ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) welcomed seven new members and one honorary member into its chapter of Phi Beta Kappa during a ceremony on April 19. The event, held in the Bobo Room at Hodgin Hall, celebrated the induction of students recognized for their academic excellence, a tradition upheld by the honor society which was founded in 1776.

Phi Beta Kappa emphasizes education in the arts and sciences and values freedom of thought. The society selects only about 10% of students from institutions with chapters for membership. UNM’s chapter, known as the Alpha Chapter of New Mexico, has been active since 1965 and is located in the Honors College.

The ceremony was led by Marygold Walsh-Dilley, chapter president and associate professor of geography and environmental studies, Natalie Adolphi, chapter secretary and director of the Center for Forensic Imaging, and Angela Beauchamp, chapter historian and department administrator for the Film and Digital Arts Program.

The following students were inducted into the chapter:

- William Burris, majoring in Biology, with minors in Math and Japanese.

- Emily Castro, majoring in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry.

- Feleecia Guillen, with majors in Business Administration and Spanish, and minors in Sustainability Studies and Psychology.

- Esther Hewitt, majoring in Sociology/Sustainability.

- Veronica Parra, with majors in Biochemistry and Economics, and a minor in Health Medicine and Human Values.

- Ariah Romero, with majors in Biochemistry and English.

- Yamilet Sanchez Gonzalez, with majors in Accounting, Management Information Systems, and Operations Management, and a minor in Spanish.

In addition to the student inductees, James Holloway, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at UNM, was granted honorary membership. This distinction is reserved for individuals with significant contributions to the humanities, sciences, and letters.

Walsh-Dilley remarked on Holloway's selection due to his "exceptional dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of higher education." She highlighted his leadership and steadfast support for the UNM Phi Beta Kappa chapter, stating, "His dedication, time, and effort have been instrumental in maintaining and promoting the chapter."

Holloway expressed his belief in the values upheld by Phi Beta Kappa and the unifying power of liberal arts and sciences. He congratulated the inductees, encouraging them to embrace liberal arts education as a way to cultivate thinkers who can influence the world.

Further information about membership in UNM's Alpha Chapter of New Mexico is available on their website.