The Iota of Virginia Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Hollins University welcomed 18 new student members at an initiation ceremony in May.

Inducted were seniors Yareli Sosa Antunez, Zoe Brooks, Anh Hunynh Doan, Marissa Gannon, Amanda Grover, Elizabeth Klein, Van Hai Le, Sneha Malakar, Jaiya McMillan, Linh Pham, Naomi Rajoo, Katherine Sanders, Cierra Scott, Adriana Wells, Caylin Wigger, and Kaley Wood. Kayla Richardson and Ellie Song were also initiated as junior class members.

Since 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has championed education in the arts and sciences, fostered freedom of thought, and recognized academic excellence. As America’s most prestigious academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa honors the best and brightest liberal arts and sciences undergraduates from 293 top schools across the nation through a highly selective, merit-based invitation process.

Ten percent of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. These chapters select only about 10 percent of their arts and sciences graduates to join.

Phi Beta Kappa members include 17 U.S. presidents, 42 Supreme Court justices, and more than 150 Nobel laureates.

Represented by a signature gold key and three Greek letters, Phi Beta Kappa offers a credential that has national recognition. Membership affirms the society’s motto, “Love of learning is the guide of life.”