Membership in the esteemed honor society Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) doesn鈥檛 come easy. For students, induction into this exclusive group requires exemplary grades and a proven commitment to liberal arts and sciences.
This year, more than 100 兔子先生 students demonstrated that they indeed are worthy of membership and recently were accepted into the institution鈥檚 PBK Mu of Texas chapter.
On April 1, 104 Cougars gathered in UH鈥檚 Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion to be formally inducted into PBK. On hand to celebrate this accomplishment were Ben Rayder, assistant dean for undergraduate research, major awards, and learning abroad; Dan O鈥機onnor, dean for UH鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Maria Elena Soli帽o, professor of Spanish literature and film among other faculty supporters.
O鈥機onnor delivered remarks that addressed the importance of liberal arts in both higher education and society. Liberal arts, he said, helps students develop skills that will support their professional and personal journeys. These include critical thinking, communication, adaptability, ethical and human perspective, and lifelong learning.
鈥淟iberal arts encourages education as a method and not an outcome,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t teaches students to be more self-reflective, open minded and eager to learn for the sake of learning itself. It cultivates discovery and a willingness to consider and embrace new ideas.鈥�
Senior Omar Abbouchi is among the newest UH PBK inductees. He is set to graduate this spring and views a PBK membership as a fitting way to conclude his time at UH.
鈥淚t means a lot to me,鈥� said Abbouchi, a computer science and biomedical engineering double major. 鈥淚鈥檝e made a concerted effort to be successful here, keep my grades high and stay involved. Also, I鈥檝e tried to remain well-rounded. Tonight鈥檚 induction is a nice recognition for those efforts.鈥�
Another new PBK inductee is third year physics major Annabella Leon.
鈥淚鈥檓 very excited because I am going to graduate school to conduct research. Being able to make connections in a national academic honor society will open many doors for me,鈥� Leone said.
Leone added that PBK鈥檚 network of members will provide her with possible mentors to provide sage advice as she navigates future academic and professional endeavors. She will be in good hands as PBK members include esteemed thought leaders, professionals and scholars.
Since its founding in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, PBK has welcomed a range of influencers that include 17 presidents, 42 Supreme Court Justices and more than 150 Nobel Laureates. Notable members include former president John Quincy Adams, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., former president Theodore Roosevelt, sociologist W.E.B. Dubois, author and activist Gloria Steinem, former president Jimmy Carter, former president Bill Clinton, two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning, award-winning actress Kerry Washington and many others.
This year鈥檚 group of PBK inductees is the second largest in the University鈥檚 history. Since its inception at UH in 2016, more than 700 students and faculty have earned membership into the honor society鈥檚 Mu of Texas chapter.