A Phi Beta Kappa chapter is, as the president says, a sign of "a top-flight institution."
By WAVENEY ANN MOORE
Published February 25, 2004
ST. PETERSBURG - Eckerd College, only the sixth Florida institution of higher learning to be awarded a chapter by the Phi Beta Kappa Society, is amid a week of celebration.
The college is basking in the prestigious award from the society, which recognizes colleges and universities for the quality of their educational programs for undergraduate students. Standards for the award are rigorous.
"We think it is really an external validation of our view that the undergraduate education at Eckerd College really stacks up as one of the finest in the country," Eckerd president Donald R. Eastman said.
He noted that there are only 270 Phi Beta Kappa chapters nationally.
"So they're pretty selective and for Eckerd College to get this at such a young age is extraordinary," he said. "It's one of the signs that an institution is a top-flight institution."
The society considers applications every three years. Eckerd College was one of 41 reviewed during the most recent process, said Barbara Ryan, public relations director for the society, which is based in Washington, D.C.
Also awarded new chapters were Alfred University, Alfred, N.Y., the State University of New York at Geneseo, Roanoke College, Salem, Va., Saint Michael's College, Colchester, Vt., the University of San Diego, Calif., Texas A&M University at College Station, and Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.
In Florida, the Eckerd chapter now joins others at Florida State University, the University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida International and Stetson University in Deland, Ms. Ryan said.
Phi Beta Kappa was founded on Dec. 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary. Its emblem is a golden key.
Eckerd will celebrate with several events, including lectures, an organ recital and international films. With the exception of the installation ceremony Friday, during which Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel will speak, the events are free and open to the public.
