ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/05/2011)(readMedia)-- Augustana College has recently selected 51 students from its 2011 graduating class for induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most selective honor society in American higher education. The inductees include the following students from the local area:
- Debra Butler from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in psychology.
- Samuel Anderson from Rock Island, IL, majoring in mathematics and computer science.
- Andrew Shaffer from Rock Island, IL, majoring in history.
- Courtney VandeWiele from Rock Island, IL, majoring in political science and accounting.
- Michael Seevers from Cordova, IL, majoring in geography.
- Anna Smith from Moline, IL, majoring in biology and psychology.
- Mark Stumphy from Moline, IL, majoring in biology.
Augustana numbers among a select 10% of American colleges and universities that have met the criteria for having a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Each year, the college elects approximately 8% of its graduating class for induction into the honor society. Students are selected based on a set of rigorous, nationally-prescribed guidelines, including a record of academic excellence, tolerance for diverse views and a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.
Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776. The Greek letters Phi Beta Kappa represent the initials of the society's motto: "Love of learning is the guide of life." Originally created as a secret society-the members wanted to preserve their freedom to discuss any topic they chose-Phi Beta Kappa is now openly recognized as one of the most prestigious honor societies in American education.
Sarah Horowitz, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter secretary at Augustana, is proud that the college is able to recognize the inductees' accomplishments with such a prestigious honor. "These students have fulfilled Augustana's mission of developing the mind, body and spirit in an exemplary manner. They are now part of a long tradition of excellence at Augustana and other Phi Beta Kappa chapters across the country. We expect great things from them in years to come."
About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.
