Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of North East Florida: History

In 1992, under the leadership of Ed Morrow, M.D. a small group of PBK members, with representation of both town and “gown,” met and agreed to form a regional alumni association. Its mission was and remains the promotion of learning, especially in the liberal arts and sciences. To that end, PBK-NEFL has traditionally held two functions per year.

The Fall Program provides a social and intellectual opportunity for members and their guests. Our very first program was on health care delivery by Mr. Bill Mason, President of Baptist Hospital. Other programs have featured musicians, astronauts, neuroscientists, historians, political scientists, art historians, marine biologists, and medical doctors on current developments, to name a few. Members support this event by paying $ 15 toward the cost of the refreshments and hall rental.

The Spring Program is a dinner meeting, with the annual business meeting and election of officers, the presentation of scholarships to outstanding students of liberal arts or sciences at our local universities and colleges, plus a program comparable to the Fall Program. Members support this event by contributing generously to fund the scholarships and by paying $30-$45 toward the cost of dinner and hall rental.

The list of past presidents reflects a happy mix of leaders from our colleges and universities and from our community members engaged in business and in the professions.