Membership in the esteemed honor society Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) doesn’t come easy. For students, induction into this exclusive group requires exemplary grades and a proven commitment to liberal arts and sciences.
This year, more than 100 探花视频 students demonstrated that they indeed are worthy of membership and recently were accepted into the institution’s PBK Mu of Texas chapter.
On April 1, 104 Cougars gathered in UH’s Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion to be formally inducted into PBK. On hand to celebrate this accomplishment were Ben Rayder, assistant dean for undergraduate research, major awards, and learning abroad; Dan O’Connor, dean for UH’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Maria Elena Soliño, professor of Spanish literature and film among other faculty supporters.
O’Connor delivered remarks that addressed the importance of liberal arts in both higher education and society. Liberal arts, he said, helps students develop skills that will support their professional and personal journeys. These include critical thinking, communication, adaptability, ethical and human perspective, and lifelong learning.
“Liberal arts encourages education as a method and not an outcome,” he said. “It teaches students to be more self-reflective, open minded and eager to learn for the sake of learning itself. It cultivates discovery and a willingness to consider and embrace new ideas.”
Senior Omar Abbouchi is among the newest UH PBK inductees. He is set to graduate this spring and views a PBK membership as a fitting way to conclude his time at UH.
“It means a lot to me,” said Abbouchi, a computer science and biomedical engineering double major. “I’ve made a concerted effort to be successful here, keep my grades high and stay involved. Also, I’ve tried to remain well-rounded. Tonight’s induction is a nice recognition for those efforts.”
Another new PBK inductee is third year physics major Annabella Leon.
“I’m very excited because I am going to graduate school to conduct research. Being able to make connections in a national academic honor society will open many doors for me,” Leone said.
Leone added that PBK’s network of members will provide her with possible mentors to provide sage advice as she navigates future academic and professional endeavors. She will be in good hands as PBK members include esteemed thought leaders, professionals and scholars.
Since its founding in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, PBK has welcomed a range of influencers that include 17 presidents, 42 Supreme Court Justices and more than 150 Nobel Laureates. Notable members include former president John Quincy Adams, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., former president Theodore Roosevelt, sociologist W.E.B. Dubois, author and activist Gloria Steinem, former president Jimmy Carter, former president Bill Clinton, two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning, award-winning actress Kerry Washington and many others.
This year’s group of PBK inductees is the second largest in the University’s history. Since its inception at UH in 2016, more than 700 students and faculty have earned membership into the honor society’s Mu of Texas chapter.