August 5, 2024
Dear Gonzaga Community Members:
It is my honor to inform you – following a years’ long effort on the part of many faculty, staff, and administrators – that the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa (ΦBK), this past Friday voted to accept the recommendation of its Committee on Qualifications and approved the establishment of a chapter at Gonzaga University. With this distinction, Gonzaga joins 290 notable colleges and universities who are recognized for their academic excellence and in particular a commitment to the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities.
This distinction has long been an aspiration of numerous faculty and administrators, who sought this approval both as a hallmark of the university’s academic excellence, and as an opportunity to recognize academic achievement by both students and faculty. It also represents the fulfillment of Goal 1 of Commitment 2 of the 2015 Strategic Plan, to “Animate Academic Excellence Across the Institution.”
Gonzaga was one of three universities to be approved by the Society’s legislative body, which meets once every three years to conduct business and evaluate institutions for membership. This year’s Triennial Council met in Baltimore, Maryland, and in attendance representing Gonzaga were Professors Kirk Besmer and Paul De Palma, who shepherded the institution’s application process. I was privileged to join them in Baltimore for the affirmative vote.
“We are honored to install new chapters at the College of Charleston, Gonzaga University, and Texas State University, reflecting our commitment to recognizing and fostering academic excellence,” said Frederick M. Lawrence, Phi Beta Kappa Secretary and CEO. “These schools exemplify the values of and relevance of the liberal arts and sciences, and we look forward to celebrating the academic achievements of their most outstanding students. We are thrilled to expand our network and welcome these distinguished institutions into the Phi Beta Kappa family.”
Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary. Its mission is to celebrate and advocate for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences students at America’s leading colleges and universities. Phi Beta Kappa members include 17 U.S. Presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court Justices and more than 150 Nobel Laureates.
Please join me in thanking and congratulating Professors Besmer and De Palma, as well as the many faculty and staff who worked so diligently to support our application and site visit in Spring 2023. With this distinction, Gonzaga is once again acknowledged to be one of America’s premier universities, recognized nationally for providing an exemplary Jesuit education.
Sincerely yours,
Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President