In September, Phi Beta Kappa alumni associations across the country held Key Connections events for the second year in a row to introduce recent inductees to the vast resource of the ΦBK alumni network. In total, 25 associations hosted 26 events engaging more than 1,000 new and young professional members.
As the nation’s most prestigious honor society, ΦBK is best known for inducting the best and brightest students and serving as an advocate for the arts and sciences. ΦBK also serves as a means to help recent inductees make connections as they strive to get settled in a new area, land that first job, and start a career.
This year in New York City, the New York Association’s newly formed Young Professionals group helped host a “Speed Networking” night, connecting experienced professionals with young members in roundtable discussions centered on fields such as finance, the arts, and nonprofit work. In Austin, Texas, a daughter and her parents, all ΦBK members, shared their perspectives on law school—one as a beginning law student and the others as practicing attorneys. In Menlo Park, California, there were presentations by entrepreneurs sharing their successes and challenges in the unique Silicon Valley environment. These, among other great events across the country, connected ΦBK members in an exciting and meaningful way.
For our alumni associations, Key Connections offers a vital opportunity to welcome new members and showcase ΦBK in their communities. Since the first Key Connections weekend last year, new members have been volunteering to take on leadership roles and contributing to the ongoing success of local ΦBK associations. Across the country, these fall gatherings are the next step for recent graduates hoping to continue what began at their inductions: a lifetime of friendship, fellowship, and opportunities to share the love of learning through the Society.
Beyond Key Connections, we hope members will find an occasion to become involved at the local level. Find your area alumni association at www.pbk.org/Chapter-Association/Associations. For more about Key Connections, visit www.pbk.org/KeyConnections.
Photo at top: “Speed Networking”: ΦBK Secretary and CEO Frederick M. Lawrence with members at Key Connections in New York City.