MONMOUTH, Ore.
Western Oregon University proudly announces the induction of 24 new members into its Phi Kappa Phi honor society this past spring. Established in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest all-discipline honor society, dedicated to recognizing academic excellence across various fields.
Western’s Chapter 223 was founded by faculty in 1979, and membership is extended by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top ten percent of seniors and graduate students.
The 2026 Phi Kappa Phi Inductees are:
Undergraduate students Abigail Baker, Danielle Bosse, Melissa DeOrnellas, Veronica Esparza, Charlotte Gardner, Nicholas Heimeyer, Angel Larios, Emily Mazie, Krystal Pearson, Jennifer Perez Ramos, Macy Phillips, Ridhdi Pritikin, Brianna Voss, and Ashley Weaver.
Graduate students Gheraldy Bobadilla-Cruz, Annel Castro Jimenez, Leah Carothers, Naomi Gallegos, Christina Lindsey, Jacob Medearis, Claudia Mendez-Urtiz, Crystal Talitonu, Danielle Villani, and Katanah Wingett.
Faculty, staff and alumni Emily Plec and Evan Sorce.
Professor Emily Plec, who was inducted into the society and serves as the chapter secretary, highlighted the thousands of dollars in scholarships and grant opportunities available to students inducted into the society to support both continuing education and community engagement. “The cost of membership is relatively small given the significant financial support, networking opportunities, and career services provided by Phi Kappa Phi.”
###
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.