Phi Beta Kappa
Founded at The College of William and Mary in 1776 to foster love of learning, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honorary society in America. The Hamilton chapter, known as the Epsilon Chapter of New York, was established in 1870. Students are elected during their senior year on the basis of academic distinction in the liberal arts and sciences. In examining the academic records of candidates, the chapter considers the breadth of their engagement with the liberal arts and their fulfillment of the academic purposes and goals of the College. The Hamilton chapter normally selects about 10 percent of the senior class for membership (see criteria for election).