Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary college society, was founded in 1776 by five students at the College of William and Mary. The society embraces the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression. Invitation to membership in Phi Beta Kappa is a reflection of the highest scholastic achievement from among the leading candidates for college degrees in the liberal arts and sciences.
Phi Beta Kappa at Illinois College is a legacy bequeathed to Illinois College in 1931 by Charles Rammelkamp, then president of the College. His effort to gain recognition for the special qualities of an Illinois College education were rewarded when the first installation of the Illinois College Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Kappa took place on April 6, 1932. Illinois College is one of only 11 in the state to offer membership to this distinguished society.
Illinois College inducted 13 new members into the Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society during a ceremony on May 9. Those inducted from Illinois include Jenna Bresnahan of New Berlin, Timothy Denney of Jacksonville, Erika Fouts of Girard, Whitney Hedden of Galesburg, Andrea Klinedinst of Canton, Alyson Knapik and Amanda Moore both of Decatur, Briana Peper of Illiopolis, Megan Rabe of Ursa, Laura Reynolds of Pleasant Plains, Nyamochir Tserenlkhagva of Chicago; and from Missouri new inductees include Nathan Manhanke of St. Louis and Joshua Walters of St. Charles. As a junior last year, Cassie Jarvis of Washington, Ill. was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa which is seldom accomplished. The inductees are typically seniors.
Following the induction ceremony, the Epsilon Chapter hosted a dinner with remarks given by Phi Beta Kappa graduate
Julie Bodam Macartney '98.