Randolph-Macon College’s Zeta Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Society held its annual banquet and initiation ceremony April 21, 2017 in Birdsong Hall.

Thirty-two new members were inducted into the Society during the ceremony, which was attended by family, friends, faculty, and staff. The event also marked the 94th anniversary celebration of the establishment of a Phi Beta Kappa chapter at Randolph-Macon College. The president of the Zeta of Virginia Chapter, Psychology Professor Susan Parker, welcomed inductees and guests to the banquet.

After dinner, Parker welcomed E. Wayne Powell, president of the Richmond Association of Phi Beta Kappa, who explained the mission of local chapters and their focus on giving back to the community by awarding scholarships.

Following Powell’s comments, the John B. and Anita S. Werner Award was presented. The award, a distinction that comes with a certificate and a cash award, is given annually to one or two graduating seniors who have been elected to PBK and who have made outstanding contributions to the college and the community. In addition to more than 20 years of service on the Board of Trustees, Werner has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Alumni and is a member of the Presidents Society and the Heritage Society.

The award is not based solely on a student’s GPA, but also takes into consideration participation in campus activities, social and service groups, and athletics, as well as contributions to the community outside of campus. Kaitlin Deaton ’17 (English major; Spanish and religious studies minor) and Rebecca Reidy ’17 (psychology major; English minor) are the recipients of this year’s John B. and Anita S. Werner Award.

The following students, all of whom will graduate in 2017, were inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society:

Christelle Ancajas, Nathan Baumbach, Logan Bradshaw, Joshua Carter, Alicia Cash, Kaitlin Deaton, Chelsea Deaton, Brandon Delpi, William Drumheller, Emily Durando, Emily Ford, Keziah Gehring, David Gibson, Kelsie Grice, Laura Haney, Matthew Houle, Leah Kehoe, Jamie Langbein, Olivia Latham, Anne Louden, Anna Merritt, Amanda Metell, Kaeleigh Olsen, Logan O’Neill, Kristin Patrick, Nicholas Powell, Rebecca Reidy, Brody Scott, Mariah Smith, Timothy Thoner, Abigail Warren, and Paige Weaver.

RMC President Robert R. Lindgren shared some thoughts with attendees to close out the evening.

“It is an honor for me to be here tonight to help celebrate your initiation into Phi Beta Kappa,” said Lindgren. “You have enriched this fine college by your contributions both in and outside the classroom and have helped make Randolph-Macon a better place for future generations of students. I wish you all the best for what lies in front of you, and I am confident that you will continue to excel in whatever path you choose.”

Founded in 1776, The Phi Beta Kappa Society advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding liberal arts and sciences students at America’s leading colleges and universities. Each chapter can elect no more than 10 percent of its graduating class. Phi Beta Kappa recognition was awarded to Randolph-Macon in 1923, and the college is one of only 10 percent of the colleges in the country so designated. Phi Beta Kappa’s Greek initials are ΦBK, which mean “Love of learning is the guide of life.”

RMC’s chapter was named the outstanding chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at a liberal arts college in 2009 at that year’s triennial convention. The chapter continues to be among the top-rated chapters in the country as determined by the National Association’s Committee on Chapters.