This spring, Marquette’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa—America’ oldest and most prestigious collegiate honors society, founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776—elected 26 seniors and two juniors to its ranks.
Among its members, Phi Beta Kappa counts 17 United States Presidents, 42 United States Supreme Court Justices and more than 150 Nobel Laureates.
There is no application process for the society. Students studying for a liberal major and meeting certain basic requirements are considered and elected by faculty members of the Marquette Chapter (Zeta of Wisconsin) and informed of their election in spring of their senior year.
A select few, who have already met chapter requirements and made outstanding academic achievements, are elected as juniors. To most, election comes as a complete surprise. Students who accept their election and become members receive access to Phi Beta Kappa’s prestigious network of leaders. Learn more about Phi Beta Kappa at Marquette.
Although admission to Phi Beta Kappa is made strictly on academic merit (extracurricular activities are not considered), GPA is not the only point of consideration. Students must demonstrate “broad cultural interests, scholarly achievement and good character.” A deep and wide liberal education, which includes the study of logic or mathematics and at least an intermediate competency in a foreign language, are among the national society’s standards for membership.
This year, the chapter will also inducted two honorary members at the faculty rank, who have been invited to play a special role in the chapter induction ceremonies in mid-May. Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp, vice president for research and innovation, will offer an oration. Dr. Heidi Bostic, dean of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, will read a poem for the occasion. Phi Beta Kappa is excited to honor the accomplishments and leadership of these two scholars and leaders, who represent Phi Beta Kappa’s grounding in the liberal sciences and arts.
This year’s elected students include:
Juniors
- Jennifer Pennypacker
- Gracie Wendt
Seniors
- Thomas Besold
- Trevor Block
- Vincent Cahill
- Monica Dreesen
- Karina Falcon Gonzalez
- Erica Frank
- Clare Griffin
- Maggie Landers
- Esmeralda Lezama Ruiz
- Gabriella Marino
- Brooke McArdle
- Bradley Michaloski
- Abigail Montalbo
- Tyler Naekrsz
- Zhitao Nie
- Abigail Papka
- Lizabeth Raffel
- Andrew Schafer
- Matthew Schwemmer
- Samuel Solowicz
- Elizabeth Wojtysiak
