Phi Beta Kappa

The Phi Beta Kappa Society honors the best and brightest liberal arts and sciences undergraduates from 293 top schools across the nation through a highly selective, merit-based invitation process.

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is recognized as America's most prestigious academic honor society.

The Phi Beta Kappa chapter at the University at Albany, Alpha Alpha of New York, was founded in 1974 through the effort of History Professor DeWitt Ellinwood and a University Committee.

Not long after, a group of dedicated UAlbany Phi Beta Kappa members at the University at Albany endowed a fund to award a prize to the highest-ranking graduating member of the Alpha Alpha chapter of New York. The founders included M.E. Grenander, James W. Corbett, Helen and Bernard Horowitz, Catherine Newbold, Kendall A. Birr, Jarka and Grayce Burian, and Mary Goggin.