Awards

Applications for all awards are made available to students at the time of their election and are usually due by April 20 of each year. For more information contact the University Honors Center.

Alpha of Texas Awards of Distinction

In the course of each academic year, from among those members elected in that year including the summer, the Alpha of Texas chapter seeks to recognize new members whose scholastic achievement is particularly notable. Four awards are made annually in the sum of $500 and are conferred at the spring initiation ceremony. A committee of faculty and staff members of Phi Beta Kappa evaluates all applications.

Recipients of these awards are selected based on academic achievement. Applicants must have high grade point averages and have pursued unusually rigorous and accomplished courses of study. Additionally, the committee carefully considers both the applicant's statement and the faculty letter of recommendation. We look for creativity, clarity and enthusiasm as well as good writing.

Applications must include the following:

• A completed application form, including a signed release of academic records
• A resume/vita of honors and noteworthy accomplishments as a UT student
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty member who knows the student's work well
• An essay of no more than 500 words (typed and double-spaced) on the following topic:

The Society's name derives from the three Greek words represented by the letters Phi Beta Kappa, "Love of wisdom, the guide of life." Reflect upon how this motto has informed both your experience of the University of Texas at Austin and the course you imagine for your future both intellectually and personally.

Download the Award of Distinction Form (PDF - 92k)

Alpha of Texas Award for Distinction in Teaching

Elected members of the chapter are invited to nominate a professor found to be particularly impressive. Perhaps this professor taught an especially memorable course, or impressed the student as a distinctively committed and skilled educator. Perhaps he or she had a special impact on the educational experience at UT Austin, or on the student's career and life. Making a nomination for such an award is an ideal expression of gratitude to that person and recognition of his or her commitment to teaching at UT. The recipient will be selected by a committee of current undergraduates at UT who have been elected as members of the Alpha of Texas chapter.

Download the Award for Distinction in Teaching Form (PDF - 92k)

Scholarship Opportunity for Juniors

The Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of Greater Austin has established the Cordelia McWilliams Gilbert Memorial Scholarship of $2,000, to be awarded annually to a junior at the University of Texas at Austin. The student selected each year must continue to be enrolled as an undergraduate for at least the following fall semester and must write a senior thesis in one of the University's honor's programs.

Download the Cordelia McWilliams Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Application (PDF - 86k)