The Dartmouth chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, welcomed 182 new members in an outdoor ceremony on Saturday.
Gary Tomlinson ’73, John Hay Whitney, Professor of Music and Humanities and Sterling Professor of Music and Humanities at Yale University, was elected to alumni membership in absentia.
Chapter President Andrew Samwick, the Sandra L. and Arthur L. Irving ’72a P’10 Professor of Economics, welcomed parents, family members, and friends who were gathered in a tent outside the Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center for the spring meeting of the Alpha of New Hampshire Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Dartmouth.
Also officiating were Secretary-Treasurer Kate Soule, director of Arts & Sciences finance and research administration, and chapter Vice President John Carey, associate dean of faculty for the social sciences and a professor of government.
Chapter Marshal Roberta Stewart, professor of classical studies, led the inductees to their seats.
After recognizing the 24 students who were inducted in the fall, Samwick invited the 182 new members to sign their names to the Phi Beta Kappa’s roster, receive their citations, and pledge to adhere to the principles of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
Greeting them as full members, Samwick said, “Your election is in recognition of your outstanding attainments in scholarly pursuits, and of your manifestation of high character and of deep interest in the life of this College.”
Tomlinson, who was inducted to alumni membership in absentia, sent his highest regards to the inductees and others present. In his remarks, read by Samwick, Tomlinson said that it is the undergraduates he works with who continue to make teaching a particular joy.
“The curiosity of young minds in the face of new possibilities—the lightbulbs almost visibly switching on over their heads—the sheer thrill of the best of them in the presence of challenging concepts, of experiences human and otherwise, and of enduring human achievements: these are what continue to excite me on a daily basis in the classroom.”
“I know that you all, honored with PBK induction half a century earlier in your lives than I, are the kinds of students prone to the excitement I describe. I’m truly honored to share induction with you,” he said in his message.
With encouragement to stay connected with the Society and a quick demonstration of the secret handshake by Soule, the meeting was adjourned.
The 182 new inductees from the Class of ’23 (unless otherwise indicated) include: