Welcome

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most widely recognized academic honorary society in the United States. Its purpose is to honor outstanding student achievement in the liberal arts and sciences and to promote the importance of lifelong liberal arts and sciences education. Local chapters also connect members to engaging events.

Members are elected on the basis of outstanding scholarship in a broad liberal arts curriculum. The symbol of the society is the Phi Beta Kappa key, which traces its origins to the founding of the society in 1776.

We hosted Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Douglas Christie for a public lecture and interactions  February 10-11. The event was co-sponsored by The Humanities Institute and the Council of Provosts.

Congratulations!

Prof. Catherine Ramírez, chair of the Latin American and Latino Studies Department, was named a 2025-2026 Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar. Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars travel to more than 100 colleges and universities each year, spending two days on each campus and taking full part in the academic life of the institution.

Save the Date

The Spring 2025 induction ceremony will be on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. in the Merrill Cultural Center.

Scholarships

The call for graduate scholarship applications for Phi Beta Kappa members and teaching award applications is open. These awards are sponsored by the Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association.