Wooster Phi Beta Kappa chapter celebrates centennial at symposium
As part of Independent Study Symposium celebrations, The College of Wooster’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa held a celebratory showcase, highlighting the community and scholarship fostered by the society chapter. Founded in 1926, Wooster’s Kappa of Ohio chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
Chapter president Emily Armour ’95 opened the event which included recognition of student, faculty, and staff achievements, a look at the society’s history, and the dedication of a centennial plaque. She then introduced Lisa Perfetti, College provost, who spoke about the significance of Phi Beta Kappa as the nation’s oldest academic honor society and highlighted its commitment to the liberal arts.
“The three Greek initials; Phi (Φ) Beta (Β) Kappa (Κ), as you may well know, represent a motto: ‘Love of learning is the guide of life,’” Perfetti said. “Regardless of whether we’re just entering the Phi Beta Kappa fellowship or whether we’ve had decades of experience in this journey of intellectual discovery, let us all cherish the opportunity we have not only to be guided by love and wisdom but the opportunity and chance to have companions along the way.”
The showcase featured Nurain Amier ’26 and Abigail Reytblat ’26, recipients of the 2026 Phi Beta Kappa Prize honored for their campus engagement and leadership who shared their I.S. research and took questions from the audience. Amier, majoring in biology and Chinese studies, researched historical treatments of influenza through an interdisciplinary approach of western and Chinese medicinal practices. Reytblat, a classical studies major and chemistry minor, studied cosmetics and perceptions of beauty in ancient Rome, interpreting themes of gender and identity in the Roman context.
Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the liberal arts and sciences, with membership typically extended to top students in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The society promotes intellectual curiosity, freedom of thought, and the value of a broad-based education. Phi Beta Kappa’s history at Wooster stretches back to 1902 with activity from multiple faculty members of the society. The College officially became the 105th chapter in the nation and the 10th in Ohio in 1926. Chapters exist at colleges and universities across the United States, and induction is considered one of the highest honors an undergraduate can receive.
Faculty, staff, and alumni PBK members gathered for a group photo to mark the occasion.
PBK alumni participated including alumni speaker Niall W. Slater ’76, former president of the national Phi Beta Kappa Society. Slater reflected on the organization’s origins and encouraged the audience to value the pursuit of learning, bringing forward the visions of the organization’s five student founders who gathered at College of William and Mary during the early days of the American Revolution. “The five young men at the Apollo Room of the Raleigh Tavern, on Dec. 5, 1776, would not really have imagined what has evolved in 250 years,” Slater said. “I think they would be very proud and glad to be part of this occasion.”
The event concluded with Wooster President Anne McCall leading the dedication of the centennial plaque. An exhibit in the library lobby, organized by Rebecca Roper ’14, special collections librarian, featured materials from the chapter’s history, including a 1926 commemorative certificate. Faculty, staff, and alumni members of the association were recognized, and attendees gathered for a group photo to mark the occasion.
Featured image: Niall W. Slater ’76, former president of the national Phi Beta Kappa Society, spoke at the event honoring 100 years of Wooster membership with the organization.
Posted in News on May 18, 2026.
