The nation's tenth oldest chartered college now has a chapter of the nation's oldest—and most prestigious—academic honor society celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.
Washington College was one of six American colleges and universities to be awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter this fall.
The chapter will invite for induction its most outstanding students and will sponsor activities to advance studies in the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences.
"We should have had a chapter a hundred years ago," notes College President Baird Tipson. "Getting a chapter validates Washington College's commitment to the liberal arts and to excellence throughout its history. knew we were good; am so very pleased that Phi Beta Kappa has recognized the strength of our faculty, our liberal arts curriculum, our facilities and our vision for the future."
Phi Beta Kappa stands for freedom of inquiry and expression, disciplinary rigor, breadth of intellectual perspective, the cultivation of skills of deliberation and ethical reflection, the pursuit of wisdom, and the application of the fruits of scholarship and research in practical life. "champion these values in the confidence that a world influenced by them will be a more just and peaceful world," noted John Churchill, secretary and chief executive officer of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
The chapter installation will occur at Washington's Birthday Convocation in February.
Clayton Black, associate professor of history, is chapter president.
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782