Induction into Phi Beta Kappa to be Celebrated Virtually

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of dozens of campus events and in this time of social distancing, virtual events have become the safest option.

Induction into the Nu of Massachusetts Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa normally occurs the same day as commencement, but the chapter officers, consisting of Jim Staros; biochemistry and molecular biology, Sheldon Goldman; political science, Kirby Deater-Deckard; psychological and brain sciences and Joe Bartolomeo; English, created a video that was sent to this year’s inductees. The video is a condensed version of the traditional induction ceremony, using the same language, with each chapter officer dressed in full academic regalia.

“I think that I speak for all of the officers that we regret would couldn’t do this in person,” says Staros, chapter president. “We’re all faced with this, with regard to commencement and all of the senior ceremonies. I think what all of us are trying to do is to give students as high quality an experience as we can, while sheltering in place.”

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society open to students in the arts and sciences (the Colleges of Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Natural Sciences). In order to be considered, a junior must have a 3.95 GPA. For seniors, the GPA requirement is 3.85.