On Thursday, May 1st, Professor Douglas Huff became Gustavus Adolphus College’s most recent honorary inductee to the Eta Chapter of Minnesota of Phi Beta Kappa in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the humanities and liberal arts. Several colleagues, past and present, across a variety of departments and divisions nominated Doug for this, further emphasizing that he embodies the goals and ideals of a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In their recommendation letters, they speak to Doug’s achievements as a scholar, an artist, and a teacher, during all of which he epitomizes the motto of Phi Beta Kappa – “Love of learning is the guide of life.”
Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest honors society in America. It was founded “in 1776, during the American Revolution. For over two and a quarter centuries, the Society has embraced the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression.” (PBK website) Honorary membership is granted to those individuals who graduated from institutions that did not have Phi Beta Kappa chapters and have proven their dedication to the liberal arts over the course of their careers.