phi beta kappa

[Erik P Conard]

Phi Beta Kappa, often called "Phi Bete" stands alone.
It was the first greek letter club, originally called the Flat Hat
Club....see Baird's or any encyclopedia or internet for more...
Phi Beta Kappa charters very selectively, and on a few campi
where scholarship reigns supreme. It is, in itself, a community
of scholars. Not all the money or endowment or pressure in the
world can buy a charter from Phi Bete. They still have the key
as a badge (so does KA Society) and this originally was used to
wind one's watch. I think Phi Bete was always co-ed, and likely
never had a house. It's the highest representation of achieved scholarship, the zenith. Recognized throughout America as the
pinnacle of collegiate awards, this key will open many doors. There is unlikely any college in the USA who would not "kill' to
be recognized and chartered by Phi Beta Kappa. Anyone who'd
disagree with this is either brain-dead or in denial.
I am not a member of PBK nor do I have the undergraduate gpa
to be one, nor did my Kansas State Teachers College have a charter...only KU in Kansas. Others have sought, none won....
Now this does not mean your collegiate experience is inferior, but
tell me of another measurement so widely acknowledged.
Those of you who are Phi Betes...wear your key, proudly.
But they do not have the bucks as Chi Psi, the numbers as Pike, the jocks like SAE, the parties as Tekes, the face men like Sig Ep,
the loyalty like Beta, and so on. But they are PHI BETA KAPPA.
They stand alone....and we all owe our existence to them and to
the Freemasons. Happy new year, whoever you are!