Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma of Minnesota Chapter Records

Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors society in the United States, recognizes achievement in the liberal arts. The society was founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. In September 1937, following a rigorous process of application and evaluation, the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University) became the first Catholic institution to be awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. The Gamma of Minnesota Chapter was installed on May 17, 1938.

In the years since, new members of the chapter have been inducted each spring, typically during their senior year. In a few cases, members are inducted during their junior year, or as alumnae. The chapter has consistently encouraged scholarship and advocated for the value of liberal arts education at St. Kate's. For example, Gamma Chapter has brought many guest speakers to campus through the yearly Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars program. Representatives of the chapter have also attended Triennial Council meetings at the national level.

Gamma Chapter initiates have gone on to become medical doctors, lawyers and judges, college presidents, writers, musicians, high school teachers, peace activists, businesswomen, and heads of religious organizations. In 2015, membership in the University's chapter stood at more than 1,000.