Sandweiss’ two-year term as Phi Kappa Phi president underway

A University of Maine archaeologist has begun his two-year term as president of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society that was founded at the University of Maine.

Daniel H. Sandweiss, professor of anthropology and Quaternary and climate studies, served as vice president for chapter development since 2016. He also sits on the organization’s board of directors.  

Ten seniors, led by Marcus L. Urann, founded Phi Kappa Phi in 1897 at UMaine. They sought to start an honorary society that recognizes outstanding students, faculty and staff from all disciplines.

In 1900, the University of Tennessee and Pennsylvania State University joined the society originally named Lambda Sigma Eta Society, making it a national society.

Phi Kappa Phi has since grown to an international society headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with more than 1.25 million members from more than 300 campuses across the United States and the Philippines. The society awards an average of $1 million annually in grants and fellowships. Its 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.”