2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109372D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 324

Offered March 8, 2026

Commending the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

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Patrons—Simonds, Anderson, Anthony, Bulova, Callsen, Cousins, Delaney, Dougherty, Downey, Gardner, Hayes, Hernandez, Martinez, McClure, Price, Reid, Seibold, Sewell, Shin, Thornton, Tran, Ward and Willett

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WHEREAS, the Phi Beta Kappa Society, established at The College of William & Mary on December 5, 1776, began with a student-driven idea that a new nation required cultural as well as political institutions to serve as an elevating force in turbulent times and embraced as its motto “the love of learning is the guide of life”; and

WHEREAS, Phi Beta Kappa is now regarded as the nation's premier academic honor society; from its origin at The College of William & Mary, the society has grown to include more than 290 chapters, including 15 in the Commonwealth, nearly 50 alumni associations, and more than 700,000 members worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Phi Beta Kappa's mission of championing education in the arts and sciences, fostering freedom of thought, and recognizing academic excellence has transformed the nation's intellectual, cultural, and civic life by equipping generations of students with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Phi Beta Kappa models the habits of inquiry, dialogue, and shared purpose that sustain a resilient democracy, demonstrating that a healthy republic thrives through the often quiet but essential work of listening, thinking, and reasoning well; and

WHEREAS, the 250th anniversary of the Phi Beta Kappa Society provides an opportunity to reflect upon its role in supporting generations of members whose achievements across the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics demonstrate the power of free inquiry, knowledge, discourse, and principled action; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Phi Beta Kappa Society and its 15 chapters in the Commonwealth hereby be commended on the occasion of its 250th anniversary for its extraordinary contributions to the civic life of the United States; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to the founding alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at The College of William & Mary and the national office of the Phi Beta Kappa Society as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration, gratitude, and respect for its historic mission and ongoing contributions.