The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Computer science student describes experience in nation’s oldest honor society

    Pankaj Sherchan

    Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest honor society. The organization has prided itself on providing opportunities for the academically inclined student for 120 years.

    Senior computer science major with a minor in mathematics Pankaj Sherchan recently got the opportunity to attend a Leadership Summit for the society. Sherchan explains what significant lessons he learned from the experience. 

    “Not only did I learn about how to use my personal strengths in a way that will make me a better leader, but I was also able to talk to other student VPs about their Phi Kappa Phi chapters,” said Sherchan. “I came back with a lot of ideas for increasing our chapter’s visibility on campus.”

    Undergraduate Coordinator and Professor in the Department of English Joan Faust has served as President-Elect, President and now Chapter Secretary for over 20 years. Faust has been a member of the university faculty for 25 years and has been a member of Phi Kappa Phi for 42 years.

    Faust remains proud of Sherchan for representing the university’s chapter at the National Leadership Conference and being chosen among over 200 chapters in the U.S. and Philippines. She describes what qualities help him to stand out as a student.

    “Pankaj is an exceptional student and a worthy student representative of our chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi,” said Faust. “His amazing progress from a lack of math and computer skills in Nepal to one of our top math and computer students at Southeastern is nothing short of remarkable.”

    Sherchan admits that since he came to the university, he was interested in becoming a member of an honor society.

    “I got an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi in my junior year,” said Sherchan. “I was well aware of the benefits Phi Kappa Phi would bring to me and my career, so I joined Phi Kappa Phi without a second thought.”

    By leading the Southeastern Undergraduate Mathematics Society and serving as a Public Relations Officer of the Nepalese Student Association, Sherchan gained experience in how to lead organizations before becoming Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi. He also became a member of the Student Government Association, the Association of Computing Machinery and Gamma Beta Phi.

    “I thought my leadership skills would be a valuable asset to Phi Kappa Phi,” said Sherchan. “I have few plans and agendas for this year. I presented the agendas in the first executive meeting on Sept.. 14.”

    To students who may be apprehensive about joining the acclaimed honor organization, Sherchan explains the benefits that include academic recognition, awards and networking.

    Sherchan explained, “Every year limited students, the top 7.5 percent junior undergraduates and top 10 percent graduate students, are selected, which in itself is an achievement and

    highlight for your resume. Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.4 million every two years to outstanding students. The programs range from $15,000 fellowships for graduate school to $500 Love of Learning grants for continuing education and professional development. Networking with other Phi Kappa Phi members through global networking of 100,000 plus members includes great minds in science, medicine, government, law, education and business.”

    Sherchan hopes to have a career as a statistician. He explains how he has been preparing for this career and what fueled his decision.

    “I have been testing myself in different areas of computer science and mathematics,” said Sherchan. “Besides the curriculum, I have taken higher level mathematics courses. Currently I am working as a software developer intern at GCR Inc. However, nothing more than probabilities and statistics has ever interested me.”

    Faust explains why she is proud of Sherchan’s performance inside and outside of the university’s classrooms. 

    “He excels in every area,” said Faust. “His superior academic and research skills, his valuable work experience as a software developer, his involvement in extracurricular activities here on campus, and his clear direction for a career, ultimately making a difference in education in Nepal. We are lucky he chose Southeastern.”

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