PBK

The Phi Beta Kappa Society voted Aug. 3, 2012, to approve Creighton University's application to shelter a chapter on campus. Applications are considered only once every three years. Phi Beta Kappa is considered the most prestigious of the national academic honor societies, comparable in status to Alpha Sigma Nu within the Jesuit network.

Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest academic honor society for the liberal arts and sciences and has more than 500,000 members. It was founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776 and has 290 chapters nationwide. According to the society, 17 U.S. Presidents, 41 Supreme Court Justices, and more than 140 Nobel laureates are members of Phi Beta Kappa.

The new chapter was installed and the first class of honorees inducted in the 2012-2013 academic year. Students are usually inducted as seniors, though exceptional juniors are also considered. The top 10 percent of the graduating class is eligible. The inductees will be chosen by a committee of Phi Beta Kappa faculty. Prospective inductees must have a high GPA, at least intermediate competency in a second language and have completed a minimum of one mathematics course at the college level. Phi Beta Kappa offers members receive opportunities for scholarships and prizes and the chapter sponsors a Visiting Scholar each year.

This new chapter joins Alpha Sigma Nu, which was established at Creighton in 1921, as the second honors society at the University. While requirements are different, qualified students may be elected to either or both organizations.

Watch the Phi Beta Kappa Installation Ceremony at Creighton University, held on Thursday, Nov. 29, 212, here.