On March 12, faculty, students, and family gathered together in the Aloha Center to honor the newest inductees of the BYU–Hawaii chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.
In a letter addressed to initiates, Kevin Schlag, the president of the chapter, explains, “Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 as an academic honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in all disciplines. Invitation to membership is limited to those students with high moral character and superior academic achievement.”
Aloha Meyer, a junior majoring in TESOL from Hawaii, said she wasn’t expecting to be inducted into the honor society. “Dr. Barbara Hong mentioned it during class briefly last semester, but I was like, ‘oh, that seems like it’s for smart people.’” Meyer laughed and admitted she never really considered herself a smart person. “But here I am, so I guess I am one. I’m really excited.”
Meyer said she doesn’t know much about PKP in general but she’s looking forward to the increased opportunities that will come with it. “It’ll look good on a resume,” she said with another laugh.
The goal of PKP
After being welcomed to the ceremony by Schlag, another faculty member of PKP, Dr. Cary Countryman, a business and government professor, took the pulpit to speak about the purpose of the evening.
He began by sharing the motto and heart of PKP, which is, “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” Countryman went on, “In [Doctrine and Covenants] 93:36 we read, ‘The glory of God is intelligence.’
“The love of learning is a worthy goal around which we can rally in our individual and collective efforts to make a better world.” Countryman concluded his remarks by telling the initiates PKP seeks to recognize and encourage scholarship in all areas of life. “We especially seek to encourage it here during your time at BYU–Hawaii.”
The initiates
Dr. Barbara Hong, professor and coordinator of special education, was the PKP member who introduced the initiates at the ceremony, beginning with Michael Aldrich and Olivia Moleni, the two faculty members who were inducted into the Honor Society.
Aldrich received his certificate first and as he stood beside her at the pulpit, Hong shared his many accomplishments with those in attendance. “What I know about Michael is that he is one of the most optimistic and approachable people I know.
“He makes even the dullest subject sound interesting. [His] cheerfulness is contagious and we appreciate all the work he has done to provide a well-rounded experience for our students and state-of-the art materials for our staff.
Originally from New York, Aldrich served a full-time mission in Germany and attended BYU in Provo where he double majored in elementary education and psychology. He later received his master’s degree in library and information science from Louisiana State University.
Aldrich came to BYUH in 2011 and oversees the library and the Center for Academic Success, which he developed. Hong said he also partners with Student Leadership and Service in coordinating the First Year Experience.
Hong said, “He has been active in his community throughout his career as well, serving on multiple school councils, Scouting committees, with Project Vote Smart, and as a Deputy Voter Registrar.”
Aldrich’s son, David Aldrich, a junior majoring in peacebuilding and social work from Hawaii, was inducted into PKP last semester. “I had no idea he’d done half that stuff but okay,” he admitted with a shrug when asked what he thought about his father being one of the initiates.
He chuckled when asked about the perks he’s seen from being a member. “The best perk I can think of is just getting the chance to talk to people who are also in it.”
Olivia Moleni was born and raised in Tonga. She graduated from Liahona High School in 1997 and in 1999 received a full ride scholarship to attend Auckland University in New Zealand. She later served as a full time missionary in Tonga. In 2006 she graduated cum laude from BYUH as an information system major. While working at BYU as a computer technician, Moleni received her master’s in information system from Dakota State University in 2017.
Hong said, “Those of you who have ever asked for assistance from Olivia know what kind of a worker she is. She exemplifies the true meaning of service and learning and is ever so prompt in her response to any computer crisis we face.
“She goes above and beyond to fulfill her roles so as to facilitate our abilities to do ours. It’s an honor to induct Olivia into the BYU–Hawaii Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.”
Requirements for membership
Matthew Bowen, assistant professor of religious education and member of PKP, explained how initiates qualify for membership in the society. “Each candidate must be of good character. This is verified on campus by the Honor Code office and by other administrative offices, as appropriate.”
Bowen said seniors must be in the top 10 percent of their class and second-semester juniors must be in the top 7.5 percent to qualify for membership.
“Also eligible are faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to earn an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi. You should be pleased with your accomplishments.”
Meyer’s mother, Marla Thielk, said she’s also very proud of her daughter. “Aloha deserves it because she’s a hard worker. I felt very emotional when they were describing why the recipients were chosen because I felt like it described she so well, having good character and being hard working and motivated. It was very special.”
The symbols of PKP
Dr. Philip McArthur, professor of culture, language, and performing arts, explained the symbolism behind the PKP badge and seal on display in front of the pulpit.
“The badge of the Society is a globe against the background of the sun whose rays form an expansive corona and radiate in a number of symmetrical and equal concentrations from behind the globe. These signify equivalence among the various branches of learning and represent dissemination of truth as light.
“Encircling the globe is a band containing the Greek letters ΦΚΦ (Phi Kappa Phi) and symbolizing a fraternal bond which girds the earth and binds the lovers of wisdom in a common purpose.”
He continued, “The seal of the Society features the badge in its center. The badge is surrounded by a crenelated line that represents the battlements and walls of Troy and which symbolizes a technological aspect of the ancient Greek culture reflected by the Society.
“In the space between this line and the periphery of the seal appear three stars just above the badge, one for each of the three original chapters. Below the badge is the phrase ‘Founded 1897.’
“The ribbon of the Society is a meander pattern that is common in ancient Greek art and symbolizes the classical features of the Society.”
The motto and the charge
Before distributing the certificates to all the initiates, they were invited to stand and recite the PKP motto first in Greek, “Philosophia Krateito Photon,” and then in English, “Let the love of learning rule humanity.”
Dr. Mike Weber, associate professor of physics, led the initiates in the recitation. He said the action symbolizes personal commitment to learning both for oneself, through encouragement and recognition of learning in others.
“May you always continue to merit this high honor, never flagging and never complacent; ever seeking the realization of the Society’s motto: ‘Let the love of learning rule humanity.’ We congratulate you and wish you well.”
Following the initiates receiving their certificates, Dr. Rose Ram, associate academic vice president of curriculum, addressed the initiates and gave them the charge to live the PKP motto, apply the laws of learning, and help humanity. She shared examples of three BYUH alumni who have used their knowledge to address global issues, one of which was Coney Pulla, the co-founder of Rice Love.
Ram said, “All three have a deep and abiding love for humanity. All three recognize and seek the source of knowledge and wisdom: God. All three allow God to help them learn to love and improve the lives of their fellow beings.
“I know that each of you has the power to change the world for the better. You after all are BYU–Hawaii students. We tap into that power as we seek knowledge, counsel with God, and act in faith. Go forth and serve.”
A list of the students inducted in the program:
Guy Alexander Baxter
Alexandra Black
McKinnon Brown
Gentry Burton
Zoie Conder
Tian Ford
Gabriel Fryar
Lokahi Hoopii
Chia-Le Lee
Jia Jun Liew
Anne McCarrey
Aloha K. Meyer
Abish Moncur
Jacob Neptune
Emily A. Pope
Trevor Tuthill
Emi Wainwright
Tsz Pui Wong
Writer: Emi Wainwright