ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. (May 26, 2008)—St. Mary's College of Maryland graduates Elizabeth Jane Hargraves and April M. Corrice, of Lexington Park, Daniel James Tanner, of Ridge, and Jacqueline A. Hahn, of Lusby, were elected to the Zeta Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa honors society last month for their scholastic achievement and contributions to campus activities. Both Hargraves and Tanner graduated on May 10 Summa Cum Laude with degrees in mathematics. Corrice graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in psychology. Hahn majored in English and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Students completing their junior or senior year are elected to the society primarily on the basis of scholarly achievement, broad cultural interests, and good character. Grade-point average and breadth of study across the liberal arts are paramount to consideration. Juniors must have a 4.0 GPA to qualify. Phi Beta Kappa members vote on the students to be elected at the society's annual meeting.
Phi Beta Kappa, America's first and most prestigious academic honor society was established at the College of William and Mary in 1776. The Greek letters that give the society its name mean "love of wisdom, the guide of life." From the outset, election to Phi Beta Kappa has signified outstanding achievement in the attainment of an education in the liberal arts. The society has 276 chapters with a membership exceeding 500,000. The Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at St. Mary's College of Maryland was founded in 1998.