The Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award is bestowed in recognition of the numerous contributions that Dr. Sorensen has made over many years to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and especially to the former five-campus chapter, University of Maryland Chapter 22 UMBC.  Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its undergraduate student members. One $1000 award will be distributed each year to the selected awardee.

Eligibility criteria for the award are as follows:  
(1)   Each undergraduate student applicant shall be a current member of Chapter 22 UMBC

(2)   Each undergraduate student applicant shall be selected on the basis of Academic Excellence as demonstrated by outstanding grades, academic honors, awards and recognition, and activities in the University and in the Community

(3)   Each undergraduate student applying for the Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award must complete and submit the online application form no later than March 30, 2026

Click below to access the award application in Google Drive.

Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award

The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.

Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees.

Eligibility criteria for the award are as follows:  
(1)   Each graduate student applicant shall be a current member of Chapter 22 UMBC

(2)   Each graduate student applicant shall be selected on the basis of academic excellence as demonstrated by outstanding grades, academic honors, awards and recognition, and activities in the University or in the Community as well as through a clearly articulated essay (no more than 500 words) explaining what the PKP Motto means to them:
o Philosophia Krateito Photo: Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity

(3)   Each graduate student applying for the Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award must complete and submit the online application form no later than March 30, 2026

The winning applicant(s) will be notified by email by the end of April 2026.

Click below to access the award application in Google Drive.

Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award

Jason Daniels, of Poolesville, Maryland, was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Jason was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community. In particular, the committee was impressed by their perseverance to succeed and to serve others. Jason is currently pursing a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry and Psychology.

Each spring, the UMBC chapter invites applications from its undergraduate student members to apply for the $1,000 award. The Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award is bestowed in recognition of the numerous contributions that Dr. Sorensen has made over many years to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and especially to the former five-campus chapter, University of Maryland Chapter 22, which was chartered in 1920.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Jonas Miller of Natick, MA was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Jonas was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community.In particular, the committee was impressed by Jonas' perseverance to succeed and to live life by the PKP Motto - Philosophia Kateito Photo - Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity. Jonas is currently pursuing a PhD in Marine Estuarine Environmental Sciences.

Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees. The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Cheryl Umana, of Reisterstown, MD was selected to serve as the single nominee from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 22BC University of Maryland, Baltimore County to compete at the national level for a Fellowship. This recognition comes with a $1000 chapter award and the opportunity to win additional funds at the national level.    

More About the Fellowship

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi currently awards 54 Fellowships of $8,500 each, six at $20,000 each, and two at $35,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Each active Phi Kappa Phi chapter may select one candidate from among its local applicants to compete for the Society-wide awards.  

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

More About Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 22BC

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Jada Iwuoha, of Woodstock, Maryland, was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Jada was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community. In particular, the committee was impressed by their perseverance to succeed and to serve others. Jada is currently pursing a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Each spring, the UMBC chapter invites applications from its undergraduate student members to apply for the $1,000 award. The Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award is bestowed in recognition of the numerous contributions that Dr. Sorensen has made over many years to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and especially to the former five-campus chapter, University of Maryland Chapter 22, which was chartered in 1920.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Chelsea Little of Fallston, MD was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Chelsea was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community.In particular, the committee was impressed by Chelsea's perseverance to succeed and to live life by the PKP Motto - Philosophia Kateito Photo - Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity. Chelsea is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Psychology.

Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees. The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Oyelekan Ajiboye of Lagos, Nigeria was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Oyelekan was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community.In particular, the committee was impressed by Oyelekan's perseverance to succeed and to live life by the PKP Motto - Philosophia Kateito Photo - Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity. Oyelekan is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry.

Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees. The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Ridwan Sifat of Dhaka, Bangladesh was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Ridwan was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community.In particular, the committee was impressed by Ridwan's perseverance to succeed and to live life by the PKP Motto - Philosophia Kateito Photo - Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity. Ridwan is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.

Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees. The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Jessica Burstrem of Grand Blanc, Michigan, was recently selected as one of two recipients of the 2025 Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 022BC-University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Jessica was selected by the awards committee for their outstanding academic excellence and active participation within the university and the broader community.In particular, the committee was impressed by Jessica's perseverance to succeed and to live life by the PKP Motto - Philosophia Kateito Photo - Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity. Jessica is currently pursuing a PhD in Language, Literacy and Culture.

Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees. The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.

Chartered in 2010, Chapter 22BC invites the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.