By C. Lynn Hiler and Savina Williams
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 13, 2021) — The University of Kentucky chapter of Phi Beta Kappa inducted 19 new members into the prestigious academic honor society. This year’s induction ceremony was held virtually Thursday, April 15, 2021.
“I want to congratulate all of our students who are being honored here today for their hard work, their grit, their determination and continuing to maintain the highest standards in their coursework and their campus engagement, even under these extraordinary circumstances,” said Anna Bosch, chapter president, associate dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of linguistics, during the induction ceremony. “All of us who join you here today celebrate your accomplishments and stand in awe of your successes. You have every right to feel proud of yourself and your hard work over your entire UK career, but especially considering this past pandemic year.”
Celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and the most prestigious honor society that opens many doors over the course of members’ careers. It contributes to opportunities for lifelong learning and rounded lives outside of career. Phi Beta Kappa elects more than 15,000 new members a year from 270 chapters across the United States. There are also nearly 50 alumni associations across the country that allow members to continue active affiliation with the society after graduation.
The 2021 inductees are:
College of Arts and Sciences
Jordan Bernard, Psychology.
Sarah Danielle Bombrys, Mathematics.
Michael Regan Di Girolamo, Foreign Language and International Economics.
Matthew Alexander Friedman, Neuroscience.
Usman Zulfiqar Hamid, Psychology.
Maria Hyrcza, International Studies.
Jaclyn Jamison, Psychology.
Gretchin Anika Kepplinger, History.
Eleni Digenis Lentsch, Political Science.
Sophia Caroline Marcolla, Political Science.
Laura Jean McAllister, Environmental and Sustainability Studies.
Anne Marie McAtee, International Studies.
Margaret Ann Merrifield, Foreign Language and International Economics.
Morgan Rohleder, Mathematics.
Sarah Hunter Ross, Psychology.
Asante Ryan Ruiz, Foreign Language and International Economics.
Dakota Oakes Selch, History.
Gatton College of Business and Economics
Douglas Wilson Sarasin, Management.
College of Engineering
Jacob Thomas Concolino, Chemical Engineering.
You may view the spring 2021 virtual ceremony at this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eYkMPqYzOE. UK’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter is supported by the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence within the Office of the Provost. For more information on membership, contact chellgrencenter@uky.edu.
The University of Kentucky is increasingly the first choice for students, faculty and staff to pursue their passions and their professional goals. In the last two years, Forbes has named UK among the best employers for diversity, and INSIGHT into Diversity recognized us as a Diversity Champion four years running. UK is ranked among the top 30 campuses in the nation for LGBTQ* inclusion and safety. UK has been judged a “Great College to Work for" three years in a row, and UK is among only 22 universities in the country on Forbes' list of "America's Best Employers." We are ranked among the top 10 percent of public institutions for research expenditures — a tangible symbol of our breadth and depth as a university focused on discovery that changes lives and communities. And our patients know and appreciate the fact that UK HealthCare has been named the state’s top hospital for five straight years. Accolades and honors are great. But they are more important for what they represent: the idea that creating a community of belonging and commitment to excellence is how we honor our mission to be not simply the University of Kentucky, but the University for Kentucky.