On Friday, May 1, the University of South Florida joined universities across the United
States in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (PBK).
Founded in 1776, the prestigious honor society is the oldest and most respected organization
recognizing achievement in the liberal arts and sciences.
The initiation ceremony for USF students welcomed in fall 2025 and spring 2026 took
place at the Judy Genshaft Honors College on the USF Tampa campus, bringing together
72 students, along with their families and mentors, to celebrate the society’s legacy
and its future.
Originally established as a secret society dedicated to preserving freedom of thought,
Phi Beta Kappa continues to represent a commitment to intellectual curiosity and the
pursuit of truth. This year’s cohort demonstrated that commitment by taking courses
outside their majors, maintaining high academic standards, and exhibiting strong moral
character.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Judy Genshaft Honors College Endowed Dean Charles
Adams, who recognized members of the Phi Beta Kappa faculty committee representing
a range of liberal arts disciplines. He noted that while USF is one of the newest
among the society’s 293 chapters, it is also among the most dynamic and fast-growing.
“USF’s Eta chapter reflects a strong commitment to advancing the liberal arts and
supporting exceptional students. Today’s inductees have not only achieved academic
excellence but have also embraced the noble pursuit of freedom of thought, inquiry,
and expression.”
USF President Moez Limayem was among the event speakers and was also inducted as an
honorary member of the society. Limayem shared that this was his first Phi Beta Kappa
induction ceremony.
“Today is about this incredible group of students,” Limayem said. “Your initiation
is a promise of your bright futures as innovators and leaders.”
Limayem thanked USF President Emerita Judy Genshaft for her leadership of the university
from 2000 to 2019, noting that her vision and ambition played a key role in establishing
a PBK chapter at USF.
“She is and will always be our president. She was instrumental in the establishment
of Phi Beta Kappa and the overall success of USF,” Limayem said.
Following Limayem, USF’s Eta Chapter historian, Matthew King, shared the history of
Phi Beta Kappa and its evolution over the past 250 years.
Genshaft closed the ceremony by reflecting on the significance of the milestone for
both the society and the university.
“Two hundred fifty years, no other honor society has that legacy,” Genshaft said.
“For two and a half centuries, the society has recognized students who not only achieve
at the highest level but also embody curiosity in the pursuit of truth. As new members
of Phi Beta Kappa, you are gaining more than an honor — you’re joining a lifelong
network.”
“The world needs compassionate and thoughtful leaders now more than ever,” she added.
“As you move forward, know that you always have a home at USF.”
2025–2026 Phi Beta Kappa Inductees
Anna Alieva
Lana Almukhtar
Saraie Andujar Salazar
Addison Austin
Daniel Baghdikian-Schweitzer
Jamison Ballard
Neha Bhusarapu
May Spinney
Sofia Blessing
Alexandre Bojko
Olivia Borek
Maria Bustinza
Josephine Combs
Anastasia Crider
Lily Croake
Temitope David
Matthew Deeb
Rylee Diehl
Emily Dinh
Juliana Ellis
Clare Falce
Alexa Feldman
Sofia Figueroa
Caitlin Gaulteau
Sriya Grandhi
Pierre Habib
Shannon Hickey
Brynjolf Johnson
Levi Johnson
Meghan Kaschak
Mia Kent
Kendall Kimball
Dina Kodsi
Makenzie Kolomichuk
Alexandra Kovalevich
Emma Lauchlan
Alexandra Lewis
Uma Limaye
Jah'niyah Lys
Laiba Majid
Spencer Manchesi
Carolyn Mazur
Amelie McLeod
Isabella Moeller
Cassandra Montjoy
Kristina Morales
Jordyn Mulhern
Richard Najar
Steven Nguyen
Katelynn Paciorek
Jamie Powers
Ariana Roman
Ines Rosales
Natalia Ruiz Cosme
Ahmi Santiago-Turner
Sanjili Seenath
Kelly Wenzel
Samantha Whiskeyman