The Phi Beta Kappa Society
WAKE COUNTY ASSOCIATION
About the Wake County Association
The Phi Beta Kappa Association of Wake County Was Chartered by the Society as Alpha Association of North Carolina in 1979.
Its objectives are to foster in Wake County the highest ideals of earning, to promote closer fellowship and discussion among the members of the Association, and—in cooperation with Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa at nearby institutions—to cultivate educational and intellectual activity in Wake County.
Over the years, members have been entertained and inspired by a wide range of guest speakers, including the late Nancy Olson, former owner of Quail Ridge Books; Dr. Randy Woodson, Chancellor of North Carolina State University; novelist and creative writing teacher Jill McCorkle; and Larry Wheeler, Director of the North Carolina Museum, of Art.
In addition, the Association has honored a number of contributors to the arts and humanities in Wake County through its annual Phi Beta Kappa Award. Recipients have included Mary B. Regan, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council; Betsy Bennett, Director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences; and Grant Llewellyn, Artistic Director of the North Carolina Symphony.
Lastly, the Association has recognized and rewarded excellence in academic achievement through its annual student essay contest, open to juniors and seniors being educated in Wake County.
Since 1877, groups of Phi Beta Kappa members in communities and regions across the country have been organizing themselves into associations for social, cultural and educational purposes. These local organizations support the general purposes of the Society but differ from chapters in that they have no power to confer Phi Beta Kappa membership.
Membership
The Wake County Association is a growing organization in the Triangle area. Our members cover a wide range of backgrounds and professions, but all of us are interested in advancing Phi Beta Kappa’s ideals of recognizing student excellence, advocating for the arts and sciences in our community, and furthering our own love of learning.
Officers
THE NATION'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETY
Since our founding in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has celebrated excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and championed freedom of thought. As America’s most prestigious academic honor society, we are uniquely equipped to advocate for the value and benefits of liberal arts and sciences education. We do this because we believe the curiosity and creativity cultivated by a liberal arts and sciences education are essential to making the most of life’s experiences. At Phi Beta Kappa, we are the key that opens doors to lifelong opportunity.
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Chapters at 286 colleges and universities in the United States
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Nearly 50 alumni associations
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More than half a million members worldwide
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Noteworthy members include:
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17 U.S. presidents
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39 Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States
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Over 130 Nobel Laureates
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For more information, visit www.pbk.org