OMAHA, NE (12/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Gregory Rufener of Enumclaw was initiated into the Creighton University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa during the installation of the Beta of Nebraska Chapter on Nov. 29. Creighton is one of 280 universities to host a chapter of the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Only 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities are home to Phi Beta Kappa chapters. Thirteen university students were inducted into the chapter as Members-in-Course based on their record of academic excellence.
Fifty-eight faculty and staff who already belonged to Phi Beta Kappa were named as the chapter's charter members during the initiation ceremony. Six foundation members including Creighton University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J.; Patrick Borchers, Randolph Ferlic, Rose Hill, Michael Proterra, S.J. and Stephanie Wernig were also inducted for their work in founding and continuing the chapter.
"Membership in this prestigious group is an honor and reflects the fact that Creighton University provides students with a nationally recognized quality education," said chapter president-elect James Wunsch, Ph.D., of Creighton's Department of Political Science and International Relations.
Applying to host a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa is a three-year process, and new chapters are selected every three years. Applicant schools are visited by a delegation from Phi Beta Kappa's national Committee on Qualifications, which assesses the school's academic strengths and resources.
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa recognizes outstanding undergraduates in the liberal arts and sciences. Lifetime membership in the honorary and its distinctive golden key are considered emblems of high achievement, bringing a competitive advantage for those who qualify.
