14 Seniors Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa

On Dec. 7, 14 members of the Class of 2017 were inducted into Wesleyan’s Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest national scholastic honor society.

To be elected, a student must first have been nominated by the department of his or her major. He or she also must have demonstrated curricular breadth by having met the General Education Expectations, and must have achieved a GPA of 93 and above. The students in this particular group have GPAs of 93.47 and above and have already met all their undergraduate requirements.

“It’s delightful to be here and celebrate your accomplishments today,” said President Michael Roth during the PBK initiation ceremony. “Being a member of Phi Beta Kappa is a tribute to your abilities and accomplishments, but also your curiosity and desire to learn. We celebrate you and your work as a community of friends, colleagues and teachers.”

The new inductees and their majors include: Rachel Aronow, astronomy and mathematics; Redwan Bhuiyan, College of Integrative Sciences, molecular biology and biochemistry, neuroscience and behavior; Grace Carroll, American studies, sociology; Jennifer Cascino, Hispanic studies, molecular biology and biochemistry; Kaitlin Chan, art studio, College of East Asian Studies; and Roxie Chuang, psychology.

Also Emma Davis, College of Letters; Jenny Davis, English; Julia Indivero, biology, environmental studies; Melissa McKee, earth and environmental sciences; Jessica Perelman, feminist, gender and sexuality studies, psychology; Elizabeth Shackney, government and psychology; Meredith Smith, economics, psychology; Danny Weiss, mathematics, physics.

The Wesleyan Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was organized in 1845 and is the ninth-oldest chapter in the country.

Photos of the initiation ceremony are below: (Photos by Olivia Drake)