The nation’s oldest academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa (PBK), recently selected 37 new members for the University of Wyoming chapter, including several members with ties to the Big Horn Basin.

Anne Whitaker of Powell, who is studying zoology, and Malerie Estes of Deaver, a political science major, were each selected for the honor society. Cody students Andre Parsons, who is studying English, and Wayne Sides, an English and theater major, also were named to Phi Beta Kappa.

Morgan May, a physiology major from Lovell, and Nathan Barrus of Worland, who is studying zoology, also were chosen to be new members.

Students were selected based upon their demonstrated excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

“To be elected, a student needs to show a balanced liberal arts education that accords with the national stipulations, and which we verify by examining every candidate’s transcript in detail,” said Eric Nye, professor emeritus and chapter secretary. “It is the one distinction prospective employers and graduate schools are swift to notice.”

Membership is limited to those in the top 10% of the graduating class, but Nye says Phi Beta Kappa members at UW are typically in the top 3-4%.

The society was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. The UW chapter received its charter in 1940.