Phi Beta Kappa still gold standard as academic measure

As Phi Beta Kappa celebrated its 239^th anniversary early in December, a student and faculty member at Saint Michael’s College each reflected on what it means to be a part of the nation’s oldest and largest liberal arts honors society

“It acknowledges a depth of learning in the liberal arts,” said Shannon McQueen ’16, who was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa as a junior last year. “It’s also the idea of loving learning and loving different types of learning in different areas so you’re not so singularized.”

In 2003 following an extended vetting process, Saint Michael’s College became one of the select colleges to host a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and the honor remains a serious and classic distinction for the College’s academic programs.  It is just as challenging for individuals to become members: Consideration for Phi Beta Kappa requires not only a high grade point average, but a breadth of courses taken.

Donna Bozzone, professor of biology, was inducted into the society her junior year at Manhattan College.  As one of 35 professors at Saint Michael’s part of Phi Beta Kappa, Bozzone says that being a member of the society can be extremely helpful in any job, but especially the academic world.

“If you’re heading to grad school or professional school it is definitely going to be value added,” Bozzone said. “I’m delighted that we have it because it’s such a good thing for the students who earn it to be able to have in their record and take away with them.”