Since 1998, the Phi Kappa Phi chapter at Truman has supported literacy efforts through regular donations to the Adair County Public Library. Megan O’Brien, Student Vice President for Service, recently presented library director Glenda Hunt with a check for $300 to help support media acquisitions and library operations.

Nationally, Phi Kappa Phi endeavors to promote literacy through a wide variety of member projects. Members can even apply for ΦΚΦ literacy grants to sponsor projects in their communities. Learn more online at http://bit.ly/1DFtTLT.

Please donate staple food items this week to help with the Novinger Christmas Basket project! You can bring your donation to the SUB Office, located just off The Hub on the main floor of the Student Union.

Phi Kappa Phi partners with Novinger each year to help engage their students in the idea of post-secondary education. Novinger is a town of 450 people just west of Kirksville. The K-12 Adair County R-I School serves Novinger and the surrounding community. The school has 250 students and faces a number of financial concerns common to small, rural districts in Missouri. Phi Kappa Phi works with the eighth grade class to help them envision a personal future in higher education. Showing goodwill with the Christmas Basket Project is a great way to start that effort with a new class each year. The baskets go to help feed needy families in the area.

Be sure to swing by the SUB Office this week with your “staple food item” donation. Thank you!

The chapter continued its work this past spring with students in a local school district. The idea has been to help get middle school students on a college campus so they can begin to picture themselves being on one as college students in the future. This past year, under the leadership Vice President Diane Johnson, the chapter showed students a variety of campus activities and venues.

The students began with lunch in Missouri Hall, something that immediately received high praise as they enjoyed the all-you-can eat setup. Students got to see Cantoria practice. The group moved over to the Severns Theater where Professor Ron Rybkowski gave a demonstration on lighting. He showcased how science and art collide in costuming and lighting work. The students listened to a wind symphony rehearsal. After that, it was off to the herpetology lab where students got to handle many of the snakes, reptiles, and amphibians. They ended with a tour of the Student Recreation Center led by Director Sue Limestall. Sue is also a member of our chapter.

The project will continue this year under the leadership of Laura Bates, the chapter’s new Faculty/Staff Vice President for Service. This a great service opportunity for chapter members who enjoy service and/or are looking to go into education of any kind. If you’re looking to get involved, be sure to email Laura at lbates@truman.edu.