The cream of UB's academic crop received some good news last week - announcement of their induction into UB's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society.
The liberal arts honors society, which many consider the most prestigious in the United States, will hold official inductions May 7 at Slee Concert Hall.
Only the best and brightest of UB's students are elected into the honor society, according to Barbara Bono, president of UB's chapter.
"Phi Beta Kappa typically inducts seniors, and we offer selective advanced admittance to very qualified juniors," said Bono. "We are looking for excellence in liberal arts. They are usually the top 10 percent of their graduating class, with a 3.5 GPA after completion of 100 credits, or a 3.75 with a completion of only 75 credits."
After doing a computer sweep of students' transcripts in late January and early February, advisors of the selection committee not only look at the academics of the student, but they also look at the "breadth and depth" of the student's studies," she said.
"A good breadth in academic courses is an indication of the student being intellectually adventurous," Bono said. "This also includes distinguished completion of UB's general education program. The depth of a student's academics includes the successful completion of the student's major."
According to Bono, from the transcript computer sweep, the selection committee looked at about 450 potential members, and accepted about 250 into the honor society.
Phi Beta Kappa elects over 15,000 new members a year from 270 chapters across the United States, according to Bono. UB's chapter was established in 1938.
While most students are elected to Phi Beta Kappa as seniors, a handful get honored in their junior year.
Senior biological science major Sophia Balderman from Kenmore was honored as a junior last year. Balderman is an honors student and a teaching assistant in three different biology classes.
"Being in Phi Beta Kappa is a terrific opportunity to be recognized and appreciated by your academic community for your achievements," Balderman said. "It is an honor to be singled out of so many students. Just because UB isn't Harvard doesn't mean we don't have Harvard-like students. Students do amazing work here."
After she graduates, Balderman plans on attending medical school at the Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
Most Phi Beta Kappa members are also involved with other organizations on campus, according to Bono.
Phi Beta Kappa member Aimee Woznick is one of those students. Woznick, a senior double major in English and Italian, also holds membership cards from the Golden Key Honor Society, the Italian Student Association, the Romance Languages and Literatures Conversation Group, and the Philosophy Club. She also tutors students in writing at the Learning Center.
"It is really an honor to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa because it is such a renowned organization," said Woznick, who hopes to be accepted into a doctoral program in English. "I'm sure my membership will only help me in my graduate school and career search. Plus, it is wonderful to be a part of an organization that does so much for the campus and the community."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
