Phi Beta Kappa is America’s oldest collegiate honor society. Founded in 1776, its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding liberal arts students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The Society champions the liberal arts — the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences — in higher education and in society at large.
The Gamma Chapter of Tennessee was established at Rhodes College on December 5, 1949. Our chapter was the 143rd in the nation to be chartered; there are currently 283 chapters in the United States. In addition to recognizing outstanding students and awarding the college′s highest academic honor, our chapter sponsors lectures by distinguished visiting scholars.
To give to Phi Beta Kappa, please indicate "Phi Beta Kappa" on the Rhodes Online Giving page, or contact Nicki Soulé at the Development Office: (901) 843-3740 or email <soulen@rhodes.edu>. Our thanks to our recent donors: Tracy Adkisson (ΦBK Rhodes College); Richard Scott Antaya; Dr. J. Barron Boyd (ΦBK Rhodes College); Daniel Case (ΦBK Yale University); Dr. Robert Llewellyn (ΦBK Davidson College); William Murray (ΦBK Skidmore College); Dr. Scott L. Newstok (ΦBK Grinnell College); Dr. Kenneth Cameron & Brian Thompson (ΦBK Rhodes College); and the ΦBK Association of the Mid-South.
Upcoming events:
• A traveling exhibit about Phi Beta Kappa′s history, on loan from the national office (Hardie Auditorium Lobby, April 11–May 31).
• An address by J. S. "Chris" Christie, Jr. ′81, as part of our annual induction (Hardie Auditorium, May 10, 11:30am). Mr. Christie was the second recipient of the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Phi Beta Kappa Prize.
• A national Phi Beta Kappa conference, "Is There a Case for the Liberal Arts?" (Memphis Marriott Downtown, October 17–19).
Recent events:
• Junior inductees (class of 2014) were announced at the Awards Convocation (Hardie Auditorium, April 26, 9:00am).
• Randall Fuller discussed "Walt Whitman′s Civil War," based on his award-winning book From Battlefields Rising: How the Civil War Transformed American Literature (7pm, Thursday, April 11, 2013, Hardie Auditorium, Palmer Hall). Co-sponsored by the departments of English, History, Music, and the Spence L. Wilson Chair in Humanities. Pre-register; facebook page. Media: Chapter 16; Memphis Flyer; Counterpoint.
• Our chapter was profiled in Rhodes Magazine (Winter 2013).
• Samantha Smith ′14 was offered a writing internship with The Key Reporter (January 9, 2013).
• A reception for PBK alumni was held during Homecoming/Reunion Weekend (October 20, 2012).
• Many additional PBK members spoke on campus in 2012–13, including James Capretta (September 17), Clifford Orwin and Susan Meld Shell (September 28); Melody Deusner ′99 (November 15); Amy Singer (November 27); and Alice Kaplan (February 11-12). At the University of Memphis′ Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities, PBK speakers included Karlyn Kohrs Campbell (September 27); Deborah Gray White (November 1); and Marshall Poe (March 21).
• Brian Thompson ′80 (Chazen Museum of Art) addressed new members at the annual induction luncheon (May 11, 2012). Mr. Thompson was the inaugural recipient of the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Phi Beta Kappa Prize.
• Sir Peter Crane (Yale University) explored "The Future of Plants: Diversity, Conservation and Sustainability" (March 1, 2012). Crane′s visit was co-sponsored with Rhodes′ Biology Department, Environmental Studies & Sciences, the Spence L. Wilson Chair in Humanities, and the University of Memphis Department of Biological Sciences. Media: Commercial Appeal profile; Memphis Flyer interview.
• John Churchill ′71 (Phi Beta Kappa) spoke with alumni during Homecoming/Reunion Weekend (October 22, 2011).
• Kwame Anthony Appiah (Princeton University), discussed his book "The Honor Code" (September 21, 2011). Appiah′s visit was co-sponsored with Lecture Board, the Office of Student Conduct, the Dean′s Office, African American Studies, English, Gender and Sexuality Studies, International Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, the Project for the Study of Liberal Democracy, the Spence L. Wilson Chair in Humanities, and the Writing Center. Media: WKNO interview; Chapter 16 interview; Commercial Appeal interview; poster (pdf).
