The Dartmouth chapter of Phi Beta Kappa welcomed 133 new members during its induction ceremony on Saturday in a tent outside the Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center. Independent filmmaker Nora Jacobson ’74 was elected an alumni member.
Dartmouth is home to the fourth oldest chapter Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate honors society. Students are chosen based on exceptional scholastic achievement.
Chapter President Andrew Samwick, the Sandra L. and Arthur L. Irving ’72a P’10 Professor of Economics, kicked off the spring meeting with a warm welcome to parents, family members, and friends.
Samwick acknowledged the unique and difficult journey the Class of 2024 has endured on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is always a testament to the student’s ability to persevere, to excel, to be admitted to Phi Beta Kappa. Perhaps it has never been more true than for this class of 2024,” Samwick said, calling for a special round of applause to acknowledge the collective efforts of students and their families.
Following a proclamation of the intention to induct new members, chapter Marshal Roberta Stewart, a professor of classical studies, led the procession of students into the auditorium as the audience cheered.
Before the formal initiation of new inductees, Secretary-Treasurer Kate Soule, director of Arts and Sciences finance and research administration, detailed the categories of membership, and chapter Vice President John Carey, professor of government, presented a history of the centuries-old society. Samwick recognized the members who were elected in fall 2023.
The 133 new members were then invited to sign their names to the Phi Beta Kappa’s roster, receive their citations, and pledge to adhere to the principles of the honors society.
After receiving her citation, Jacobson, an award-winning filmmaker devoted to telling stories of women, social justice, and place, expressed her surprise and bemusement for being honored with the alumni membership.
In her brief address, she recollected that her father had come to her graduation at Dartmouth, even though she didn’t attend it herself. “I’m really very touched and moved to be here, really, for my father,” she said.
She identified curiosity and a love for learning as the qualities that she shared with the students elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
“That’s why we’re here today,” she said.
The 133 new inductees from the Class of ’24 (unless otherwise indicated) include: