An Eastern Kentucky University student is among 60 students nationwide to receive the Phi Kappa Phi Emerging Scholar Award, which recognizes rising sophomores.

Michael G. Mazzotta, a chemistry major and Honors Program member from Apex, N.C., received $250.

“This award is part of Phi Kappa Phi’s continuing effort to respond to the needs of undergraduate students in American higher education,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Perry A. Snyder.

The selection process is based on the applicants’ academic performance, leadership and service on campus and in the community, and a personal statement of educational perspective, purpose and objectives.

Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Phi Kappa Phi inducts annually more than 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni. The Society has chapters at more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.