The George Washington University Provost Steven Lerman receives his induction pin from ΦBK Chapter President
and GW Professor of Law Jill Kasle on July 12.
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Membership in Phi Beta Kappa comes in many ways, expected and unexpected, but almost always involves planning (and, sometimes, plotting and scheming).
On July 1, The George Washington University welcomed a new provost, Steven Lerman, the former associate provost for graduate education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a distinguished professor of engineering. When Professor Jill Kasle, the president of the university’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, set out to arrange a surprise induction ceremony to ΦBK for Lerman, his chief of staff, Amy Aldridge, rebuffed the attempt. Why? Amy knew that Lerman would want to be properly dressed for the induction but didn’t always come to the office in a suit.
E-mails were exchanged, phone conversations were held, other chapter officers were consulted, and the surprise element of the induction was removed. So, on Monday, July 12, with fair warning, the nattily attired Lerman became a member of ΦBK in a small ceremony held in his office. Guests at the ceremony included the president of the university (who’s also a member of ΦBK), the president’s chief of staff, the vice president of the ΦBK chapter at GW, the university photographer and, of course, a smiling Amy Aldrich.
“I was surprised and pleased to be invited to join such a distinguished and prestigious scholarly society,” Lerman said. “I extend my gratitude to all the members of Phi Beta Kappa for offering me this extraordinary recognition.”
Later that day, Kasle did manage to pull off a surprise induction to ΦBK for Maria Frawley, direction of the University Honors Program and a professor of English.
Frawley’s surprise induction met with no interference and was received with equal pleasure and esteem. “What an honor to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa!” she said. “I will wear my key with great pride, having long admired ΦBK’s commitment to education in the liberal arts and sciences.”
Both Lerman and Frawley have the serious “academic chops” to justify honorary membership, said Kasle, a law professor. Lerman has had 40 years of experience as a leader and scholar at MIT, and “he’s the kind of person whose textbooks are standard in university courses all over the country,” including at GW, she added. Frawley, a specialist in nineteenth-century British literature, social history, and print culture with numerous books and journal articles to her credit, is currently writing a book about Jane Austen.
The mission of Phi Beta Kappa is to recognize and foster excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and supports the idea that a life guided by the love of learning is the best kind of life to live.
As provost, Lerman serves as the chief academic officer for GW’s nine colleges and schools. In the University Honors Program, Frawley is at the forefront of a community committed to providing students with challenging and enriching intellectual experiences beyond their regular studies.
Their work as administrators — and the newest members of the ΦBK community at GW — stands to influence the university’s vision and the lives of students for years to come.
Story submitted by Jill Kasle, chapter president, Alpha of the District of Columbia.