November 20, 2015
K-State recognized as a Phi Beta Kappa outstanding chapter
Kansas State University's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa — the nation's oldest and most widely known academic honor society — was selected as an outstanding chapter at the recent 44th Triennial Council in Denver, Colorado.
The award is given to chapters and associations that excel in recognizing excellence and achievement, furthering learning for all life, and advocating the arts and sciences. K-State's chapter, the Beta of Kansas Chapter, was one of two public university chapters recognized at this year's Triennial Council.
"K-State faculty, staff, and alumni and friends work continuously to uphold the standard of excellence established by our chapter founders in 1974," said Laura Kanost, associate professor of Spanish and president of the K-State chapter. "By honoring students who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in broad and deep multidisciplinary programs of study, we are highlighting the opportunities at K-State for students to equip themselves to meet the complex challenges of their future professional and civic lives."
K-State's Phi Beta Kappa chapter was established in 1974 and continues to recognize excellence in the liberal arts and sciences with election each spring of juniors and seniors who demonstrate scholarly achievement, good character, and broad cultural interests.
"Freedom of inquiry and expression, disciplinary rigor, breadth of intellectual perspective, and the pursuit of wisdom are just as important today as they were to our society's founders in 1776, if not more so," said John Churchill, Phi Beta Kappa secretary. "All of our Outstanding Chapter Award recipients embody these ideals and are sharing them with their students, their campuses and their communities in innovative and creative ways. We are very grateful for their example and continued dedication."
The Phi Beta Kappa Society was founded on Dec. 5, 1776, and has chapters at 283 colleges and universities in the United States, 50 alumni associations and more than half a million members around the world. Its mission is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, to recognize academic excellence, and to foster freedom of thought and expression. Read more information.