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The University of North Georgia's (°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾) Phi Kappa Phi chapter has earned the distinction of a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter. The award originally introduced in 2018 is given to chapters that exceed expectations in their operations and demonstrate the organization's motto: "Let the love of learning rule humanity." 

The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ chapter, established in 1974, applied for the $200 award in August 2023. Housed on all five °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ campuses, the organization is made up of juniors in the top 7% of their class, seniors and graduate students in the top 10%, as well as, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.  

"The Circle of Excellence Award Program recognizes chapters for their work in promoting excellence at their institutions and engaging the community of scholars each year," Jill Holman, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ chapter president and director of internal audit, said. "We plan to provide children with books to build their home libraries and foster enthusiasm for literacy with the award money." 

As part of the chapter's efforts to improve childhood literacy in the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ community, the chapter partners with the Woody Gap School in Union County. The effort provides every child at the school with a book of their choice and is part of the national organization's decision to make °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ a Gold Chapter. 

"We strive to show excellent leadership through participation in our organization's induction ceremonies and our projects giving back to our communities," Holman said.  

Phi Kappa Phi recently inducted 11 new members on Nov. 30, bringing the total number of members in the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ chapter to 2,296. The fall induction ceremony had a keynote address from Mike Cottrell College of Business Dean Dr. Mary Gowan.  

Phi Kappa Phi Week at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ is Feb. 5-9, and the organization will have several events for the community to participate in, all leading up to the spring induction ceremony on March 28.