Phi Kappa Phi News

Laurence Gebhardt, Board Member of the ISU chapter of Phi Kappa Phi of was recently awarded a 2025 Literacy Grant from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Gebhardt is one of eight recipients nationwide to receive the award.

The Literacy Grant Program, established in 2003, is part of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which currently gives more than $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through study abroad grants, graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development and member and chapter awards.

The $2,500 grant received by Mr. Gebhardt will be used to support Refugee Literacy through the BRIDGES Idaho program. This program supports refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Africa, the Middle East and Asia as they resettle in Idaho with limited English proficiency and unrecognized credentials. The program provides access to language instruction, educational resources and employment pathways. Through partnerships with Idaho State University and local organizations, BRIDGES offers tailored support, including enrollment in ISU's Intensive English Institute and technology courses to help refugees build literacy, integrate into the community, and achieve long-term success.

Congratulations to Laurence Gebhardt for a successful grant application and for elevating the awareness of the ISU chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.

In celebration of our 50^th anniversary, the Idaho State University chapter of the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi hosted a children’s book drive at both the Pocatello and Meridian campuses. “We are proud to promote the love of learning by providing these books to children and teens in our local community through this service project,” said Phi Kappa Phi President Barbara Frank.

The books collected during the book drive were distributed to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Family Service Alliance, the Aid for Friends Homeless Shelter, and Family Advocates. Phi Kappa Phi student Vice-President Nelly Cyuzuza, Awards and Grant Coordinator Jody Finnegan, and Board Member Joni Loftin delivered the books to these organizations. The books will be given to youth in the greater Pocatello and Treasure Valley communities to spur on a love of reading and learning. 

“This is such a great thing for our agency “, said Jared Marchand, Executive Director for CASA. “It is important for our volunteers to have these books to bring to children during their visits. It helps the volunteer connect with the children they are advocating for and provides them with something of their very own. Often times these children are removed from their home with no belongings of their own. It’s nice for our agency’s volunteers to give them something they can keep while they go through what is often times the worst situation of their life.”