Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa - History of the National Society and the Alpha Chapter

On December 5, 1776, five students at William and Mary College organized the first Greek-letter fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa. Dedicated to high purposes, the group functioned as a kind of literary-debating society dealing with relevant and contemporary topics not included in the College's rigid classical curriculum. When the Virginia chapter became inactive during the American Revolution, just three chapters, all in New England, constituted the Society for the next thirty-six years. The number of chapters chartered then increased slowly to a total of only twenty-three by the centennial year of 1876. In 1883 the twenty chapters then active organized the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa to provide closer unity and greater uniformity of practice.

Alpha of Idaho, the only chapter in Idaho . . . .

During its second one hundred years Phi Beta Kappa increased steadily in size adding chapters at institutions carefully selected for high academic standards in undergraduate liberal arts programs. Today the Society comprises some 245 chapters with a living membership of 425,000. Not only has Phi Beta Kappa expanded in size and influence, but it has also made significant changes in its organization and aim. All secrecy was eliminated as early as the 1830s, and women were admitted in 1875. In the early nineteenth century it began to evolve into its present role of emphasizing and recognizing distinction in the areas of the humanities, arts, and sciences. Our chapter's criteria for selecting members include an outstanding academic record in a program consisting predominantly of Arts and Sciences courses that are deemed basically intellectual as distinguished from professional or applied courses. Phi Beta Kappa chapters and Alumni Associations also encourage intellectual activities by sponsoring scholarships, awards, visiting scholars, and public lectures. Thus the Chapter and the Society maintain their emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences as important preparation for a meaningful life in a free and democratic society. As one distinguished Phi Beta Kappa said, "Liberal education...means the development of the capacity to appreciate what has been done and thought... It is liberal because it emancipates; it signifies freedom from the tyranny of ignorance".

Return to Phi Beta Kappa Home Page