped off stage to receive their rose. 

Chancellor Reyes stated, “[These] are about 210 individuals who have shown remarkable efforts, have shown remarkable accomplishments, who have been committed to their studies, to their education, and have done amazing things. And I have no doubt that this is just the beginning in long, long careers that they will have, impactful efforts that they will have throughout the next 30, 50 years."

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi has grown to include chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. The society's motto, "Let the love of learning rule humanity," encapsulates its mission to recognize and promote academic excellence across all disciplines.

The induction ceremony at UMass Amherst not only celebrated the accomplishments of the new members but also highlighted the supportive and inclusive academic community fostered by Commonwealth Honors College and the university as a whole. As these exceptional students continue their academic journeys, they will undoubtedly make significant contributions to their fields and society, embodying the values and ideals of Phi Kappa Phi.

As the reception drew to a close, the newly inducted members of Phi Kappa Phi left the auditorium inspired and grateful for the community’s support. Their achievements, celebrated at UMass Amherst, highlight the value of the education and opportunities that this University community fosters and creates. These students serve as a testament to the transformative impact of education and the endless possibilities that await those who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of learning. The UMass Amherst chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of scholars, keeping the love of learning a guiding light for the future.