Methuen resident Matthew Burns inducted into Connecticut College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa

NEW LONDON, CT (05/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Matthew Burns, a member of the Connecticut College class of 2013, was inducted into the Connecticut College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa May 18.

Burns is a 2009 graduate of Kimball Union Academy and is the son of Judith and Eric Burns of Methuen.

Phi Beta Kappa is the national honor society of undergraduate higher education. Admission to the society is based on exemplary academic scholarship over four years of college; members are in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes.

The Delta of Connecticut Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was installed at Connecticut College on February 13, 1935.

The chapter takes as its charge to new members the words spoken by Charles Evans Hughes, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Alpha Chapter of Rhode Island. Justice Hughes said, in part: "The particular interest of Phi Beta Kappa is in liberal education ... At this time, when the world stands in need of every influence which favors intellectual discipline and achievement, the service of Phi Beta Kappa is of heightened value. It holds aloft the old banner of scholarship; to the students who have turned aside from easier paths and, by their talent and fidelity, have proved themselves to be worthy, it gives the fitting recognition of a special distinction."

About Connecticut College

Connecticut College is a private, highly selective liberal arts college with 1,850 students and more than 40 majors in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities, as well as the option for students to self-design majors. The College offers a high level of intellectual challenge, a campus culture that supports students to tailor their educational experience to their own interests and goals, and a four-year career development program that teaches students how to translate a liberal arts degree into a first job or graduate school admission. Connecticut College is situated in the small New England seaport of New London. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.