Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma of Minnesota Chapter Records

Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization in the United States, recognizing achievement in the liberal arts. Phi Beta Kappa was founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. In September 1937, The College of St. Catherine (now University) was the first Catholic college or university to be awarded a chapter. Gaining a chapter is accomplished through a rigorous process of application and examination of an institution.

This collection contains the records of the Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma of Minnesota Chapter at St. Catherine University. When Phi Beta Kappa voted to grant a chapter to the College of St. Catherine in September 1937, it made St. Kate's the first Catholic institution to receive a PBK charter. The Gamma of Minnesota Chapter was installed on May 17, 1938.

Since its installation, members of the Gamma of Minnesota Chapter have been inducted at the end of each spring semester, typically during their senior year. In some cases, alumna and underclassmen may be inducted into PBK. Over the years, members have hosted guest lecturers through the yearly Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars program, attended Triennial Council meetings at a national level, and encouraged scholarship and the value of liberal arts education throughout all class levels on campus.

St. Catherine University Phi Beta Kappa members have gone on to become medical doctors, lawyers and judges, college presidents, writers, musicians, high school teachers, peace activists, businesswomen and heads of religious organization. In 2015, membership in the University's chapter stood at more than 1,000.