Bill (BJ) Johnson was a dedicated husband, father, businessman, and loyal Brother of Phi Kappa Psi.  He spent decades as a volunteer on the Phi Kappa Psi Kansas Alpha House Corporation and was a driving force behind the preservation and upkeep of our Chapter House.  He oversaw the tripling of our physical structure in the 1990s and served not only the active chapter during his time with us along with generations of boys who became men within its walls.  He opened every meeting reading the Phi Kappa Psi Creed and he truly believed “Phi Kappa Psi is a brotherhood of honorable men, courteous and cultured, who pledge throughout their lives to be generous, compassionate, and loyal comrades…”.

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Purpose: The BJ Johnson ALPHA PSI Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 as a tribute to Bill Johnson, for his many years of service and uncountable contributions to the Kansas Alpha Chapter.  Brother Johnson gave generously of his time, his experience, and resources to advance the mission and principles of the Fraternity.  The ALPHA PSI Scholarship Fund provides merit-based scholarships to deserving members of the Kansas Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi who demonstrate the high principles and values our great fraternity was founded on, and on which BJ lived his life.

Objective: To build and sustain a permanent endowment to recognize the leadership achievements of a Phi Kappa Psi Brother who, by his superior abilities, has proven work commitments to his character, to his Fraternity, to his community, and his university all the while demonstrating the highest standards of excellence in leadership.  The ALPHA PSI annual scholarship is designed to further enhance leadership skills by providing character-based training opportunities to help young men grow toward their highest potential, support academic endeavors, reward hard work, and recognize and encourage excellence.

Applicant Eligibility and Application Requirements: 

• Undergraduate active member or active new member in good standing of the Kansas Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Kansas.

• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 (or higher) on a 4.0 scale.

• Copy of most recent transcript.

• Two letters of recommendation:  suggested recommenders are chapter officers, professor(s), employers, religious advisors, coaches, and other extracurricular instructors.

• A completed biography including a recent photo in business attire.

Candidate Selection Criteria and Process:  

• The Selection Committee shall consider all candidates whose nominations are complete.  Who satisfy the criteria outlined for “eligibility” and who have best served the Fraternity and exemplify the values and standards stated above.

• Application documents and materials must be received by January of each given year.

• The scholarship recipient will be announced at the Phi Kappa Psi Kansas Alpha/Wheat State Alumni Association Founders Day dinner (The dinner is generally held in mid-February of each year in Lawrence, should the dinner and ceremony not occur, winner(s) will be notified by mail).

• Awarding the scholarship annually is not mandatory and is decided by the Selection Committee.