About the Phi Beta Kappa New York Association

PBKNY is a local alumni association for elected Phi Beta Kappa members that live in the New York City metropolitan area. We report to but are distinguished from The Phi Beta Kappa Society national office, which advocates for the arts and sciences and, through its 290 chapters, inducts students excelling in a liberal arts education.

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The New York Association:

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• Actively promotes PBK principles and consistently strives to realize the mission of celebrating and advocating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences

• Hosts regular events (such as monthly Book Club meetings) and programming to engage our members

• Provides Professional Development, Mentorship, and Networking opportunities for members

• Welcomes new inductees, encourages their involvement in our association, and facilitates specific programming to fit their needs

• Supports a Scholarship Fund for students that graduate from NYC community colleges and are accepted into liberal arts colleges

• Sponsors an annual Holiday Toy Drive

• Cultivates relationships with area PBK chapters

Membership

The New York Association is always growing and evolving. Our members cover a wide range of backgrounds and professions; all of us are interested in advancing Phi Beta Kappa’s ideals of recognizing student excellence, advocating for the arts and sciences in our community, fostering friendship, and furthering our own love of learning.

History

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The Phi Beta Kappa New York Association (PBKNY), the first and oldest PBK Association, was founded in 1877 by Elihu Root as “a means of encouraging scholarship and culture outside of college walls.”

Mission

Driven by intellectual curiosity for nearly 150 years as the oldest chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the New York Association is an active advocate for the liberal arts and sciences. Today, we are as dedicated to fostering a rich community of members who are bonded through their love of learning, as we were when we were founded in 1877.

 Vision

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The Phi Beta Kappa New York Association provides opportunities for its members to expand their networks and build meaningful relationships within a diverse group of people connected by their academic excellence and the key values of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In the New York Association, members living in and around New York City can find a place to exchange ideas, friendship and generosity while giving back to the New York community at-large.

Officers

Board Elections

Each fall, PBKNY hosts an Annual Meeting to approve a slate of Board members. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  The slate is selected by a Nominating Committee, led by the Nominating Committee Chair. Note that the 2019 board voted to create two new one-year Voting Councillor positions this year.

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Requirements

There are 7 positions available, including 1 Officer and 6 Councillors. Our current board has chosen a Nominating Committee to solicit and examine candidates from the General Membership. The Nominating Committee will select the most qualified candidates in good standing. To be in good standing you must:

1. Have paid Association dues of $30.00 for this year, or are lifetime members. Dues can be paid here

2. Have time to devote to being an Officer or Councillor; and

3. Have experience and enthusiasm to serve Phi Beta Kappa members in the NYC area.

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Available Positions

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(1) Interim Secretary — 1-year term

• Attend Executive Committee meetings monthly, Board meetings, and manage the Marketing/Communications committee 

• Keep records of all meetings and members;

• Maintain database of general membership; 

• Send out correspondence to general membership and the Board; and

• Update the website.

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(6) Voting Councillors — 1-year term

• Attend one Board meeting monthly (and committee meetings when appropriate)

• Lead or become involved in Committees like Events, Philanthropy, Special Value, Fundraising, Young Professionals, Marketing/Communications, and Diversity & Inclusion, and Scholarship Awards;

• Have the opportunity to initiate new programs and join current ones.

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Nominations - Due August 31, 2020

If you would like to nominate yourself, or another member in good standing, please fill out the nomination form.  All nominations must be received by no later than August 31, 2020.

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Timeline

In advance of the association’s October Annual Meeting, the Nominating Committee will select a slate based on the qualifications of the candidates and the needs of the organization. The new Secretary and Councillors will be officially voted in at that meeting; all current Association members are welcome to participate.

Questions? 

Contact Kala DeStefano, Nominating Committee Chairperson, at kalamaried511@gmail.com.

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