More than 50 University of Mary Washington students were elected to Phi Beta Kappa at an initiation ceremony held on Sunday, April 3, in the Chandler Ballroom of the University Center. Phi Beta Kappa is a national honor society devoted to the recognition of excellence in the pursuit of liberal education.
Elizabeth Heitsch, President of Kappa of Virginia, presided. Roy H. Smith, UMW Professor Emeritus of Psychology, gave the charge to the initiates.
Kara Ness was presented with the Roy H. Smith Phi Beta Kappa Award. It is given each year to a rising senior who demonstrates significant academic accomplishments. Roy Smith was a charter member of UMW’s chapter, served as chapter president twice and supported the society’s activities over his 40 years at the university.
Two alumni were honored at the ceremony, Marty Abbot ’72 and Irene Taylor Robinson ’47. Irene Taylor Robinson is the co-writer of the UMW Alma Mater. A portion of her original recording was played at the ceremony.
For more information about UMW’s Phi Beta Kappa Society, contact Robert Rycroft at 540-654-1500.