The Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars (ΦΒΔ) is an international honor society that was founded at California State University, Long Beach on February 27, 1986.[1] It was the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement through international involvement and education, to give scholarships to deserving students and to enhance knowledge about various cultures around the world.[2] It was established as a national organization in 1987 with 38 chartered chapters and has grown to an international organization with over 179 chapters.[3]
History
Phi Beta Delta Society was founded at California State University, Long Beach on February 27, 1986.[1] It was the first honor society to recognize scholarly achievement through international involvement and education.[2] The society seeks to enhance knowledge about various cultures worldwide.[2] It also awards scholarships to deserving students.[2]
Phi Belta Delta was established as a national organization in 1987 with 38 chartered chapters and has grown to become an international organization with over 206 chapters.[3][4]
The Greek letters Phi Beta Delta are acronyms for the Greek words Philomatheia, Biotremmonia, Diapheren which translates to "Love of knowledge, valuing of human life; and achieving excellence".[10] The society's motto is Scientia Mutua Mundi or the "World's Shared Knowledge".[10][11]
Phi Beta Delta's symbols include the torch and an open book.[12][13] Its colors are red and golden yellow.[14] Red represents "fire, the feelings of the heart, the blood that flows through all humankind".[14] The color gold symbolizing the sun, value, and worth.[15]
The society's seal consists of a representation of the world, formed by latitude and longitude lines and encircled by a halo of leaves.[16] The Greek letters ΦΒΔ are superimposd diagonally over the world.[16]
The Phi Beta Delta shield is shaped like those from the Greco-Roman world and includes the society's insignia.[12] The shield represents academic freedom and a reminder that "freedom is never passive" It is an active value, sustained by vigilance and at times by courage".[12] At the center of the shield is the society's seal. Above the seal is a torch, representing the illumination provided by education.[17] At the base of the seal is an open book.[13] The shield does not include "supporters", the traditional animals.[16]
The society's medallion features its shield.[12] The Phi Beta Delta flag and banner are red and the features its shield in gold; chapters can add their name to either.[18]
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Membership
Membership in the Society is open to individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement through international involvement. These individuals include:
International students (non-immigrant visa holders in the upper division or graduate levels) who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement at their institution;
Domestic students (upper division and graduate level) who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement in the pursuit of academic studies abroad in exchange programs approved by the institution or in participation in comparable international programs or experiences where academic relevance can be demonstrated to the institution;
Faculty and staff who have been involved in recognized international endeavors (i.e. research, teaching, program development, or service).[19]
Chapters
As of March 2021, Phi Beta Delta has chartered 206 campuses worldwide.[4] International chapters are in Bulgaria, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United States of America.
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