By Adam De Lucia
The University's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) celebrated three outstanding students who achieved the highest grade point averages of last year's freshman class.
Mia Casey, a political science major, Chabely Ramos, liberal arts and science major and Laura Rodell, undeclared, all received GPAs of 3.9 and higher.
"Usually in your freshman year it is difficult to adjust to the college experience," Ramos said. "To achieve so much in my first year I feel honored."
Dr. Charles Levinthal, president of the University's Omega chapter of PBK, congratulated the students and referred to them as "absolutely extraordinary individuals."
"We are proud to be an organization to recognize and promote outstanding academic achievement and scholarly excellence," Levinthal said. "[PBK] is the premier honors society for academic achievement in Liberal Arts and Sciences."
Provost Herman Berliner, Dean Bernard Firestone of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dean John Russell of Honors College, Dean David Christman of New College, PBK resident members and the families of award recipients, gathered for lunch at the University Club to honor the students. The PBK Society is the oldest and largest academic honors society in America, according to their Web site. It was founded on Dec. 5, 1776 by five students at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va. and was the first society to have a Greek name. In its early years, it introduced the essential characteristics of these societies like the oath of secrecy, badge, mottoes in Latin and Greek, code of laws and elaborate initiation ritual.
The honorees said they worked hard to accomplish their academic standing and were surprised to receive the award.
"It was a lot of dedication devoted to the studies," Rodell said. "[The award] was very unexpected."
Casey credited her 4.0 GPA to hard work and very good teachers.
The students who received the award may be inducted to PBK at a later point, Levinthal said. However, only seniors and a select group of juniors are initiated into the group.
The honored students received framed certificates as well as Barnes and Noble gift certificates to celebrate their hard work and success during their freshman year.