Congratulations to this year’s Phi Beta Kappa initiates.

Devon Alexandra Adams, an applied computer science major from Birmingham
Alexis Victoria Baldwin, a political science major from Birmingham
Julia Grace Degnan, a musical theatre major from Hendersonville, Tenn.
Madeline Elise Ford, a biology major from Baton Rouge, La.
Connor Alan Hansen, a history major from Fort Collins, Colo.
Ann Chandler Hassett, a Spanish major from Birmingham
Marjorie Milham Head, a political science major from Columbiana, Ala.
Claire Theresa LeSar, a studio art and art history major from Chattanooga, Tenn.
Yihan Liu, an economics major from Yunnan Province, China
Sarah Elizabeth Mayhew, a musical theatre major from Scottsboro, Ala.
Justin Christopher Morris, an applied computer science major from Birmingham
Brian James Perry, a chemistry major from Sylacauga, Ala.
Aidan Christopher Sullivan, a history major from Nashville, Tenn.
Mary Elizabeth Yaeger, a studio art major from Birmingham

Beta of Alabama, Birmingham-Southern College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, was established in 1937 under the leadership of College President Guy Snavely. Only 10 percent of the nation’s higher education institutions shelter Phi Beta Kappa chapters, and BSC is one of only three chapters in Alabama.

Election to Phi Beta Kappa is based on academic excellence, pursuit of the liberal arts and sciences, breadth of intellectual perspective, and cultivation of capacities of deliberation and ethical reflection. Usually, candidates are seniors in the top 10 percent of their graduating class who are pursuing a degree in arts and sciences.

“Phi Beta Kappa’s mission is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, to recognize academic excellence, and to foster freedom of thought and expression. As such, it is right at home at a liberal arts institution like Birmingham-Southern,” says Art History Professor and Beta of Alabama President Dr. Kathleen Spies. “The annual initiation of new members is our chance to celebrate those BSC students who not only have high grade point averages, but who also exemplify intellectual curiosity and the liberal arts spirit.”

To further support intellectual excellence and curiosity on campus, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program brings professors from around the country to give presentations on campus. These presentations are free and open to the public. Thanks to local and national offices of Phi Beta Kappa and the BSC Provost’s Office, students have had the opportunity to hear from and meet accomplished speakers every spring since 1956.

The 2019-2020 speaker was acclaimed poet, Renaissance scholar, and University of Michigan professor Dr. Linda Gregerson. Her lecture titled “Can We Talk? Poetry in an Era of Social Division” explored American poems that suggest new possibilities for fostering both critical and compassionate communication. After her presentation, a group of students and faculty were able to meet with Gregerson and continue the conversation.

Learn more about the BSC chapter of Phi Beta Kappa here.