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Political Science Students Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa

(Courtesy of Carolina News Services)

CHAPEL HILL -- Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most honored of all college honorary societies, inducted more than 150 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students during its fall ceremony Nov. 25. Each new member received a Phi Beta Kappa key, the organization's symbol.

To be admitted, students must maintain grade-point averages of 3.75 for juniors and 3.65 for seniors (on a 4-point scale) in academic courses in the College of Arts and Sciences, said UNC chapter secretary and faculty adviser Dr. Thomas Warburton, a music professor. Grades earned at other universities are not considered in determining averages.

"Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa recognizes excellence among students in the arts and sciences," Warburton said. "Less than 1 percent of all college graduates qualify to be members."

Past and present Phi Beta Kappa members from across the country have included six American presidents, 12 Supreme Court Justices and numerous artistic, intellectual and political leaders, Warburton said. Of 262 Phi Beta Kappa chapters nationwide, UNC's chapter, Alpha of North Carolina, was founded in 1904 and is the oldest of four chapters in North Carolina.

Each year, Phi Beta Kappa chapters and alumni associations across the country raise and distribute more than $1 million in awards, scholarships and prizes benefiting high school and college students.

Phi Beta Kappa officers at Carolina for 2002-2003 are students Christian Leckerling, president; Mark Dodson, vice president; Derek Vanderpool, recording secretary, and Asher Hildebrand, student board member.

Following is a list of 23 political science students and alumni (in alphabetical order) who were among the inductees:

Reena Arora, a senior political science major, daughter of Suresh Arora of 13110 Dairymaid Drive, Germantown, and Anju Arora of New York, NY.

Suki Lee Lehman-Becker, an August 2002 graduate in political science and economics, daughter of Randolph Becker of 5101 Dorset Mews, Williamsburg, VA, and Katherine Lehman of 15 Whitford Road, Stony Brook, NY.

Allison Elizabeth Brown, a 2002 graduate in mathematics and political science, daughter of David and Kathy Brown of 2910 Saint Regis Road, Greensboro, NC.

Kevin Michael Carlton, a senior political science and economics major, son of John Garland Carlton Jr. and Mary Pauline Carlton of 3011 Fincastle Court, Midlothian, VA.

David Hatcher Carpenter, a May 2002 graduate in psychology and political science, the son of Dale H. Carpenter of 6720 Southby Court, Charlotte, NC, and the late Ronald J. Carpenter.

Mary Elizabeth Carroll, a senior political science major, daughter of William Carroll of 5814 Starboard Drive, Greensboro, and Janice Carroll of 835 W. Cornwallis Drive, Greensboro, NC.

Katherine Anne Carter, a senior English and political science major, daughter of Robert Carter Jr. and Lynn Carter of 351 Mullinax Cove Road, Horse Shoe, NC.

Morgan Elizabeth Cates, a senior psychology and political science major, daughter of Walter and Kathryn Cates of 39 Old Salem Road, Roxboro, NC.

Dara Lynne Damery, a senior political science major, daughter of Brent Damery of Rural Route 2, Blue Mound, and Lynne Garnett of Angier, NC.

Nadav Davidai, a senior history and political science major, son of Giora Davidai of 21 Hampton Lane, New Canaan, Conn., and Michaela Davidai of 4217 Settlement Drive, Durham, NC.

Benjamin Hill Davidson, a senior political science and anthropology major, son of Jim and Jamie Davidson of 1020 7th St., North Columbus, MS.

Adam Douglas Hill, a senior philosophy and political science major, son of W. Douglas and Jackie Hill of 3095 Liddell Road, Deep Run, NC.

William Wesley Johnson, a senior political science major, son of Wallace and Sallie Johnson of 335 6th St. N.W., Hickory, NC.

Kelly Jo Landreth, a senior political science major, daughter of Lee Landreth of 141 Heron Court, Fair Play, S.C., and Jane Landreth of 3227 Abbotts Creek Court, Kernersville, NC.

John Matthew Leatherman, a senior political science and history major, the son of John Fearl Leatherman III and Joan Marjie Bailey Leatherman of 120 Gregory Road, Salisbury, NC.

Michele Marie Lynch, a senior international studies and political science major, daughter of David and Barbara Lynch of 3904 Barr Lane, Clemmons, NC.

Mario Mardina Meeks, a May 2002 graduate in political science, son of Ben Evans Meeks of Nash County and Angela Marie Meeks of 678 Cheeks Quarter Road, Henderson, NC.

Jess Daniel Mekeel, a senior political science and peace, war and defense major, son of Harold and Maria Mekeel of 2515 Winningham Road, Chapel Hill, NC.

Stephen McDaniel Russell Jr., a senior political science and history major, son of Stephen and Betty Russell of 2526 Woodberry Drive, Winston-Salem, NC.

Carolyn Edith Shook, a senior political science and dramatic art major, daughter of Thomas R. and Ileana A. Shook of 3 Appleton St., Boston, MA.

Jonathan Philip Rothstein Slain, a junior political science major, son of Lee and Arlene Slain of 20550 University Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH.

Carroll Elizabeth Smith, a May 2002 graduate in political science and journalism and mass communication, daughter of Ronald L. Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Donna Carroll Smith of 1481 Westminster Drive, Columbus, OH.

Jonathan Jay Tompkins, a senior political science major with a minor in business administration, son of Eugene and Adeline Tompkins of 161 Ladderback Lane, Devon, PA.

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