The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phithe nations oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplinesrecently recognized the Southeast Missouri State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, the second-highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization.The award is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and that demonstrate sustainability and vitality as a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.The Circle of Honor program recognizes Phi Kappa Phi chapters that have gone above and beyond to promote academic excellence on their campuses, said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.The Circle of Excellence Gold honor is given to chapters that scored a 95-99 out of 100 on a criteria scale that evaluates chapter health indicators. By receiving the Gold distinction, Southeasts chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that holds annual initiations, upholds the Society Bylaws, regularly attends chapter training opportunities and submits a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program."Southeasts Phi Kappa Phi chapter is excited to be awarded the Circle of Excellence Gold status. Our chapter continues to strive to be active in promoting the love of learning by recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in all fields of higher education," said Marge Phillips, chapter president. "Our chapter has active service projects, especially our Born to Read Literacy Project which is an ongoing project started in 2001. Through this project, we give a babys board book to every baby born in the two Cape Girardeau hospitals and the Perryville hospital. Over the past 18 years, we have given over 60,000 baby board books and continue to advocate for the importance of reading. Each semester other service projects are also added to our activities."The Circle of Excellence program was introduced in 2018. The program recognized 108 chapters this year, including 37 with the Gold distinction.In recognition of Southeast chapters designation as a Circle of Excellence Gold member, the University will be recognized on the Phi Kappa Phis official website, will receive aspecially-designed logo for use in chapter communications, and will receive a $200 cash award or applicable amount to go towards an event registration grant.For more information on Southeasts Phi Kappa Phi chapter, visit https://semo.edu/pkp/index.html.About Phi Kappa PhiFounded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. 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. Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Phi Kappa Phi currently has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and the Philippines.