Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most distinguished of academic honorary societies. Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, its purpose is to recognize and encourage excellence in the liberal arts. The Wells College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Xi of New York, was founded in 1932. It recognizes seniors whose academic achievements have been distinguished and whose cultural interests are broad. Students elected to Phi Beta Kappa must demonstrate, in addition to academic excellence, breadth of study outside the major field and a knowledge of mathematics or science and of a foreign language. Candidates must have completed at least three semesters of work at Wells and be fully registered for the fourth. Also taken into account are the character, achievements, originality, and breadth of interest of each candidate. Election to Phi Beta Kappa is the highest and most widely recognized of academic honors.
Presented at fall Convocation to that member of the previous year's first-year class who demonstrated high academic achievement and showed great promise in fulfilling other of the Phi Beta Kappa ideals.
Every year the national organization's Visiting Scholar Program makes available a number of distinguished scholars to spend time on campuses and give public lectures. Individual chapters must apply and be approved to receive this honor.
Past Lectures