Chapter Installation at James Madison University in Virginia
On March 17, the Xi of Virginia chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was installed at James Madison University.
The chapter installation ceremony was part of the annual James Madison Week.
John Churchill, the national secretary of Phi Beta Kappa, spoke at the installation on the importance of the liberal arts and sciences. In his address to the first class of inductees, Churchill reflected on how Phi Beta Kappa has affected his life, and the lives of other inductees, over the years.
James Madison University President Linwood H. Rose believes that having a Phi Beta Kappa chapter is a reflection of the excellence of the JMU community. “Selection by Phi Beta Kappa signifies a broader awareness of the quality of our faculty while also recognizing the scholarly capability of a bright and talented student body,” he said.
“As a faculty member, I am delighted that the Phi Beta Kappa Society has praised the quality of JMU programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences that are at the heart of Phi Beta Kappa’s mission,” said Charles H. Blake, president of the Shenandoah Valley Association of Phi Beta Kappa and head of JMU’s political science department. “Reasoned inquiry and heartfelt exploration are central to JMU’s efforts to help students become educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives,” Blake added.
“Phi Beta Kappa is the best-known national academic honor society,” said Linda Cabe Halpern, dean of University Studies and secretary-treasurer of the Shenandoah Valley Association of Phi Beta Kappa. “Having a chapter at James Madison University is a wonderful opportunity for our students, the best of whom are truly qualified for induction into this prestigious organization,” she said.
Blake, Halpern and Donna Harper were co-chairs of the application committee composed of Melinda J. Adams, Christopher J. Fox, John R. Hanson, Patricia N. Hardesty, Kay M. Knickrehm, Robert A. Kolvoord, Robert N. Roberts, Kristen St. John, John Scherpereel and Lee Sternberger.
Phi Beta Kappa has also awarded chapters to Butler University in Indiana, College of Saint Benedict-Saint John’s University in Minnesota and Elon University in North Carolina. All of the chapter installations are taking place this spring.
For more information, contact Cara Engel, director of chapter relations, (202) 745-3249 or cengel@pbk.org.