Why Phi Beta Kappa?
Elizabeth Chapman ‘24
Political Science
I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in April 2023. I knew what an honor it was to be selected for this prestigious society. Many U.S. Presidents and Supreme Court Justices share this honor as well, and it is amazing to think that I have the same credentials that they once had. The decision to accept PBK’s invitation gave me the confidence to apply to law school and the assurance that I would be successful in a rigorous educational field. When applying to law school, having Phi Beta Kappa on my resume was an asset to my law school applications because it showed admissions committees that I had what it takes to be a contributing member of their law community. Being a part of Phi Beta Kappa set me up for success in my future career by recognizing the well-rounded education I received while also maintaining a stellar GPA. I am so thankful to belong to this society.
Jamie Gentry ‘09
Student Affairs Coordinator
Center for Latin American Studies
University of Chicago
When I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, I understood what an honor it was to become a member, but did not, perhaps, understand how helpful membership would be to me in my future endeavors pre- and post- graduate school. I firmly believe that my membership in Phi Beta Kappa played a part in my admission to the University of Chicago’s Master’s program in Latin American Studies—the admissions processes at this institution are competitive and having PBK on your CV certainly helps to set you apart from other candidates.
As a graduate, now, I find that my PBK membership helps me to stay connected with other alumni who work in fields I am interested in—it really is quite an extraordinary network of individuals! I am part of the Linkedin group and regularly read the posts on the Key Reporter. I find both tools to be useful networking resources (especially as potential job-networking resources) for myself and for some of the students I work with. I am particularly fond of reading the book reviews and alumni news! In a funny way, I suspect that my membership to Phi Beta Kappa and the strong sense of duty one feels to uphold the integrity of the society plays a role in my dedication to excellence in my work and to my desire to be a life-long learner.
