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Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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Officials name senior vice president, chief of staff
By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor • March 26, 2024

More than a secret handshake: Honor society inducts about 90 members

Provost Steven Lerman encouraged new inductees of Phi Beta Kappa to give back generously. Kendall Payne | Hatchet Staff Photographer
Provost Steven Lerman encouraged new inductees of Phi Beta Kappa to give back generously. Kendall Payne | Hatchet Staff Photographer
Provost Steven Lerman encouraged new inductees of Phi Beta Kappa to give back generously. Kendall Payne | Hatchet Staff Photographer
Provost Steven Lerman encouraged new inductees of Phi Beta Kappa to give back generously. Kendall Payne | Hatchet Staff Photographer

The Phi Beta Kappa induction ceremony, which was held in Lisner Auditorium, was short and sweet.

The national honor society, which was founded in 1776, inducted about 90 new members on Friday afternoon. Here are three takeaways from the ceremony:

A thanks to all who lent a hand

Jeffrey Brand, president of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, commended the parents and family members in the audience for handling the complaints about exams, late-night papers and even unreasonable professors.

Brand, who is also the associate dean for graduate studies in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and an associate professor of philosophy, said that their support gave students the “faith that the sacrifices they’ve made will be worth it.”

He also demonstrated the secret handshake for the new members.

Becoming a citizen scholar

Provost Steven Lerman, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, encouraged inductees to “give back generously.”

He spoke about “what it means to be a citizen-scholar in the 21st century.” He said the critical thinking skills the inductees have gained in their four years at GW will set them apart in the Information Age.

More than just a line on a résumé

Andrew Steigman, an associate dean at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, is a former president of the D.C. area’s Phi Beta Kappa Association.

He told inductees to treat their membership “as more than an impressive entry on their résumé.” Phi Beta Kappa, he said, could be a part of their lives if they joined regional association.

Like these photos? You can purchase your personal photo from this graduation ceremony online at: www.hatchetphotos.com

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