Alfred University News

Seventeen inducted into Alfred University’s Alpha Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa

Seventeen new members were inducted into the Alfred University’s Alpha Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society for liberal arts and sciences. The inductees were welcomed during an on-campus ceremony on April 19.


Fewer than 10 percent of all the colleges of liberal arts and sciences have been awarded Phi Beta Kappa chapters. The 2024 inductees – 12 seniors, four juniors and a December graduate – comprise the 21st class of the Alfred University chapter. They include:

Kenneth Allison Jr., junior communications studies major (minors in coaching, social justice studies, and sociology, from Troy, NY.

Samantha Batt, junior English major from Lake Placid, NY.

Paul J. Boldin Jr., senior political science and history major (minors in public law and global studies) from Columbus, OH.

Stephany Borges, senior political science major (minors in public law and criminal justice studies) from Dingmans Ferry, PA.

Anna Gwozdz, senior biomaterials engineering major (minors in music and chemistry) from South Wales, NY.

Denique Heath, senior English major (criminal justice studies minor) from Brooklyn, NY.

Corrine Kayes, December 2023 graduate, psychology major from Dewittville, NY.

Sarah Lutkins, senior ceramic engineering major (minors in chemistry and mathematics) from Union Springs, NY.

Monica Nowik, senior English major (film studies and philosophy minors) from North Plainfield, NJ.

Alexys Robinson, junior early childhood/childhood education major (mathematics minor) from Hornell, NY.

Eric Schweickert, junior chemistry major (minors in physics and mathematics) from West Valley, NY.

Joshua Sena, junior (with senior standing) astrophysics major (mathematics minor) from Hillsdale, NY.

Livia Simon, junior (with senior standing) biomaterials engineering major (biology, chemistry, and mathematics minors) from Andover, NY

Emilia Donenberg Smith, senior majoring in art and design and physics from Wilmette, NY

Zane Wilcox, senior criminal justice studies and psychology major from Whitney Point, NY

Shannon Yocum, senior history and global studies major (minor in cultural anthropology) from Almond, NY.

Zulaikha S. Yusuff, senior global studies and theater major from Rosedale, NY.

Karen Porter, retired professor of sociology at Alfred University and president of the Alpha Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, and Beth Ann Dobie, provost and chief operating officer at Alfred University and historian for the Alpha Gamma chapter, delivered remarks at the induction ceremony. Allen Grove, professor of English and secretary-treasurer of the Alpha Gamma chapter, assisted Porter and Dobie in initiating new members.