Phi Beta Kappa — ΦΒΚEta of Minnesota Chapter

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest honor society in the country and was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. It honors academic excellence and outstanding scholarly achievement in the liberal arts and sciences.

Fewer than seven percent of all U.S. universities and colleges host a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and it took nearly thirty years of effort for Gustavus Adolphus College to qualify for a chapter after a rigorous scrutiny by the national society. Further, fewer than ten percent of all graduating seniors in liberal arts majors are invited to join.

The Gustavus Adolphus College Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Eta of Minnesota, was formally installed on April 7, 1983. Visit the Phi Beta Kappa Society homepage for more information and history on The Society.

Executive Committee

• Kate Sonsteby, President (katesonsteby@gustavus.edu) (2024-25)
• Ella Burnham, Vice President (ellaburnham@gustavus.edu) (2024-25)
• Mary Westby, Secretary (mwestby@gustavus.edu) (2022-25)
• Anna Hulseberg, Historian (ahulsebe@gustavus.edu) (2022-25)
• Yurie Hong, Retiring President (yhong@gustavus.edu) (2024-25)
• Michelle Twait (2024-25)

Announcements & Events

• Induction Ceremony & Reception, Eta of Minnesota Chapter, Gustavus Adolphus College, Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• Presentation of Phi Beta Kappa Book Awards, St. Peter High School Senior Awards Ceremony, Sunday, May 18, 2025