PROVO — The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi honored recent Brigham Young University graduate Benjamin Thomas as one of 40 nationwide winners of the society's 2008 Award of Excellence.

The $2,000 award will help support Thomas as he pursues a doctor of dental surgery degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Thomas and the other 39 students who won the award were selected based on undergraduate academic performance; leadership and service on the campus and in the community; evidence of graduate potential; personal statement of educational perspective; purpose and objectives and three letters of recommendation.

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Since its founding, more than 1 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter and writer John Grisham.

For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.