Wayne State’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter invites 72 undergrads to prestigious academic honor society

Wayne State University’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, Gamma, has invited 70 seniors and two juniors to become members of the nation's oldest academic honor society.  

“We are thrilled to invite 72 new members to our chapter of Phi Beta Kappa,” said Richard Pineau, associate professor of teaching in Wayne State’s mathematics department and the Gamma chapter president. “Wayne State’s tradition of academic excellence is evident in these students, who join a community of high-achieving alumni from the nation’s best universities.” 

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honor societies. Only 10% of American universities are awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and no school may elect more than 10% of a graduating class; therefore, about one college senior out of 100 nationwide is invited to join Phi Beta Kappa each year. Its members have included 17 U.S. presidents, 42 Supreme Court justices and more than 150 Nobel laureates. The Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa has been housed at Wayne State University since 1952. 

With a special emphasis on liberal arts and sciences, Phi Beta Kappa’s members are selected for embracing the breadth of a liberal arts education. While many of Wayne State’s Phi Beta Kappa members come from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, others come from the College of Engineering and the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. To be selected, the Gamma chapter officers and faculty and staff volunteers, who are also Phi Beta Kappa members, review the credentials and coursework of students with the highest GPAs.  

“We want to see that these students have not only excelled in their major but also in a wide range of liberal arts classes,” said Lisa Rapport, Ph.D., professor of psychology and president-elect of the Gamma chapter. “This is an indication of academic curiosity, rigor and excellence. The students selected have really challenged themselves intellectually.” 

Rapport said it is important to have an organization like Phi Beta Kappa at a school like Wayne State. Phi Beta Kappa marks excellent academic achievement  while also demonstrating the scholarly achievement of students on a national scale. More than 40% of Wayne State’s undergraduates are first-generation students, many of whom may not be familiar with the boost membership provides, including access to awards, fellowships and scholarships; professional development events and groups; and a strong community and alumni network across the region and country. Pineau said the Phi Beta Kappa Detroit Association has been a key collaborative partner, offering initiates a free one-year membership, which provides fellowship and networking opportunities.  

To help alleviate financial barriers that might keep students from accepting their invitation into Phi Beta Kappa, membership fees for inductees are offset by support from the Division of Academic Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — including the departments of biology and psychology — and the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. 

“As a top 100 public university, Wayne State is committed to providing a world-class education to our entire student population. The students invited for membership into Phi Beta Kappa embody the intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning that is central to a Wayne State education,” said Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “Congratulations to this year's inductees on their significant academic achievements.” 

Pineau acknowledged the work done across Wayne State to ensure that students have access to the opportunities provided by Phi Betta Kappa.  

“The work of the chapter would not be possible without the efforts of many faculty and staff who volunteer their time to serve as officers, transcript reviewers, points of contact for students, and who spread the word about how prestigious this honor really is,” said Pineau. The other officers of the chapter are Shooshan Danagoulian, Ph.D., treasurer; Madelyn Tucker, Ph.D., secretary; and Elena Past, Ph.D., historian. 

Wayne State will host its annual Gamma chapter induction ceremony on April 29. During the ceremony, inductees will invite an honored faculty or staff member to be recognized for their mentorship. The chapter will also induct two honorary members: Dr. John Corvino, former dean of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, and former Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid. Both will be recognized for their significant contributions to promoting academic excellence at Wayne State and their commitment to liberal arts education.