Jacob ‘Jace’ Gravitt, Delta (Furman), is the 2024 recipient of the Dr. Phillip M. Summers Student of the Year Award. This award is named in honor of Dr. Phillip M. Summers, Alpha Psi (Indiana), who served as National President from 1992-94 and was named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi in 2003. Each year, this award recognizes the overall most outstanding student member of Pi Kappa Phi, someone who best exemplifies the ideals of the Fraternity in his chapter, on his campus and in his community.
As archon of the Delta Chapter, Gravitt set an example that campus involvement was important through his involvement in mock trial and the Shucker Leadership Development Institute, a program that aims to develop first- and second-year Furman students into empowered leaders who will be catalysts for change in their communities and beyond. In 2023, he was recognized as one of Pi Kappa Phi’s Archon of the Year Award recipients for his commitment to the health and safety of his brothers, willingness to hold himself and others accountable, commitment to his values, equitable treatment of all brothers and passionate efforts to ensure all members have a positive experience in his chapter. Additionally, Gravitt was one of 12 undergraduate members selected to serve on the Council of Archons for the 2023-24 term, a student advisory board to the National Council that serves as a liaison between undergraduate chapters and the national Fraternity.
Gravitt graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in political and international affairs, communication and pre-law. Throughout his undergraduate career, he maintained a 3.47 cumulative GPA. He is currently serving as a leadership consultant role for Pi Kappa Phi, and following his term he hopes to further his education by attending law school.
Gravitt was honored with this award at Pi Kappa Phi’s Supreme Chapter in Baltimore in July.