Overview
Phi Beta Kappa is a prestigious national honor society established in 1776, with chapters on 286 college and university campuses across the United States. Only 10% of institutions in the country host a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and no more than 10% of graduating seniors are elected to membership each year. In addition, a select group of outstanding juniors are invited to join annually, recognizing their academic achievements and commitment to the liberal arts.
Local History of Phi Beta Kappa at UC Santa Cruz
The UC Santa Cruz chapter, Upsilon of California, was founded in 1986. Its establishment aligned perfectly with UCSC’s emphasis on broad and deep liberal arts education.
In the early days, UCSC professors who had been initiated into Phi Beta Kappa at other institutions faced an unusual challenge when advocating for a local chapter. At the time, UCSC did not issue traditional grades; instead, students received narrative evaluations from their professors. The national organization had to be convinced that these evaluations accurately reflected the high level of academic excellence expected of Phi Beta Kappa members. Despite these concerns, UCSC’s strong commitment to liberal arts education won over the national body, and the chapter was formally established.
Today, the Upsilon of California chapter thrives, inviting a select group of students to join Phi Beta Kappa each year. The initiation of new members is the highlight of the chapter’s calendar, celebrating academic excellence and the enduring value of the liberal arts.
Chapter Activities
In addition to the annual initiation ceremony, the chapter hosts events and gatherings for members, providing opportunities for intellectual exchange and community building. The chapter is also committed to outreach efforts, helping new students appreciate the benefits of a broad liberal arts education.
The UC Santa Cruz chapter is part of the Northern California Association, which sponsors graduate student scholarships and organizes social activities for Phi Beta Kappa members across the region.
National History of Phi Beta Kappa
Founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honor society in the United States. Initially formed by students passionate about liberal arts, the society adopted the motto, “Love of learning is the guide of life.” When translated into Greek, these words form the name Phi Beta Kappa.
Today, with chapters on 286 campuses nationwide, Phi Beta Kappa remains a symbol of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. The society sponsors various awards for distinguished authors and scholars, offers scholarships to support student research, and organizes cultural activities for its members. These initiatives help make Phi Beta Kappa more than just an honor society; they foster a lifelong engagement with learning.
To learn more about the national organization, visit the Phi Beta Kappa Society website.
Current Chapter Officers
- President: Jason Nielsen (Physics/SCIPP)
- Vice President: Andrea Cohen (Academic Affairs)
- Secretary: Elizabeth Abrams (Writing/Merrill)
- Treasurer: Irena Polić (The Humanities Institute)