Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa
ΦΒΚ
FoundedDecember 5, 1776 (1776-12-05)
College of William & Mary
TypeHonor
AffiliationHSC
Former affiliationACHS
StatusActive
EmphasisLiberal arts and sciences
ScopeNational (United States)
MottoΦιλοσοφία Βίου Κυβερνήτης
Philosophia Biou Kybernētēs
"Love of learning is the guide of life"
Colors  Pink and   Sky blue
PublicationThe American Scholar
Chapters293
Members500,000+ lifetime
Headquarters1606 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
United States
Websitepbk.org

The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States.[1] It was founded in 1776 at the College of William & Mary in Virginia.[2] Phi Beta Kappa aims to promote and advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, and to induct outstanding students of arts and sciences at select American colleges and universities.[3] Since its inception, its inducted members include 17 United States presidents, 42 United States Supreme Court justices,[4] and 136 Nobel laureates.[5]

  1. ^ Bernstein, Emily M. (May 26, 1996). "Phi Beta Kappa being turned down by many honorees". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  2. ^ Warren, John (2000). "Historical information". achsnatl.org. Association of College Honor Societies. Archived from the original on April 25, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2009.
  3. ^ "Phi Beta Kappa". The College of Arts & Sciences. University of Virginia. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  4. ^ "About ΦΒΚ". www.pbk.org. Phi Beta Kappa Society. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  5. ^ "Phi Beta Kappa Society". Pbk.org. October 5, 2012. Archived from the original on January 13, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2013.