October 2, 2023
KILLEEN — The Phi Alpha Honor Society at Texas A&M University–Central Texas was named Outstanding Program of the Year by the National Phi Alpha organization for its recognition of its outstanding community service and commitment to social work. This national recognition is given each October to no more than four of the organization’s more than 450 university chapters. This was the 13th consecutive year the group has earned this recognition.
Michael Daley, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Social Work, said the recognition is a testament to the hard work of the A&M–Central Texas students.
“This award is well-deserved recognition of our social work students and their outstanding commitment to serving people in the community and providing services on the A&M–Central Texas campus,” Daley said.
Phi Alpha students were involved in numerous events throughout the year, including a food distribution at Peebles Elementary School, flu and COVID immunizations, giving out school supplies and fundraising to host a Christmas holiday event for low-income, elderly residents of Sunshine House in Copperas Cove. The group also volunteered for two Operation Stand Down events that provided hot meals, clothing, hygiene items and resource referrals to homeless military veterans.
Phi Alpha Students hosted a Valentine’s Day senior prom and two game nights for elderly hospice patients at the Brookdale care facility in Temple, collected winter coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, blankets and hygiene items to donate to the Homeless Outreach Team of the Killeen Police Department, and helped with Operation Home Front, giving food bags and gift cards to 250 soldiers for their families’ holiday meal. The organization also operated a booth during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on the A&M–Central Texas campus.
Daley thanked Claudie Rappaport, Ph.D., for leading the group’s efforts and said these activities provide students with a “high impact learning experience.”
“Social work students at A&M–Central Texas are truly committed to service that is so vital to the community,” Daley said. “We are extremely proud of our students and alumni who constantly demonstrate the values of the social work profession and are committed to making our community a better place to live.”