20 scholars elected to Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa plaque in Cole Library with names dating from 1922-2023
March 26, 2024

Cornell College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa has elected 17 seniors and three juniors to the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. They will be inducted during Commencement Weekend at a 1:30 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 11, in Cole Library.

Closeup of the 2023 names on the Phi Beta Kappa plaque listing names of all inductees.
The Phi Beta Kappa plaque in Cole Library lists the names of all inductees. On the 2023 list are seniors Isabella Anderson and Mac Coleman, who were elected last year as juniors. Photo by Dee Ann Rexroat.

The list includes scholars involved in a broad array of Cornell’s liberal arts curriculum, a Posse scholar, student-athletes, and those involved in activities ranging from mock trial to esports. Their names will be added to the permanent plaque in Cole Library listing all members of Cornell’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

Elected from among the top 15% of the senior class are Coralee Bodeker, Alec Boldt, Payton Douglass, Chloe Finn, Shira Fox, MkpoutoAbasi James, Ranier Kahl, Austin Kelly, Caitlyne Mar, Anna Newby, Matthew Nugent, Christopher Penas-Hull, Layla Powell, Richie Richardson, Tendall Weigand, Josie Wulf, and Ryan Zurick. 

Elected from the top 5% of their class as juniors are Lauren Culp, Rachel Ruisch, and Julia Walker. 

In addition, current seniors Isabella Anderson and Mac Coleman were elected last year as juniors.

Every year, Phi Beta Kappa’s 293 chapters at U.S. undergraduate institutions induct exemplary juniors and seniors who excelled in a rigorous arts and sciences education. Prior to sheltering a chapter, colleges and universities undergo an extensive evaluation process. Cornell’s chapter was chartered in 1922.

Members include 17 U.S. presidents, 42 Supreme Court justices, and more than 150 Nobel laureates.