Pacific English alumnus and award-winning author, Matt de la Pena, speaks about the humanities after being inducted into Pacific's Phi Beta Kappa chapter in May 2019.

In 2006, the College of the Pacific was honored to be chosen to host a new chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation's oldest and most well-known academic honor society with highly selective parameters for appointing new member institutions. As a champion of education in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, Phi Beta Kappa's recognition of the College of the Pacific underscores our success at delivering the best that a liberal arts education offers. 

•      Only about 10 percent of colleges and universities nationwide have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. •      Only about 10 percent of the arts and sciences graduates of these institutions are selected for Phi Beta Kappa membership. •      Membership serves to acknowledge students' academic achievements, providing them with distinction in job and graduate school markets. •      After graduating from college, members can join Phi Beta Kappa Associations and Chapters in their communities, which foster social, cultural, educational and networking activities.

Initiation Ceremony of the Chi Chapter of California, the Phi Beta Kappa Society of University of the Pacific, May 11, 2018.

The name "Phi Beta Kappa" comes from the Greek initials of our society's motto, "Love of learning is the guide of life." 

Each year, our chapter inducts some of Pacific's best liberal arts students into the distinguished Phi Beta Kappa Society. Visit our Membership page for more information.  

We also sponsor and cosponsor lecture, theatre and arts productions, and other events that celebrate the liberal arts on campus. 

Visit News and Events for a full listing and for the latest news about our chapter. 

For more information contact the current Chapter President Chris Goff.

Student Gina Williams receives her Phi Beta Kappa key at the first initiation ceremony in 2007.