Information about Phi Eta Sigma

History

Founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois, Phi Eta Sigma is the nation's oldest and largest honor society for first-year college and university students in all disciplines. Inspired by the past and dedicated to the future, the Society's mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among freshmen in institutions of higher learning. Since its founding, more than 900,000 scholars have been inducted into Phi Eta Sigma. Phi Eta Sigma chapters are chartered on 353 campuses across the United States.

Motto

The three Greek words appearing on our crest form the motto of the organization: "Knowledge is Power."

Members

Those elected to membership include those who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the end of any first year, full-time curricular period, provided they have carried a normal academic load acceptable toward a bachelor's degree and rank in the upper 20 percent of their class. Life-time membership is conferred upon induction, and maintaining the grade-point average is not required.

Scholarship

Phi Eta Sigma provides $300,000 annually in scholarships from the national office. This includes two $10,000 awards to our Scholars of the Year. Visit Phi Eta Sigma's website for more information on scholarships.

Additional Information About PES

For more about SUNY Geneseo's Chapter of PES, please look at the other pages or contact phietas@geneseo.edu. Or check out the National PES website