Cather to be honored with Phi Beta Kappa induction

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) honor society and the Cather Project are partnering to induct the late Willa Cather as an honorary member of PBK. The event will be on November 28 at 4:00 p.m. in the Peterson Room of Love Library and is free and open to the public.

Freelance writer and journalist Carson Vaughan, a university alum (English, journalism) and a PBK member since 2010, will provide remarks.

"As both president of our Phi Beta Kappa chapter and director of the Cather Project, I'm pleased that we can take this opportunity to honor one of the university's most distinguished graduates, whose artistic career was enabled by her undergraduate studies in the liberal arts," Melissa Homestead, professor in the Department of English and the Women's and Gender Studies program, said.

Cather was a Pulitzer-Prize-winning novelist and an 1895 graduate. The induction will honor the 150th anniversary of her birth, celebrating her life and legacy.

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most respected honorary society in the U.S. with chapters across the country. The Alpha of Nebraska Chapter was chartered at the university in 1895 and elected its first members in 1896.

The Cather Project promotes teaching and research about the author by producing the Willa Cather Scholarly Edition and Cather Studies, bringing in outside scholars, and organizing events. It is designated a Program of Excellence by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

The Willa Cather Archive and Archives and Special Collections of University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries are additional sponsors.