English
Special Collections and University Archives
15 Lippitt Road Kingston, RI 02881-2011 Tel: 401-874-4632 email: archives@etal.uri.edu
Phi Beta Kappa. Rhode Island Beta Chapter (University of Rhode Island)
Records of the Rhode Island Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa
1953-2002
12 box(es) (5.5 linear feet)
This collection contains materials related to the University of Rhode Island Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. The records comprise the initial admission application and supplemental documentation, by-laws, meeting minutes, correspondence, memoranda, notices, initiation criteria, selections and announcements, programs, handbooks, and copies of some of the official PBK publications. Interspersed throughout the records are occasional press releases and several newspaper clippings of various events, honors and awards, and lecture series. While primarily focused on the local chapter, regional and national oversight and information is also amply represented.
Mss. Gr. 36
Historical note
Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest American undergraduate honor society, was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Its name is derived from the initial letters of the Greek phrase
Philosopia Biouy Kubernetes, "love of wisdom, the guide of life," and it is preeminent in its focus on the liberal arts and sciences. The University of Rhode Island Beta Chapter of Rhode Island was founded in 1976.
Chapter status is "granted to the Phi Beta Kappa members of the faculty and administration of the sheltering institution" and granted by consensus of the Council, the legislative body of the Society, when it convenes, once every three years. Members are drawn from the ranks of college undergraduates and must be nominated for membership after meeting rigorous academic criteria. In addition, in each triennium, chapters may elect up to four alumni and two honorary members. A gold key is conferred in recognition of members’ achievements and contributions.
The Society’s mission is to foster excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, and this is accomplished by the efforts of several hundred chapters and associations working in conjunction with the national governing body. The Phi Beta Kappa Society sponsors and promotes numerous service, literary awards, and scholarship programs as well as lectureships and institutes.
Phi Beta Kappa publishes quarterly a newsletter and a scholarly journal. The first, The Key Reporter, is devoted to organizational activities and distributed free to members and to nonmembers for a nominal fee; the second,
The American Scholar, so named after an address delivered by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1837, is available by subscription to the general public.
Past Presidents of the University of Rhode Island Beta Chapter
- William D. Metz, 1976-1978
- Kenneth Rogers, 1978-1979
- Marilyn Malina, 1979-1980
- Gilbert Suzawa, 1980-1982
- Louis Kirschenbaum, 1982-1983
- Gilbert Suzawa, 1983-1985
- Robert Manteiga, 1985-1986
- Gerry S. Tyler, 1986-1987
- Sona Aronian, 1988-1989
- Michael Honhard, 1990-1992
- Karen Stein, 1993-1994
- Chris Waters, 1994-1995
- Janet Hirch, 1995-1996
- Lynn Pasquerella, 1997-1999
- Gibert Suzawa, 2000-2001
- Lois Cuddy, 2001-2002
Any qualified person doing scholarly research is permitted to use material housed in the Special Collections Unit.
Terms governing use and reproduction: Photocopying and scanning of materials is a fee based service available in the repository and is allowed at the discretion of the Archivist when in compliance to the Unit's policy on copyright and publication.
Preferred Citation
Records of the Rhode Island Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Mss. Gr. 36, University of Rhode Island.
Scope and Content Note
The records document not only the history of the formation of the University’s own chapter, for which it received its charter grant in 1977, but also its activities as a functioning association engaged in the recruitment of new members and in the promotion of the Society’s mission of "fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences." The records comprise the initial admission application and supplemental documentation, by-laws, meeting minutes, correspondence, memoranda, notices, initiation criteria, selections and announcements, programs, handbooks, and copies of some of the official PBK publications. Interspersed throughout the records are occasional press releases and several newspaper clippings of various events, honors and awards, and lecture series. While primarily focused on the local chapter, regional and national oversight and information is also amply represented.
The scope of the records is comprehensive in its representation and documentation of a broad range of the activities of the organization, and the records, in generally good condition, have been arranged into four series:
Series 1, Charter Application, (1969 -[1974]- 1975) comprises the application and supporting documents of the University of Rhode Island’s petition for charter. With the exception of William Metz's report copy which was added in the second accession, the records are arranged in their original order.
See also Series 4.
Series 2, Chris Waters Files, (1987-1994) contains the files kept by one of the chapter’s presidents, Chris Waters. Included are a list of the file's contents and two computer discs. The records consist of reports, correspondence, publications, and membership lists. The records are arranged in alphabetical order by subject and chronologically within the folders.
Series 3, Visiting Scholars, (1978-1995) contains documentation relating to speakers invited to the University under that program. The Visiting Scholar program has been in existence since the mid-1950s, and its participants benefit from and promote the Society’s principles of intellectual contribution. A group of scholars takes part in the program by annual invitation and spends time at participating institutions lecturing and meeting with faculty and student groups. One address during their two-day visits is open to the public. The records include correspondence, schedules, vitae, and programs. The records are arranged in alphabetical order by scholar subject and chronologically within the folders.
Series 4, Subject File, (1953 [1977-1997]- 2002) consists of annual reports, committee reports, by laws, membership lists and correspondence generated during the course of Phi Beta Kappa's business. Of interest is the correspondence of William Metz, concerning the application process for the establishment of the Rhode Island Chapter. The records are arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within each folder.
See also Series 1.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into four series as follows:
- 1. Chapter Application
- 2. Chris Waters
- 3. Visiting Scholars
- 4. Subject File
Acquisitions Information
The first accession to the Archives of the University of Rhode Island’s Phi Beta Kappa records was transferred to the University of Rhode Island Archives in 1979 by Prof. Marilyn Malina, Chapter President, 1979- 1980. The records were compiled in 1974 for the express purpose of applying to the Committee on Qualification of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) for a charter to establish a URI chapter. A subsequent transfer of Phi Beta Kappa, URI Chapter business records to the Archives occurred sometime in 2000.
Names
Phi Beta Kappa. Rhode Island Beta Chapter (University of Rhode Island)
Subjects
RIAMCO Browsing Terms
Education
Inventory
Series 1
Chapter Application1969-[1974]-1975
The Charter Application series comprises the application and supporting documents of the University of Rhode Island’s petition for charter. With the exception of William Metz's report copy which was added in the second accession, the records are titled and arranged in their original order.
1
1
1974 Oct 01
General Report (William Metz's Copy)
1
2
1974 Oct 01
General Report
1
3
1974 Oct 16
General Report
1
4
1974 Aug 18
Purpose A.
1
5
1974 Aug 30
Purpose B.
1
6
n.d.
Purpose C.
1
7
n.d.
Organization A.
1
8
n.d.
Organization B.
1
9
n.d.
Organization C.
1
10
1873 Aug 05
Students A. 1.
1
11
1973-1974
Students A. 2.
1
12
n.d.
Students B.
1
13
1969-1973
Students C. 1.
1
14
1969-1973
Students C. 2.
1
15
1965-1974
Educational Results A.
1
16
n.d.
Educational Results B.
1
17
1973 Jan 01
The Curriculum A. 1.
1
18
n.d.
The Curriculum A. 2.
1
19
n.d.
The Curriculum A. 3.
1
20
n.d.
The Curriculum A. 4.
1
21
n.d.
The Curriculum A. 5.
1
22
1973 Jan 09
The Curriculum A. 6.
1
23
n.d.
The Curriculum B. 1.
1
24
n.d.
The Curriculum B. 2.
1
25
n.d.
The Curriculum B. 3.
1
26
1974 Sep 12
The Curriculum C. 1.
1
27
1972 Dec 15
The Curriculum C. 2.
1
28
1974 Aug 16
The Curriculum D.
1
29
1973-1974
The Staff A. 1.
1
30
n.d.
The Staff A. 2.
1
31
n.d.
The Staff B.
1
32
1974-1975
The Staff C. 1.
1
33
1969-1975
The Staff C. 2.
1
34
n.d.
The Staff C. 3.
2
35
1975 Oct 31
The Library A. 1.
2
36
n.d.
The Library A. 2.
2
37
n.d.
The Library A. 3.
2
38
n.d.
The Library B. 1.
2
39
n.d.
The Library B. 2.
2
40
n.d.
The Library C.
2
41
1974 Aug 19
The Library D.
2
42
1974 Sep 20
The Laboratories
2
43
1973
Athletic Policy A.
2
44
1973-1974
Athletic Policy B.
2
45
1972-1973
Athletic Policy C.
2
46
1974 Jul 26
Financial Condition A.
2
47
1973 Jun 30
Financial Condition B.
2
48
1974 Sep 25
Financial Condition C.
2
49
1974-1975
Supplementary Data A.
2
50
1974 Oct 01
Supplementary Data B.
2
51
1971 Sep 15
Final Report
Series 2
Chris Waters1987-1994
The Chris Waters Files series contains the files kept by one of the chapter’s presidents, Chris Waters (1994-1995). Included are a list of the file's contents and two computer discs. The records consist of reports, correspondence, publications, and membership lists. The records are arranged in alphabetical order by subject and chronologically within the folders.
3
1
1993 Mar 12
Alumni & Honorary Membership
3
2
1990 Mar-1994 Jan 06
Beta Chapter Description
3
3
1988-1991
Booklets and Manuals
3
4
[1979?]
By Laws
3
5
1990 Sep 21-1993 Apr 09
Chapter Correspondence
3
6
1988 Dec 16-1992 Mar 26
Committee on Membership in Course
3
7
1994 Jan 10-May 05
Contents
3
8
1992 Apr 07-Sep 19
Honor Societies
3
9
1989 May 03-Apr 30
Initiation
3
10
1990 Apr 10-1992 Apr 07
Initiates Correspondence
3
11
1991-1993
Initiates Lists
3
12
1989 Jan 10-1993 Dec 23
Letters, Extras
3
13
1992-1993
Lists of Members- Mailing
3
14
1993 Dec 23
Members in Course
3
15
1992 Mar 04-25
Minutes
3
16
1992 Aug 17-Nov 09
National PBK
3
17
1993-1994
Output
3
18
1991 Apr 08
Printing Costs
3
19
1990 May 04-1992 May 01
Programs
3
20
1987 Oct 08-1993 Apr 28
Visiting Scholars
Series 3
Visiting Scholars1978-1995
The Visiting Scholars series contains documentation relating to speakers invited to the University under that program. The Visiting Scholar program has been in existence since the mid-1950s, and its participants benefit from and promote the Society’s principles of intellectual contribution. A group of scholars takes part in the program by annual invitation and spends time at participating institutions lecturing and meeting with faculty and student groups. One address during their two-day visits is open to the public. The records include correspondence, schedules, vitae, and programs. The records are arranged in alphabetical order by scholar. The month and year is indicative of the date the scholar visited the campus.
4
1
1992 Feb
Brakhage, Stan
4
2
1990 Nov
Caws, MaryAnne
4
3
1983 Oct
Colton, Joel S.
4
4
1993 Mar
Dreyfus, Hubert
4
5
1987 Jan
Feigenbaum, Edward
4
6
1978 Apr
Finney, Ross Lee
4
7
1980 Mar
Fussell, Paul
4
8
1978-1990
General
4
9
1995 Oct
Giddings, Paula J.
4
10
1979 Apr
Gold, Thomas
4
11
1984 Nov
Holquist, Michael
4
12
1981 Oct
Kerr, Malcolm
4
13
1993 Oct
McCloskey, Donald
4
14
1985 Oct
Polio, Howard
4
15
1990 Oct
Scott, Anne F.
4
16
1987 Oct
Taylor, Telford
Series 4
Subject File1953 [1977-1997]-2002
The Subject File series consists of annual reports, committee reports, by laws, membership lists and correspondence generated during the course of Phi Beta Kappa's business. Of interest is the correspondence of William Metz, concerning the application process for the establishment of the Rhode Island Beta Chapter. Notable scholars were asked to address the initiation programs. One such scholar, William B. Gould, a University of Rhode Island alumnus, attorney and Stanford Law School professor, was inducted as an alumnus member in May, 1981 and addressed participants and guests at the May, 1982 initiation ceremonies. The records are arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within each folder.
5
1
1978 Apr-May
Acceptance/ Registration
5
2
1983 May-1985 Jun
Accounting Systems Reports
5
3
1977 Mar-1978 Oct
Accounts, General
5
4
1979 Jan-Jun
Accounts, General
5
5
1971 Mar 15
Alpha of Rhode Island (Brown University), Invitations
5
6
1976-1977, 1984-1996
Annual Reports
5
7
1979-1983
Audit Committee Reports
5
8
1977 Oct-1988 Oct
By Laws/ Constitution
5
9
n.d.
By Laws and Other Handbooks
6
10
1998 May 16
Certificate- Kenneth Leach
6
11
1977 Apr 22
Chapter Installation and Initiation
6
12
1991-1994
Chapter and Other Lists
6
13
1976 Jun-Aug
Chapters, New England
6
14
1976-1977
Chapter Members List
6
15
1977 Oct-1982 Dec
Committee, Admissions, Members in Course
6
16
1977 Mar-1991 Mar
Committee, Alumni/ Honorary
6
17
1977 Jan-1978 Mar
Committee, Members in Course
6
18
1984-1990, 1995
Committee, Members in Course
6
19
1977 Mar-1979 Jun
Committee, Screening (Members in Course)
6
20
1977-1978
Committee and Officers List
6
21
1974 Jan-1979 Dec
Correspondence, General
6
22
1976-1977
Correspondence, (Charter Matters)
6
23
1977 Jan-Dec
Correspondence, General
6
24
1978 Jan-Dec
Correspondence, General
7
25
1979 Jan-Nov
Correspondence, General
7
26
1980 Jan-Jun
Correspondence, General
7
27
1980 Jul-Dec
Correspondence, General
7
28
1981 Jan-Dec
Correspondence, General
7
29
1982 Jan-Dec
Correspondence, General
7
30
1983 Jan-1985 May
Correspondence, General
7
31
1986 Jan-1989 Nov
Correspondence, General
7
32
1990 Feb-1994 Feb
Correspondence, General
7
33
1995 Jan-Oct
Correspondence, General
7
34
1996 Feb-Nov
Correspondence, General
7
35
1997 Feb-1998 Feb
Correspondence, General
7
36
n.d.
Criteria for Selection
8
37
1978-1981
Dues and Expenses
8
38
1995 Apr-Oct
Dues Lists
8
39
n.d.
Evaluation Forms
8
40
1977 Feb
Faculty Members
8
41
1977-1978
Finances
8
42
1977 Aug-1979 Oct
Fiscal Year Reports
8
43
1984 Mar-1993 Apr
Form Letters
8
44
1978 May-1981 May
Initiation
8
45
1981 Jan-1982 Apr
Initiation
8
46
1982 Apr
Initiation
8
47
1981 Oct-1982 May
Initiation
8
48
1983 May
Initiation
8
49
1982 Jan-1983 May
Initiation
8
50
1990 Apr
Initiation
8
51
1997 May
Initiation
8
52
1978 May-1992 Oct
Initiation Invitations and Announcements
9
53
1977 Apr-2002 Apr
Initiation Programs
9
54
1976 Aug-1979 May
Installation of Beta Chapter
9
55
1985 Mar-1991 Apr
Key Orders
9
56
1974-1979
The Key Reporter
9
57
1987-1993
The Key Reporter
9
58
1986-1991
Mailing Lists (Member Rosters)
9
59
1977 Apr-1978 Apr
Member Elections
9
60
1977 Mar-1978 Mar
Members in Course
9
61
1987 Apr-May
Membership
10
62
1969 Apr-1975 Dec
Metz, William D. - Chapter Application, Correspondence
10
63
1976 Feb-1977 Apr
Metz, William D. - Chapter Application, Correspondence
10
64
1978 Sep-1979 Mar
Minutes, Board
10
65
1988 Mar-1993 Apr
Minutes and Announcements
10
66
1971 Apr-1979 Mar
Minutes, General Meeting
10
67
1983 Apr-1990 Mar
Minutes, General Meeting
10
68
1990 Apr-1995 Mar
Minutes, General Meeting
10
69
1982
Modi Operandi
10
70
1977 Apr-May
Nominations/ Orders
10
71
1996 Apr-1997 Apr
Notes and Announcements
10
72
1984 Feb-1985 Oct
Payments and Deposits
10
73
1979 Jan-1982 Oct
Payments and Receipts
11
74
1983 May-1984 Oct
Payments and Receipts
11
75
1953 Feb-1972 Apr
Phi Beta Kappa Club (Metz)
11
76
1964 Feb-1973 Oct
Phi Beta Kappa Club (Matzinger)
11
77
1993 Oct
Phi Kappa Phi
11
78
1981-1991
Press Releases
11
79
n.d.
Stationary
11
80
1979 Feb-1980 Mar
Student Inquiries
11
81
1971 Apr-1979 Feb
Suzawa, Gilbert S. Miscellaneous Correspondence and Key Reporter issues
11
82
1984 Nov
Treasurer's Report
11
83
1979 Oct
Triennial Council (32nd)
11
84
1982 Aug
Triennial Council (33rd)
11
85
1985 May-Nov
Triennial Council (34th)
11
86
1986 Mar-1988 Sep
Triennial Council (35th)
12
87
1988 Oct
Triennial Council (36th)
12
88
1996 Jan-1997 Sep
Triennial Council (37th)
12
89
1976 Mar-1977 Sep
United Chapters
12
90
1978 Mar
University Year for Action