The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ), commonly known as Phi Beta Kappa, is the oldest academic honor society in the United States, dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, by a group of students led by John Heath, the society initially operated as a secret literary and debating club. The name 'Phi Beta Kappa' is derived from the initial letters of the Greek motto 'Philosophia Biou Kybernētēs,' meaning 'Love of learning is the guide of life.' As the first collegiate society to adopt a Greek-letter name, it quickly expanded, granting charters to institutions like Harvard shortly after its founding. Over more than two centuries, Phi Beta Kappa has evolved into a prestigious honor society that inducts outstanding undergraduate students from select American colleges and universities based on their scholarly achievements, typically requiring high academic performance and breadth in liberal arts studies. The society advocates for the importance of liberal education, supporting initiatives in higher education, research, and public policy related to the humanities and sciences. Its membership roster is illustrious, including 17 United States Presidents, 42 Supreme Court Justices, and 136 Nobel laureates, underscoring its influence in American intellectual and leadership circles. In the 20th century, the organization addressed controversies, such as McCarthy-era suspicions of communist influence at chapters like Vanderbilt University in the 1960s, and underwent a name change in 1988 from the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa back to The Phi Beta Kappa Society to reflect its original 1776 designation. Today, Phi Beta Kappa operates through over 290 chapters and maintains a national office that oversees induction ceremonies, awards, fellowships, and publications like 'The Key Reporter.' It remains committed to fostering a community of scholars who champion free inquiry, ethical leadership, and the transformative power of liberal learning in addressing contemporary challenges.