Initiation 2019

With initiates and their guests assembled under the Gerberding Hall bell tower, chapter President Zev Handel explains the significance of the Phi Beta Kappa engravings on the tower wall.

Processing across Red Square to the sound of the change-ringing bells, led by this year’s gonfalonier holding aloft the chapter’s gonfalon

Awaiting the start of the formal ceremony.

Chapter President Zev Handel addresses the new initiates and their families. Prof. Christopher Hamm explains the iconography of the Phi Beta Kappa key.

Norm Arkans narrates the history of Phi Beta Kappa. Prof. Heidi Tilghman details the requirements for election.

New initiates take the oath and officially join Phi Beta Kappa.

As Joe Janes and Kim Lokan call their names, new initiates sign the official register book …

… and receive congratulations from Executive Board members.

Professor Thaïsa Way delivers the Initiation Address, after being introduced by Prof. Joseph Janes.

Post-ceremony photographs

Photographs courtesy Warren Woo