Six Shepherd students inducted into Phi Kappa Phi honor society

ISSUED: 24 April 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Six Shepherd University students became members of the international honor society Phi Kappa Phi  during an induction ceremony on April 12.

Chair of Shepherd University's Department of Recreation, Sport, and Exercise Sciences and President of the Shepherd University Phi Kappa Phi chapter, Dr. Stacey Kendig, introduced graduate students Lauryn Fridley and James Frye; seniors Chelsea Kreps, Samuel Lake, Maria Leppo; and junior Grace McInelly at the event at Erma Ora Byrd Hall.

Kendig said the membership of Phi Kappa Phi comprises superior college students who are recognized for their success and outstanding academic achievements.

The new members shared their hopes and plans for the future.

"I want to continue to work in higher education and help students recognize their true leadership potential," said Lauryn Fridley, graduate student, M.Ed. Educational Leadership.

"I want to enter the professional advising field in hopes of making a difference in the lives of the students I am able to work with," said James Frye, graduate student, M.Ed. Educational Leadership/Higher Education.

"My career goal is to work for the federal government," said Chelsea Kreps, senior, Business Administration.

"Upon graduation, I plan to attend medical school and ultimately become a pediatric doctor,"said Samuel Lake, senior, Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry.

"When I finish at Shepherd, I will accept my first teaching position in Pennsylvania or Maryland," said Maria Leppo, senior, Elementary Education.

"I strive to advocate for and provide mental health resources to at-risk communities and populations. As a social worker, my goal is to begin in the child welfare field before receiving my MSW and becoming an art therapist," said Grace McInelly, junior, Social Work.

Secretary of the Shepherd Phi Kappa Phi chapter, Brian Hammond, the administrative analyst and IT budget officer at Shepherd, was in attendance.

Shepherd University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jack DeRochi also attended, along with Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Dr. Richie Stevens and Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Community Relations Holly Frye.

Shepherd University's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi was established in 1998 and initiates new members in the spring each year.

Ten percent of each graduating class is invited for membership.

Most invitations go to seniors, but some students receive invitations during the second semester of their junior year.

Some outstanding alumni, faculty, and staff are also issued invitations.

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