ALMA — Twenty Alma College students have been selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa, America’s most prestigious scholastic honorary society. The newest members were inducted during a ceremony on April 3 at the Thomas Andison Center, in the Greg Hatcher Learning Commons.

Among those in attendance were Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sean Burke, as well as faculty members who are members of Phi Beta Kappa and students who were inducted at last year’s event.

Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, Phi Beta Kappa recognizes excellence in liberal arts education, stressing intellectual discipline and achievement. Members are selected on the basis of their outstanding academic achievement in the traditional arts, sciences and humanities. Eligibility requires at least a 3.75 grade point average (GPA) for a junior and a 3.50 GPA for a senior. Among other requirements are proficiency in college mathematics and a second language.

This year marks the 46th anniversary of Alma College’s chapter, which was founded in 1979. The college’s Eta Chapter is one of 293 in the United States and one of eight in Michigan.

The following students were inducted:

  • Caedmon Applegate, a senior psychology major from Midland
  • Amanda Baker, a senior English major from Sparta
  • Phillip Banner, a junior integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) major from Boyne City
  • Grace Buckingham, a senior psychology major from Saginaw
  • Lili Catrell, an English/world languages and cultures major from Shepherd
  • Jordan Cleveland, a junior secondary education major from Alma
  • Carson Daill, a senior chemistry major from Monclova, Ohio
  • Emily Dimock, a junior IPHS major from Shelbyville
  • Owen Gornicki, a senior English major from Midland
  • Iasmina Idris, a senior political science major from Elektrostal, Russia
  • Kay Keller, a senior history major from Owosso
  • Regan Mockerman, a senior biology major from Wyoming
  • Robert Preni, a senior foreign service/political science major from Westland
  • August Sack, a senior foreign service/political science major from Glen Arbor
  • Nathan Toth, a senior English major from Chesterfield
  • Ashton Trnka, a junior biochemistry major from Whitehall
  • Vicky Villarosa, a senior biochemistry major from Crown Point, Ind.
  • Austin Walker, a senior biochemistry major from Grand Rapids