Notable Members

Phi Beta Kappa was established at the University of Nebraska in 1895 and is the oldest honor society on the campus, electing its first members from the graduating class of 1896. Notable members have made a difference in their time. Phi Beta Kappans have had great influence on the world as we know it. Below are some notable members who have passed through the halls of the University of Nebraska. 

Willa Cather sits on a large rock in what is now Sheldon Sculpture Garden

Willa Cather
2023

Pulitzer Prize winning Nebraska author and editor of The Hesperian, now The Daily Nebraskan, 1893-1895.
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Headshot of Elizabeth Theiss-Morse

Elizabeth Theiss-Morse
2019

Willa Cather Professor of Political Science and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (academic year 2018-2019).
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A portrait of Cynthia Lange-Kubik

Cynthia Lange-Kubick
2008

Columnist, Lincoln Journal Star.
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A headshot of J.B. Milliken

J. B. Milliken
1980

President of the University of Nebraska, 2004-2014.
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A photo of Neihardt in profile sitting before an oil lamp, writing

John G. Neihardt
1972

Poet Laureate, State of Nebraska and author of Black Elk Speaks.
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A black and white headshot of Heeger

Alan Heeger
1957

Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, 2000.
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A headshot of Glenna Luschei

Glenna Luschei
1956

Endowed the Prairie Schooner in perpetuity with a fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
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A candid shot of Ted Sorensen from May 2009

Theodore "Ted" Sorensen
1949

Speechwriter and adviser for President John F. Kennedy.
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A black and white photo of Knoll with his hands in his pockets

Robert E. Knoll
1943

Professor of English, UNL. Knoll Residence Hall is named for him.
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Jorgensen working with equipment in a lab

Theodore Jorgensen
1928

Professor of Physics, UNL. Jorgensen Hall is named for him.
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A bronze bust of Alexander from the Nebraska State Capitol

Hartley Burr Alexander
1916

Developed themes for the program of art and symbolism in the Nebraska State Capitol.
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Charles Oldfather

Charles Oldfather
1906, Hanover University

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences 1932-1951. Oldfather Hall is named for him.

A black and white photo of a man, Roscoe Pound

Roscoe Pound
1896

Dean of Nebraska College of Law, 1903-1907. Dean of Harvard Law School 1916-1936.
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A black and white photo of Louise Pound

Louise Pound
1896

Professor of English, UNL. Louise Pound Hall is named for her.
Read more here and here.

A black and white photo of Andrews

Benjamin Andrews
1870, Brown University

Chancellor of University of Nebraska 1900-1908. Andrews Hall is named for him.
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