Honor society event features living legend of civil rights

The UW–Madison chapter of the nation’s leading honorary society, Phi Beta Kappa, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on campus with a discussion Sunday (Feb. 7) featuring a revered civil rights and community leader, Velma Hamilton.

Hamilton will appear at the honor society event with her son, Harry Hamilton Jr., a California college administrator who earned his Ph.D. in meteorology at UW–Madison. Together, the two will discuss the importance of scholarship within the framework of a mother-son chat, says Linda Newman, a society executive committee member who organized the event. Both Hamiltons earned Phi Beta Kappa membership as undergraduates.

The event is scheduled at 1 p.m. in 6191 Helen C. White Hall. Refreshments will be served.

Velma Hamilton, 89, spent half a century working in the civil rights struggles. Today, she makes speaking appearances at schools backing the importance of public education for all children. Hamilton became a living legend in 1993 when Madison named a middle school after her.

Phi Beta Kappa began as a social fraternity at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va., in 1776. Membership is now based on general scholarship and is open to both men and women.

Each year, about 3 percent of UW–Madison graduates become eligible to join the organization. Carol Tarr, a spokesperson for the group, says she hopes Sunday’s event generates fresh interest in Phi Beta Kappa membership.