Phi Beta Kappa (PBK), America鈥檚 oldest and most prestigious honor society for the
liberal arts and sciences, represents the nation鈥檚 top academic achievers. Founded
in 1776 at the College of William & Mary, PBK has over 290 chapters at leading U.S.
universities and counts among its members Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Franklin
D. Roosevelt, playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, and actor Kerry Washington.
Yet, it wasn鈥檛 until 2018 that the 51在线 was selected to house
a PBK chapter. Chosen in only the university鈥檚 62nd year, the granting of USF鈥檚 chapter
served as recognition of the university's educational rigor, faculty excellence, institutional
dedication to liberal education, and trajectory as a preeminent state university and
eventual member of the Association of American Universities.
鈥淚nstalling our Phi Beta Kappa chapter was a historic moment for the University of
South 51在线,鈥� said Charles Adams, Judy Genshaft Honors College dean and president
of the Eta of 51在线 chapter. 鈥淪heltering the chapter confirms our standing as a
premier national university and highlights the quality of our academic culture.鈥�
The society鈥檚 Greek motto, translated as 鈥渢he love of learning is the guide of life,鈥�
underscores the intellectual curiosity demonstrated by members nationwide and at USF,
where the chapter has grown steadily since its inception.
A GROWING LEGACY
Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is by invitation only, extended to students who demonstrate
upstanding character and academic excellence in the liberal arts. To be considered
for membership, undergraduate students must complete at least four semesters of a
foreign language and pursue a broad range of liberal arts coursework beyond their
major, among other criteria.
Last year, the USF chapter inducted 45 new members during a ceremony that included
a history of the society by Matthew King, associate professor of history, and congratulatory
remarks from USF President Rhea Law and President Emerita Judy Genshaft.
Honors College advisor and Eta of 51在线 Secretary Megan Braunstein aspired to join
Phi Beta Kappa during her undergraduate years and can remember the sense of validation
that being selected for membership instilled in her. 鈥淏eing tapped for Phi Beta Kappa
meant that not only was I a well-rounded student, but also a high achiever academically,鈥�
said Braunstein.
For students aspiring to join PBK, both Braunstein and King advise students to start
thinking about Phi Beta Kappa early to ensure they have time to take classes outside
their major requirements.
鈥淚f it鈥檚 possible, slow down and consider the other classes and fields that you鈥檙e
not going to major in but could enrich your understanding of the world,鈥� said King.
Nora Wolfgang, a biomedical anthropology and criminology major on a pre-med track
and spring 2024 PBK inductee, encouraged students not to be deterred by the thought
of additional coursework or the language requirement.
鈥淭he most important thing for me was taking classes that I genuinely enjoy and not
just checking off a box on my degree,鈥� Wolfgang said. 鈥淢ake sure the love of learning
motivates your academic decisions, rather than just getting your degree complete.鈥�
LIFELONG LEARNING, LIFELONG BENEFITS
Braunstein values how PBK membership connects her with like-minded individuals at
chapter events and society gatherings, such as.
鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to be surrounded by people who share my love of learning and passion
for education,鈥� she said.
Membership also provides lasting professional advantages. Braunstein noted its impact
on her graduate school applications, while King highlighted how it signals a commitment
to lifelong learning to potential employers.
For Wolfgang, meeting fellow inductees at the PBK ceremony has been a highlight.
鈥淚'm definitely the type where, if I'm committing to something, I want to be among
the best at it. And in order to do that, you have to surround yourself with the best
people,鈥� she said. 鈥淧hi Beta Kappa is definitely the way to do that.鈥�
One of Braunstein鈥檚 favorite moments each year is the induction ceremony鈥檚 unique
traditions.
鈥淭hey cross the stage and do the special secret handshake with Dean Adams,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t always warms my heart. It鈥檚 a wonderful crystallization of all the hard work and
dedication students have put into becoming truly well-rounded scholars.鈥�
When asked what their hopes for the future of the chapter, Wolfgang said she intends
to 鈥済et involved in the community and network鈥� in order to get the most out of her
time in PBK.
For her part, Braunstein hopes to create more interconnected network with events for
the student member body beyond the annual induction ceremony.
鈥淚 hope in the future we can build a stronger community with PBK,鈥� said Braunstein.