A core part of Phi Beta Kappa’s mission is to foster and promote the liberal arts and sciences. In addition to conferring membership to outstanding students, the Society is involved in a number of advocacy programs to spread the message about the benefits of a liberal arts education.
Visiting Scholars
Started in 1956, the Visiting Scholars program sends distinguished speakers to chapters across the country to meet with faculty and students and to address the school. The purpose of the program is to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus by making possible an exchange of ideas between distinguished visiting scholars and the resident faculty and students.
During their time on campus, Visiting Scholars speak to classes and clubs, share meals with faculty, staff & students, and give a public lecture. Our chapter has hosted seven scholars since our Chapter was inducted in 1998.
Recent scholars have included Dr. Amy Cheng Vollmer (2018), Dr. Harold Stanley (2016), Dr. Judith Resnick (2015), and Dr. Diana Taylor (2013).
Dr. Amy Cheng Vollmer meets with WISH students Spring 2018
Induction
Held once a year, traditionally the first week in April, at the Historic State House in Historic St. Mary’s City. Students elected as Members in Course receive their certificates at the ceremony. Alumni and Honorary members elected each year are also recognized.
Students elected as Members-in-Course in March 2019, along with chapter officers.
Book Awards
Ceremony held each November to honor select NHS Students from the five high schools in St. Mary’s County. Students selected for the award are given a book relevant to their field of interest. Current high-achieving sophomores at SMCM are also personally invited to attend.
On Nov. 12, 2020, the Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at St. Mary’s College of Maryland held its annual book awards virtually, presenting book prizes to five county high school seniors in recognition of their outstanding academic record. Shown in photo (top row, left to right): Laraine Glidden (SMCM distinguished professor emerita and SMCM Zeta Chapter book award coordinator); Angie Draheim (SMCM Zeta Chapter vice president); Kiersten Scarbrough (Leonardtown); (middle row, left to right): Faith Anne Fitz (King’s Christian); James Tripp (Chopticon); Evelyn Kim (Great Mills); (bottom row, left to right): Lee Capristo (SMCM Zeta Chapter president); Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD (SMCM president); Blake Meyer (St. Mary’s Ryken).