Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest, most respected honorary society in America, was founded on December 5, 1776. Phi Beta Kappa — “PBK” — are the Greek initials for the motto “Love of learning is the guide to life.” The founding structure of college and university chapters exists to this day in institutions of higher learning throughout the country, with over half a million members worldwide.
A century after PBK was founded, it expanded its organization to include local associations as a means for members to continue their interests in scholarship and an intellectual life.
On May 11, 1918, following two years of preliminary work by a small group of Phi Beta Kappa members in the area, the southern California alumni association—Alpha Association—was officially launched at a luncheon meeting in Claremont. The mission then was the same as it is today: to support liberal education and lifelong learning by providing high quality programs and interaction opportunities for members and scholarships for students.
We welcome new members, and encourage you to consider joining Alpha Association.