Five FSU Students Honored with National Phi Kappa Phi Awards
Five students from Florida State University (FSU) have received prestigious national awards from the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society for their exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, and community service. The students recognized, Eddie Fordham, Joanna Godfrey, and Lauryn Klostreich, were among 50 nationwide to earn the Pioneer Award, each receiving $1,000 for their contributions in research and community engagement.
This year, FSU tied with Fordham University as the institution with the most Pioneer Award winners. Klostreich, a student of American politics and policy, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I don’t think it was one specific service that led to this recognition, but a culmination of everything I’ve pushed myself to do. The Pioneer Award feels like recognition for how far I’ve come.”
Recognition of Academic Excellence and Community Service
In addition to the Pioneer Award recipients, FSU students Connor Krassel and Shrikant Fulari were honored with the Love of Learning Award. This award supports 155 students across the country by providing $1,000 each for post-baccalaureate professional development. Krassel plans to utilize the funds for his medical school expenses, while Fulari intends to attend the International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems in Minneapolis.
Fulari emphasized the significance of the award, saying, “Being selected for the Love of Learning Award is a significant honor that validates my dedication to academic excellence, innovative research, and service to the professional community.”
Krassel, who co-founded the New Horizons Network with fellow student Hayley Schermer, aims to support the local jobless community in Tallahassee by offering free workshops on resume building, job applications, and interview preparation.
Celebrating a Century of Excellence
Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is extended by invitation only to the top 7.5% of juniors, the top 10% of seniors, and the top 10% of graduate and professional students within their respective academic programs. With approximately 300 chapters nationwide and around 100,000 active members, Phi Kappa Phi has a significant presence in higher education.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of FSU’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Chapter president and assistant dean for retention and engagement, Allison Peters, noted that “Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is more than a line on a resume. It is an opportunity to engage with fellow scholars at FSU and beyond. We encourage members to join us at chapter events and to seek awards that further their future professional and academic goals.”
To find out more about Phi Kappa Phi at FSU, visit undergrad.fsu.edu. For additional information about Phi Kappa Phi award opportunities, visit phikappaphi.org/grants-awards.
