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K-State Today

Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University
128 Dole Hall
1525 Mid-Campus Drive North
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-2535
vpcm@k-state.edu

November 1, 2023

Recipients of the 2023 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award

Submitted by Shawna Jordan

The Phi Kappa Phi honor society is recognizing the outstanding Kansas State University individuals who received a 2023 Love of Learning Award.

The Love of Learning award is given to support postbaccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members for graduate or professional studies, continuing education, career development, or travel related to teaching, research or learning.

Recipients include Chibuzor Azubuike, graduate student in leadership communication; Sachin Dhanda, graduate student in agronomy; Maria Hazelbaker, spring 2023 graduate; Mohammad Saeid Mahdavinejad, graduate student in computer science; Theresa Quintana, graduate student in public health; Jared Lou Rivera, graduate student in grain science; and Pallikonda Arachchige Dona Bashanee, graduate student in biology. 

Phi Kappa Phi is unique among academic honor societies in that it recognizes scholarship in all academic disciplines, not focusing on specific fields. The society's values are conveyed of its motto: "Let the love of learning rule humanity."

In 1915 in Manhattan, Kansas State Agricultural College faculty formulated a plan to join Phi Kappa Phi. Henry J. Waters, K-State president; Edward N. Wentworth, professor of animal breeding; N.E. Olson, instructor in dairy industry; and R.I. Throckmorton, assistant professor of soils; discussed preparing a formal petition for a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society charter. These founding members believed that K-State embodied the society's values. Their petition "was rigorously investigated during 1915 and its local chapter approved Monday evening, Nov. 15, 1915." K-State's chapter is the 14th in the country.

To learn more, visit k-state.edu/phikappaphi/.