2023 Members Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa

The Washington College Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa inducted its newest class this month, providing 29 students membership in what is widely considered to be the most highly regarded mark of academic distinction for undergraduate students in liberal studies. 

“Phi Beta Kappa is the most prestigious academic honor society for undergraduate students. And it’s about the only such society older than Washington College—it was founded in 1776, six years before our college,” said Provost Michael Harvey. “Nationally, fewer than 10 percent of undergraduate institutions have a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. We’re proud of ours and very proud of our remarkable Phi Beta Kappa students.”

Washington’s Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the Theta of Maryland, was established on February 23, 2007. Since then, the chapter has inducted more than 400 students and five alumni to membership. Every spring, student transcripts are reviewed to identify candidates by the resident members of the chapter—Washington faculty and staff who were themselves inducted into PBK and promote the organization on campus and throughout the community. Election into the society is by invitation only and at the complete discretion of the chapter.

Chapter President Kerrin Ehrensbeck, the College’s director of institutional research and assessment, said that Phi Beta Kappa inductees’ GPAs represent the top 10 percent of Washington students and this year’s class had the highest cutoff GPA in the chapter’s history.

“It is always exciting to be able to induct Washington College students into such a prestigious honor society,” Ehrensbeck said. “The new members represent the true distinction of a liberal arts education and join the ranks of many notable scholars.”

While strong academic performance is necessary for election to Phi Beta Kappa, it is not the only criterion considered. The chapter also looks at the breadth and depth of a student’s academic coursework and takes candidates’ moral character into account as well. Candidates are voted on by resident members in a secret ballot.

Since its founding on December 5, 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has been a leading advocate for the ideals of a liberal arts education: intellectual curiosity, freedom of inquiry, creative endeavor, ethical reflection, and the pursuit of wisdom. In addition, the society values the principles of friendship, morality, and scholarship; these are symbolized as stars on the front of the Phi Beta Kappa key.  


Rho Class — 2023 Phi Beta Kappa Inductees 

Zeeta A. Abubakar 
Armani J. Banks 
Amelia G. Bonsib 
Camryn D. Bryan 
Rachel M. Chatfield 
Eberechi E. Chimezie 
Emilee C. Cramer 
Kristina G. Curley 
Sneha Vireshwar Dixit 
Erica G. Ekholm 
Kyra S. Heap 
Destiny M. Hunter 
Hillary P. Hwang 
Alyssa K. Kovacs 
Lauren T. Maynor 
Sharon N. Niedringhaus 
Adrienne E. Nolt 
Savanna N. Pollard 
Emma R. Radinsky 
Emma L. Reilly 
Kathryn N. Ruppert 
Eylie B. Sasajima 
Daria Shirokova 
Gillian R. Slavick 
Dylan G. Snow 
Julianna S. Sterling 
Max R. Tucker 
Emily V. Turfitt 
Peter H. Walls