The Phi Beta Kappa Society
MAINE ASSOCIATION
About the Maine Association
How can you stay connected to Phi Beta Kappa in Maine?
Join the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Maine! We are a group of Phi Beta Kappa members who live in Maine. The Association meets regularly to socialize, network, engage in the community and continue our lifelong love of learning.
We also advocate for a liberal arts and sciences education, sponsoring a scholarship for high school juniors with outstanding achievements.
The Maine Association is always welcoming new members who are interested in connecting with other Phi Beta Kappa alumni.
History
The Phi Beta Kappa Association of Maine was chartered in June of 2003.
In 2001, the founders of the Association, led by Kathleen Gensheimer, held a membership meeting at Bowdoin College and invited a University of Southern Maine professor who taught Middle East studies to speak. It was our first meeting with an engaging, topical speaker and we have retained that meeting format as a cornerstone of our association to this day.
At that meeting, Peggy Siegle described a high school book award program to the group and suggested that the Association develop a similar academic award that would emphasize the value of the liberal arts. The founders adopted that as a signature function of the organization, now known as the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Maine Academic Achievement Awards. Debora Elliott-Ward has single-handedly provided leadership for this initiative for the Association ever since its inception.
Since our founding, the Association has been committed to the ideals of Phi Beta Kappa. Throughout our history, regularly held events have served as a means for members to connect and stay involved. In addition to forming a network of Phi Beta Kappa members, the Association has forged a connection with our local community.
Officers
Timothy Benoit, Esq.
PRESIDENT
NAME
THE NATION'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETY
Since our founding in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has celebrated excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and championed freedom of thought. As America’s most prestigious academic honor society, we are uniquely equipped to advocate for the value and benefits of liberal arts and sciences education. We do this because we believe the curiosity and creativity cultivated by a liberal arts and sciences education are essential to making the most of life’s experiences. At Phi Beta Kappa, we are the key that opens doors to lifelong opportunity.
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Chapters at 286 colleges and universities in the United States
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Nearly 50 alumni associations
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More than half a million members worldwide
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Noteworthy members include:
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17 U.S. presidents
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39 Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States
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Over 130 Nobel Laureates
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For more information, visit www.pbk.org