Phi Eta Sigma Endows Scholarship at The Florida State University

The Florida State University Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society already does much to encourage excellence in academics at Florida State by providing tutoring assistance, serving as peer advisers and welcoming new freshmen at Convocation.

On April 29, 2010, they put a more permanent stamp on their efforts, presenting a $25,000 check to Florida State University President Eric J. Barron to establish the Phi Eta Sigma Endowed Scholarship to Enhance Undergraduate Research.

“This is my first ‘big check,’” Barron said with a smile as he accepted the gift from Florida State sophomore and Phi Eta Sigma member Loren Incandela.

“Funding this endowment is a remarkable statement of your love for Florida State,” he told the present members of the society. “You will have an impact on students not yet born.”

The principal gift of $25,000 will be invested by The Florida State University Foundation and scholarships will be awarded from the annual distribution. These scholarships will provide support for full-time undergraduate student members of Phi Eta Sigma conducting research and creative projects under the guidance of a faculty member.

“I am so touched you all have chosen to help develop undergraduate research on campus and encourage students to have a one-on-one relationship with faculty,” said Karen Laughlin, Dean of Undergraduate Studies. “This endowment will go on forever. Your contribution will continue to work for Phi Eta Sigma long after you have left Florida State.”

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society whose goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year college students in institutions of higher learning. The oldest and largest first-year honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1923 and chartered at The Florida State University in 1955. All students who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 at the end of any full-time curricular period during their first year are eligible for membership. The Florida State University Chapter undertakes several service projects each year, including offering pre-finals tutoring to fellow students.

Learn more about Phi Eta Sigma or make a contribution to the scholarship fund. (Please include the fund number with your gift: F07359, Phi Eta Sigma Endowed Scholarship to Enhance Undergraduate Research.)