Randolph-Macon College’s Zeta Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Society inducted 38 new members from the Class of 2026 during Commencement weekend.

Since its founding in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has celebrated excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and championed freedom of thought as America’s most prestigious academic honor society. Each chapter can elect no more than 10% of its graduating class, and RMC is among just 10% of U.S. colleges and universities with a PBK chapter.

The following 2026 graduates were inducted into the Zeta Chapter of PBK:

• Bailey Aycock
• Allison Brittle
• Lauren Brokaw
• Natalie Buckley
• Asher Burns
• Collin Burwell
• Sophia Caron
• Matteo DeLuca
• Audrey Ellenberger
• Wiley Eubank
• Lilly Fowler
• Tyler Graham
• Courtney Guthrie
• Jacob Hanes
• Damon Haun
• Braeden Kinloch
• Alex LePage
• Lydia Lesnevich
• Milly Mach
• Emily Matthews
• Ella McClenny
• Abby McGowan
• Erin Morris
• Owen Partain
• Abigail Pesut
• Logan Polivka
• Alex Richardson
• Jason Sbertoli
• Cathryn Short
• Rachel Shrewsbury
• Abby Simmons
• Madeline Smith
• Ella Swager
• AC Tetterton
• Carson Triplett
• William Wian
• Lenora Williams
• Grace Wunder

In addition to induction into PBK, Ella Swager ’26 and Abby Simmons ’26 were each honored with the John B. and Anita S. Werner Award at the PBK event in May. The award is given annually to no more than two graduating seniors who have been elected to PBK and made outstanding contributions to the College and community.

President Michael E. Hill commended the inductees for their contributions to the Randolph-Macon community in and outside the classroom.

“Phi Beta Kappa is not simply an honor society,” Hill remarked. “It is a centuries-old affirmation that intellectual curiosity, disciplined inquiry, moral reflection, and a commitment to truth matter deeply­­­­­­­­­—not only in the academy, but in the life of a free and flourishing society.”