Phi Kappa Phi Awards Graduate Fellowship to ODU May Graduate

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently awarded a 2008-09 fellowship to Old Dominion University graduate James R. Lin, of Fairborn, Ohio. The award will enable him to pursue a degree in medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. Lin, a biology major with a 4.0 grade point average, received his bachelor's degree at ODU's May commencement. He also was the runner-up for the university's 2008 Kaufman Prize.

Lin was among 100 students nationwide to receive financial support from the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship and Award of Excellence program. Since its creation in 1932, the program has become one of the honor society's most visible and financially well-supported endeavors, allocating nearly $380,000 annually to deserving students for first-year graduate study. Currently, 60 fellowships of $5,000 and 40 awards of excellence of $2,000 are awarded each year.

The selection process for the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships and Awards of Excellence is based on the applicants' 1) undergraduate academic performance; 2) leadership and service on the campus and in the community; 3) evidence of graduate potential; 4) personal statement of educational perspective, purpose and objectives; and 5) the evaluation reports from three individuals who are in a position to attest to the student's performance, citizenship and character.

Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society.