Chapter Academic Program

The Phi Kappa Psi program for academic excellence revolves around four main concepts - recruitment, skill-building, monitoring, and recognition. Each is a vital component of our chapter’s overall academic program.

Recruitment

Our chapter scholarship committee works actively to ensure that all new chapter members meet or exceed the scholastic requirements of the fraternity and understand the academic expectations of membership. During recruitment, all rushees are interviewed thoroughly regarding their past academic performance and general study habits. Their college or high school GPA is also taken into account when being considered for membership. At Phi Psi, we always seek to recruit the very best and brightest that Texas State has to offer.

Skill-building

All Phi Psi brothers, but especially new members, must possess excellent academic skills in order to be successful in college. To ensure that every brother has the tools they need, Phi Kappa Psi holds numerous academic training seminars each semester on the topics of time management, test taking strategies, research techniques, note taking skills, essay writing, and many others. If you have the drive to excel in college, Phi Psi can give you the skills you need to succeed.

Monitoring

Phi Kappa Psi closely monitors the academic performance of each of its members. All Phi Psi brothers are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in order to remain in good standing and all pledges must achieve at least the same during their pledge semester to be initiated. To supervise progress, the chapter performs periodic grade checks on its membership throughout the year and coordinates extra assistance for those brothers who may be struggling. In addition to mandated weekly study hours, brothers receive assistance from our Academic Advisor, Dr. Fred Day, and from our brother tutoring program.

Recognition

Our scholarship program always seeks to recognize those brothers that go above and beyond to achieve academically. Brothers who make the Texas State dean’s list (3.5 or higher) are rewarded with greatly discounted dues, as well as formal recognition at our annual White Tie Formal. In addition, the Endowment Fund of Phi Kappa Psi offers over $60,000 in scholarships each year, many of which are listed below.

Phi Kappa Psi Scholarships

Ralph D. Daniel Leadership Award
The Ralph D. Daniel Leadership Award recognizes a member who has made outstanding leadership contributions to his chapter, campus and community. A minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply, but the applicant's leadership accomplishments are the primary factors in the award. Leadership outside the chapter setting is most important.

The $4,000 award is named in honor of Executive Director Emeritus Ralph D. "Dud" Daniel, Arizona '47, who served the Fraternity between 1948 and 1979 in many capacities, including Executive Director and President of the Foundation. Dud, affectionately known as Mr. Phi Psi, continues to serve the Fraternity as its most recognized and beloved diplomat in Interfraternity circles.

Solon E. Summerfield Scholarship
The Solon E. Summerfield Scholarship Program provides up to twenty-five (25) $1,000 scholarships to undergraduates. The primary selection criteria are academic standing and leadership and service to their chapter, campus and community. Emphasis is placed on chapter leadership. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.

In addition, three brothers are selected as Outstanding Solon E. Summerfield Scholars. First prize is $3,000, first runner-up receives $2,500 and the second runner-up receives an award of $2,000.

Solon E. Summerfield, Kansas 1899, was a prominent New York businessman and philanthropist whose commitment to academic achievement and leadership is carried on by both the University of Kansas and the Foundation.

Ernest H. Garbe Award
The Ernest H. Garbe Award was created to honor Ernie Garbe, Columbia '40. The $2,500 award recognizes a graduate or undergraduate student majoring in journalism or communications (including advertising and broadcasting). A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher is required.

Winston R. "Win" Tate Award
The Winston R. "Win" Tate Award of $2,500 recognizes a graduate or undergraduate student in business, with preference given to those studying economics, accounting or finance. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher is required.

Win Tate, Kansas '18, made his fortune in banking and provided generous bequests to the Foundation and to Kansas Alpha at his death.

Founders Fellowships
Founders Fellowships for graduate study provide up to six $4,000 awards for members who are in graduate school now or who will enter graduate school next fall. Academic standing, leadership and character are primary considerations for the awards. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.

Philip M. Cornelius Award
The Philip M. Cornelius Scholarship was created by the children of Philip M. Cornelius, Indiana '25. Brother Cornelius served as Fraternity President from 1970 to 1972 and was a member of the Ancient Order of the S.C.

First awarded in 1993, a $1,500 scholarship is given to an undergraduate Phi Psi with financial need, at least a 2.75 GPA and demonstrated moral character and leadership skills.

Ben King Award
The Ben King Award is a $1,000 scholarship to an undergraduate who is majoring in engineering (or a related field) and is working to support himself while in college. The award recognizes an outstanding brother in need of financial assistance who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership skills and strong character. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.

This award honors Ben King, Brooklyn Poly 1906, an engineer and former president of Chrysler Corporation-United Kingdom.

Ruddick C. Lawrence Awards
The Ruddick C. Lawrence Awards for public service are two $2,500 scholarships awarded to undergraduate members who have provided meritorious service to people or organizations outside Phi Kappa Psi. While candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), emphasis is placed on service to campus, college community and hometown organizations.

The award honors Ruddick C. Lawrence, Washington '31, a member of the Ancient Order of the S.C., who distinguished himself as a leader and philanthropist through his service to numerous organizations throughout his life.

Mary Pickford-Rogers Memorial Award
The Mary Pickford-Rogers Memorial Scholarship is intended to support the studies of Phi Psis majoring in performing arts, whether as undergraduate or graduate students. The $1,500 scholarship is presented through the generosity of her husband, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Kansas '23, who was an accomplished actor and musician.

The qualifying fields of study include theatre and film (writing, directing or acting), vocal and instrumental music, opera, ballet, modern dance and other related subjects. Telecommunications and journalism students are also eligible, as are applicants in the fine arts (painting, sculpture, etc.). A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.

The William R. Walker Award
The William R. Walker Award of $2,500 recognizes a graduate or undergraduate student in business, real estate, housing or land use, public policy and urban planning, or a law student with the intent to practice real estate law. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher is required.

Brother Walker, Southern Cal '27, was a Founding Father of the chapter at the University of Southern California as well as a successful real estate developer and businessman.