The President’s Letter

Welcome to PBKACA – the Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Chicago Area.  Our Association is one of over 50 active Phi Beta Kappa alumni associations across the nation that supports the aims of the national society by promoting the value of education.

Once you are initiated into Phi Beta Kappa, in your senior year in college – you become a lifetime member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.  The PBK Society keeps in touch with key holders by sending solicitations for donations and sending The Key Reporter for members.  It also publishes The American Scholar. 

As a Phi Beta Kappa key holder, you are not automatically a member of our Association. In Chicago, there are over 15,000 key holders, many of whom are members of our association which serves the entire Chicago metropolitan area. Our Association sponsors interesting intellectual and social events, with the opportunity to meet other talented and well informed individuals – and form lasting friendships. Check out our activities and come to one or more as our guest before you join.  We also sponsor Community service projects such as awarding scholarships in the Chicago Public Schools, serving as judges for the Chicago Debate Commission and tutoring adults in our Odyssey project.  Finally, we give awards to worthy individuals who have enriched the educational, intellectual and cultural life of Chicago and honor fellow PBK key holders through our Living Treasure events. I invite you to peruse our website and get a glimpse of the kinds of things we do – and the fun and satisfaction we have as PBKACA members.

So you say, why join? This is why. As a PBK key holder, you can be proud that you have earned lifelong membership in the national PBK Society.  However, membership in the Association is not automatic; by joining us you can turn your achievement – induction into Phi Beta Kappa – into more than a pin that you wear on occasion or a line you highlight on your resume.  You turn that honor into a deeply appreciated gift to students and offer your talents and knowledge for the intellectual discourse of members and others in the Chicago area.  And, who, knows – you may also form lifelong friendships or meet a new special friend.

We invite you to “noodle” around our website, join our Association – and find some existing program or committee that strikes your interest. You can also offer a donation to support the important community service work that we do – such as the Scholarships for Chicago Public High School students.   Or better yet, suggest a new venture – and help us reach out still further – to “create enthusiasm for pursuits of the mind.”

If you have a question – or a comment – call or email us.  One of our Board members will get right back to you. 

Warmly,

JUDI

Judi Strauss Lipkin

President of PBKACA