Phi Beta Kappa, Zeta Chapter of Illinois
This national academic honor society recognizes scholarly achievement, character, integrity, and independence of mind. To be eligible a student must have a minimum of 90 credits in liberal arts and sciences, have completed a major (or its equivalent) in a “liberal” discipline with at least 17 credits in upper-division courses, and are in the upper 20% of the graduating class.
Students meeting these minimums are carefully screened in their graduation year. Approximately half of those eligible are elected by the chapter, upon recommendation of a screening committee.
A detailed description of election conditions and procedures is available from the Dean’s Office.
Advisor: Dr. Dona Dungan
Phone: (309) 794-7368
51 members inducted in May 2011
In May 2011, 51 Augustana seniors were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most selective honor society in American higher education.
Those students include:
Katie Alms, Samuel Anderson, Hannah Boyce, Debra Butler, Kimberley Butnik, Matthew Craig, Courtney Denewellis, Jacqueline Dickens, Neil Driscoll, Molly Fletcher, Allyse Freeman, Megan Garvey, Dana Gustafson, Lindsey Haines, Christine Hedlin, Kimberly Hedlin, Jeremy Hoffman, Rebecca Hopman, Laura Hulteen, Katherine Jarosz, Katrina Jensen, Julie Jordan, Samantha Kalmar, Bethany Kjellgren, Jaynee Krippel, Kurtis Larson, Phillip Litchfield, Stephanie Loria, Leah Mortenson, David Morton, Justine Nguyen, Rebecca Noffsinger, Michelle Opsahl, Helen Reinold, Elizabeth Riordan, Danielle Rousakis, Michael Seevers, Amanda Seifert, Andrew Shaffer, Ryan Shershen, Melissa Shore, Anna Smith, Katherine Storm, Mark Stumphy, Ashley Then, Courtney VandeWiele, Amy Walsh, Kyle Weigand, Sarah Willis, Robert Wood and Benjamin Zimmerman
Augustana numbers among a select 10% of American colleges and universities that have met the criteria for having a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Each year, the college elects approximately 8% of its graduating class for induction into the honor society. Students are selected based on a set of rigorous, nationally-prescribed guidelines, including a record of academic excellence, tolerance for diverse views and a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.
Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776. The Greek letters Phi Beta Kappa represent the initials of the society's motto: "Love of learning is the guide of life." Originally created as a secret society-the members wanted to preserve their freedom to discuss any topic they chose-Phi Beta Kappa is now openly recognized as one of the most prestigious honor societies in American education.
Sarah Horowitz, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter secretary at Augustana, is proud that the college is able to recognize the inductees' accomplishments with such a prestigious honor. "These students have fulfilled Augustana's mission of developing the mind, body and spirit in an exemplary manner. They are now part of a long tradition of excellence at Augustana and other Phi Beta Kappa chapters across the country. We expect great things from them in years to come."
