Carleton College received a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Beta of Minnesota, in 1914. It was the 83rd chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and the 2nd chapter in the state of Minnesota, following the University of Minnesota’s Alpha chapter (1892).

The Carletonian designated its edition on March 31, 1914 the “Phi Beta Kappa Number,” dedicating the front page to reports of the installation ceremony, the speeches, and the maize and gold streamers which “added a touch of beauty to the enchanted scene” in the gymnasium.

It was a scene of celebration and “merriment” (complete with ice cream and wafers), but also of serious consideration of educational values. For Carleton in 1914, receipt of a chapter signaled national recognition of the College’s high academic standards and underscored its commitment to a liberal arts education.

President Cowling spoke of the need for leadership by “men who shall be able to steady and to reassure and to lead on unfailingly to higher things” to a group of initiates including alumni and the 8 undergraduate women who were the first to be elected to membership in the Carleton chapter. The 1918 Handbook of the Carleton Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (Beta of Minnesota) gives a view into the early years of the chapter.

Carleton provided national leadership in the Society when President Gould, who had been elected to Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Michigan in 1921, became a senator of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa in 1948, Vice President in 1955, and President in 1958–1961. It was during his tenure as senator that Gould presided over the installation of the Delta chapter of Minnesota at St. Olaf College in 1949.

The chapter has largely focused on electing undergraduate members (seniors and a few juniors whose academic achievements, personal character, and commitment to the liberal arts meet the standards of the association); giving prizes; and hosting a distinguished stream of visiting speakers. 

The chapter marked its 25th and 50th anniversaries (in 1939 and 1964) with the publication of handbooks which include historical notes, lists of officers and members, and information about speakers and speeches. Copies of A Handbook of the Carleton Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (Beta of Minnesota), 1939  and The Carleton Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Beta of Minnesota 50th Anniversary Handbook 1914–1964 are available for consultation in the College Archives.

In spirit of the times, the chapter is marking the beginning of its second century by developing a website and hosting an anniversary celebration that looks forward to the new century in Spring 2015.

Submitted by Victoria Morse, January 2015