Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most honored college honorary society, has inducted 144 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students as new members.
The recent induction ceremony featured remarks by Emil J. Kang, Carolina’s Executive Director for the Arts and the Executive and Artistic Director of Carolina Performing Arts. New members received certificates and Phi Beta Kappa keys, the organization’s symbol.
Phi Beta Kappa membership is open to undergraduates in the college and professional degree programs who meet stringent eligibility requirements. Less than 1 percent of all college students qualify. Past and present Phi Beta Kappa members from across the country have included 17 American presidents and numerous artistic, intellectual and political leaders. Seven of the nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices are members.
A student who has completed 75 hours of course work in the liberal arts and sciences with a GPA of 3.85 or better (on a 4-point scale) or 105 hours with a 3.75 GPA are eligible. Grades earned at other universities are not considered.
Phi Beta Kappa has 286 chapters nationwide. UNC-Chapel Hill’s chapter, Alpha of North Carolina, was founded in 1904 and is the oldest of seven chapters in the state. Each year, Phi Beta Kappa chapters and alumni associations across the country raise and distribute more than $1 million in awards, scholarships and prizes benefiting high schools and college students.
Phi Beta Kappa officers at Carolina for 2015-2016 are students Brent McKnight, president; Amanda Kubic, vice president; and Joe Calder, recording secretary. James L. Leloudis, professor of history, associate dean for honors, and director of the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence, is chapter executive secretary and faculty advisor.
