Madison Reporter

On April 13, 168 University of Wisconsin–Madison Letters & Science undergraduates were inducted into the prestigious academic society Phi Beta Kappa (ΦΒΚ). The ceremony, held at Varsity Hall in Union South, was attended by 350 individuals.

The Phi Beta Kappa chapter at UW–Madison, established in 1899, aims to recognize students who delve deeply into the sciences, arts, and humanities. The event was marked by a procession led by L&S Dean Eric M. Wilcots and a welcome from Chapter President David W. Johnson.

During the ceremony, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin emphasized the importance of the new inductees, stating, "These are the people we will look to for new ideas, new ways forward, and new hope for the future in a world that is far too polarized." The celebration also honored Associate Professor of Communication Arts, Allison Prasch, who received the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award. One of her students, Sarah Nehls, commended Prasch for her dedication to student success, saying, "Dr. Prasch has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to advancing the field of rhetorical scholarship... I can personally attest to her investment in the wellbeing and academic success of her students."

Inductees were recognized for their academic achievements across various fields, with stringent requirements including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.80. The selection process involved a thorough review of each student's record by a committee of faculty and staff.

The ceremony also acknowledged the contributions of graduate students to the academic community. Jimena González and Jairo Villalona, members of the Edward A. Bouchet Society and PhD candidates in Physics and Chemistry, respectively, accepted ΦΒΚ's graduate student induction invitation.

The event concluded with Jinwan Park, a Phi Beta Kappa member and political science graduate, addressing the inductees, highlighting the importance of academic excellence and scholarly pursuits.

The list of inductees included students from diverse backgrounds and areas of study, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.

The induction into Phi Beta Kappa signifies not only academic excellence but also a dedication to the pursuit of knowledge across disciplines, reflecting the values of wisdom and scholarly exploration upheld by the prestigious society.