ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — On April 4, 2025, St. Mary’s College of Maryland welcomed 34 students and one alumnus into the Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa during a ceremony at the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center. The cohort included 30 seniors, four juniors, and alumnus Ramtin Arablouei ’05, recognized for their academic excellence.
Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1776, is the nation’s oldest academic honor society, honoring outstanding achievement in the liberal arts and sciences. The Zeta Chapter at St. Mary’s College, approved in 1997 after a rigorous three-year evaluation by the national organization, upholds the society’s commitment to intellectual rigor and scholarship. Membership is highly selective, with only about 10% of U.S. colleges and universities hosting chapters, according to the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
The induction ceremony celebrated the academic accomplishments of the honorees, who demonstrated excellence across disciplines. The inclusion of juniors highlights exceptional early achievement, as Phi Beta Kappa typically recognizes students in their final year. Arablouei’s induction as an alumnus reflects his continued contributions to scholarship and public discourse, notably as a co-host and producer of NPR’s “Throughline” podcast, which explores historical narratives.
St. Mary’s College, Maryland’s public honors college, enrolls approximately 1,500 students and emphasizes a liberal arts education. The Zeta Chapter’s annual induction underscores the institution’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and academic distinction. The ceremony, held in the state-of-the-art Dodge Performing Arts Center, provided a fitting venue for honoring the inductees’ contributions to the college’s scholarly community.
The event also highlighted Phi Beta Kappa’s enduring legacy. Since its founding at the College of William & Mary, the society has expanded to 290 chapters, recognizing students who excel in rigorous coursework and demonstrate intellectual curiosity. The Zeta Chapter’s activities, including lectures and academic initiatives, enrich St. Mary’s College’s campus culture, encouraging dialogue across disciplines.
For the inductees, membership offers lifelong benefits, including access to a network of scholars and professionals. The recognition places them among notable Phi Beta Kappa members, such as 17 U.S. presidents and numerous Nobel laureates, as noted by the society’s records. The April 4 ceremony marked a milestone for the 34 honorees, affirming their place in a prestigious tradition of academic excellence.
