Nazareth students awarded Phi Kappa Phi study abroad grants

Three Nazareth students have received study abroad grants from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Among 125 students nationwide to earn $1,000 grants: 

• Madison Darrell ‘24 of Baltimore, Maryland, a junior majoring in history and museums, archives, and public history, is studying in June 2022 in the United Kingdom. 
• Alexa Powell ‘23 of Palenville, New York, a senior majoring in musical theatre, will study at Roehampton University in London, England, in fall 2022.
• Erin White ‘24 of Chesterfield, Michigan, a junior majoring in dance studies and English, will study dance at Roehampton University in London, England,  in fall 2022.

The grants support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

Darrell is participating in Nazareth’s museums and public history program to the United Kingdom this June, traveling to London, Oxford, Liverpool, Leeds, and Belfast. “We’re analyzing the “21st century museum” and what it looks like in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Darrell, who spent her spring 2022 semester studying abroad in Rennes, France, and visited some other UK sites while awaiting her June experience.  “As a public history student, this experience is not only a perfect fit, but also an opportunity to expand my view to a more international scope.” Darrell also used a SPARK grant to help extend her international experiences. 

Powell will be taking three classes in London this fall: studying Shakespeare, viewing and analyzing theatrical performances, and working directly with West End professionals in London’s theater district. “We have an additional 90 hours of logged study that can be anything from voice lessons to rehearsals,” said Powell. “We have the amazing opportunity to get involved with student productions as part of those hours, something I definitely plan to take advantage of. This could be a huge career-builder because theatre is all about connections!” Powell noted that both Lynn Ahrens (Seussical) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera) jump-started their own careers through college experiences and networking with past colleagues in those programs. 

White is excited to study at Roehampton University, which is known for its dance program. “As a dance major I figured it would be a great opportunity to further my experience in learning from multiple teachers,” said White. “Additionally, I am also an English major and what better place to study literature than in London? I'm hoping to come away from the experience with more self-confidence from successfully navigating life abroad along with personal connections for my senior project at Nazareth.”

The Phi Kappa Phi selection process is based on academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and acceptance into a study abroad program. 

Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program is part of the Society’s award and grant programs, which give more than $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. To learn more, visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and top 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2022 June
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• Academics
• Foreign Language/International
• Phi Kappa Phi honor society