PBKACA HONORS AND AWARDS

The Association's Board of Directors is authorized to grant distinctions annually to individuals with records of achievement aligned with PBKACA's mission and the defining ideals and purposes of the National Society of Phi Beta Kappa.

Distinguished Service Award: An honor conferred at PBKACA's keynote event/annual meeting continuously since the 1980s. The recipient is so recognized for actions conducted over an extended period of time, typically in the context of a chosen profession/career, that are in keeping with the highest traditions of Phi Beta Kappa. These traditions are reflected in the mottoes guiding the National Society since its origins, "love of wisdom the guide of life" and "achievement through striving" and in its permanent governing principles, "friendship," "morality" and "literature (learning)." The honoree also has a personal connection to the Chicago metropolitan area, be it as place of birth/formative experiences/education and/or as the locus of adult achievements. In accepting the award, the individual addresses the assembled PBKACA members on themes relevant to Phi Beta Kappa.

Most recent past recipients have been, in chronological order:

2009 Rick Bayless – Chicago's most renowned chef-restaurateur PHOTO ALBUM!
2008 James Cuno – President and Eloise W. Martin Director of The Art Institute of Chicago
2007 Arne Duncan – Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer
2006 Eileen Mackevich – co-founder and president of the Chicago Humanities Festival
2005 Leon Despres – Former Chicago Alderman
2004 Catherine Malfitano – Leading diva, Lyric Opera of Chicago
2003 Dr. Paul Knappenberger – CEO Adler Planetarium
2002 Barbara Gaines – Artistic Director & Founder, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
2001 Ed Paschke – Visual Artist
2000 Gwendolyn Brooks – Poet Laureate of Illinois
1999 Dr. Michael Roizen – Professor, University of Chicago Medical School
1998 Richard Franke – Chairman & Founder, Chicago Humanities Festival
1997 Clarence Page – Columnist, Chicago Tribune
1996 Sandy Boyd – CEO, Field Museum of Chicago
1995 Bill Kurtis – WBBM-TV Anchorman & Documentary Filmmaker
1994 Dr. Milt Rosenberg – Professor, University of Chicago & Radio Broadcaster
1993 Elmer Gertz – Civil Liberties Attorney & Defense Counsel
1992 Georgie Anne Geyer – Syndicated Newspaper Columnist & Author
1991 Dr. Leon Lederman – Professor, University of Chicago & Fermilab Director
1990 Gary Wills – Professor, Northwestern University & Author

Living Treasure Award: An honor conferred since 2000 recognizing fidelity to Phi Beta Kappa’s governing principles, honoring the pursuit of excellence to the limits of personal capabilities over an extended period while also exhibiting local fellowship. This can be evidenced in particular by support the individual has personally extended to Phi Beta Kappa, such as by membership in PBKACA and/or voluntary assistance provided to the association. All recipients are Phi Beta Kappa initiates through a collegiate chapter. In accepting the award, the individual reflects on personal experiences that resonate with those of PBKACA members.

The prior recipients of this award have been:

2009 Abner Mikva – U.S. Representative, federal judge, White House legal advisor
2004 Daniel Edelman – Founder and retired CEO, Edelman Worldwide
2003 Richard Christiansen – Former lead arts critic, Chicago Tribune
2002 George Leighton – Retired U.S. District Court Judge
2001 Seymour Simon – Retired Illinois State Supreme Court Justice
2000 Dawn Clark Netsch – Former Comptroller of Illinois and state legislator