Phi Lambda Sigma (ΦΛΣ), also known as the National Pharmacy Leadership Society, is a North American collegehonor society for pharmacy students. It was founded at Auburn University in March 1965.
Charlie Thomas, a student at the Auburn University School of Pharmacy, founded Phi Lambda Sigma in March 1965, with the support of the faculty.[1][2] The mission of Phi Lambda Sigma is to support pharmacy leadership commitment by recognizing leaders and fostering leadership development.[3] After two years of probation, Phi Lambda Sigma received its charter from the Auburn University Student Senate on October 3, 1967.[2][4]
It was incorporated in Lee County, Alabama, on June 28, 1968, as Phi Lambda Sigma National Fraternity.[2][4] The name Phi Lambda Sigma was registered with the U.S. Bureau of Patents and Copyrights in 1968.[2][4] The society also worked with Balfour Company to design its official key in 1968.[2]
As of February 2018, a Phi Lambda Sigma Chapter had chapters at 125 of the 138 American schools and colleges of pharmacy.[2] It had Phi Lambda Sigma had initiated 30,000 members.[7] The society was admitted to the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) in 2018.[7]
Phi Lambda Sigma's insignia is a key pin, which has a mortar and pestle and the Greek letters ΦΛΣ, surrounded by a laurel wreath.[8] The society's colors are green and gold.[8] Its publication is The Laurel.[7]
The society hosts an annual leadership summit that provides a certificate and five hours of continuing education units.[9] The summit is open to non-members.[10] Phil Lambda Sigma annually awards scholarships to its student members, including the Charles C. Thomas Scholarship, the Kathlene A. Hawkins Memorial Travel Award, and the PLS-AFPE First Year Graduate Scholarship.[11][12][13] The society also presents a variety annual awards, including:
Phi Lambda Sigma has student, alumni, faculty, and honorary members.[7][4] Student members must complete at least one year of coursework toward a pharmacy degree with a 2.50 GPA.[7] In addition, potential student members must be committed to pharmacy leadership and be "of high moral and ethical character".[7] Faculty and honorary members are nominated for the dedication, leadership, and service in the field of pharmacy.[7] Members are peer-selected by current members of the society.[7][22] Because Phi Lambda Sigma is an honorary professional organization, its members are allowed to join other fraternal and pharmacy organizations.[4]
