Anthropology students selected for prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor

Two students from Wayne State University’s Department of Anthropology — graduate student Paige Simard and undergraduate student Anjali Gupta — have been selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. 

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa honors exceptional achievement in the liberal arts and sciences. Membership is highly selective: only about 10 percent of institutions in the U.S. have chapters, and no more than 10 percent of a graduating class may be elected. Nationally, just one college senior in 100 is invited to join each year. 

Simard and Gupta were selected for their academic excellence and their work in anthropology, which reflects the society’s emphasis on intellectual rigor and freedom of thought. Both students have pursued research that integrates human rights advocacy into the study of cultures and societies. 

“I am honored to be accepted into PBK and looking forward to making connections in the future because of it," said Paige Simard. 

Gupta also reflected on the recognition with appreciation for the professor who nominated her and being grateful for the acceptance by the honor society. 

Their selection highlights the department’s continued commitment to academic excellence and the value of liberal arts education in addressing global challenges.