May 1, 2012
Nine undergraduate environmental studies students have been inducted into the UW-Madison chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society.
Since its inception in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has been committed to fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts. The main function of the local chapter is to honor undergraduates for outstanding scholarly achievement.
The Alpha Chapter of Wisconsin (so named because the UW-Madison campus was granted the first Phi Beta Kappa charter in the state) traditionally invites no more than three or four percent of the university's bachelor's degree candidates to join. Students are invited on the basis of demonstrated achievement in breadth and depth of study in the liberal arts.
The chapter selection committee is made up of members of the faculty and academic staff who were elected to Phi Beta Kappa when they were undergraduates. Nelson Institute affiliate Cathy Middlecamp, associate professor of environmental studies and Howe Bascom Professor of integrated liberal studies, serves as chapter vice president.
Phi Beta Kappa inductees majoring in environmental studies:
Jiwon Jun
Mark Kafura
Jessica Lund
Jenna Mertz
Ellen Moleski
Phi Beta Kappa inductees earning the environmental studies certificate:
Hanna Dehnert
Alexandra Goldstone
Sara Soon
Alexia Steinweg-Woods