About Phi Beta Kappa and the ΦΒΚ Alumni Association of Greater Austin

Phi Beta Kappa chapters exist at 286 institutions of higher learning in the United States, including the Texas Alpha Chapter at the University of Texas at Austin, chartered in 1905. The collegiate chapters select and induct new members each year to lifetime membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society, recognizing academic excellence and connecting a diverse, accomplished group of individuals in nearly every career field. This connection can be realized through membership in one of 50 regional ΦΒΚ alumni associations, such as the Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of Greater Austin.

The Association fosters friendship and lifelong learning through social and cultural programs, and awards scholarships to promote the values and legacy of The Phi Beta Kappa Society. Members also have exclusive mentoring and networking opportunities.

The Austin area Association began with organizational efforts in 1998, in consultation with Jenard Gross, founder of the Houston area Association, and qualified for a charter from the ΦΒΚ Society in 2001.

All ΦΒΚ members in the Greater Austin area are invited and encouraged to join the Association. Students inducted to ΦΒΚ by the Texas Alpha Chapter are invited to join with a one-year complimentary membership.

The Association holds spring and fall membership meetings, with programs of cultural interest, as well as other informal social gatherings. The Association has awarded scholarships annually since 2001, currently three to graduating high school seniors and one to an enrolled college student. A Teaching Excellence Award is given to an outstanding high school teacher each year, starting in 2018.

With the support of the Association, the Phi Beta Kappa Society chose Austin as the site for the 42nd Triennial Council in October 2009.