Symbolism

The key that all PBK members are privileged to wear is practically identical with the silver medal adopted by the founders in 1776. Some time later the stem was added for the purpose of winding pocket watches.

One side of the Key bears the three Greek letters PBK, the initials of the Greek Motto, Philosophia Biouy Kubernetes, which is interpreted to mean: "The Love of Wisdom, the Inspiration of Life". The three stars indicate the three fundamental principles of the Society--Fraternity, Morality, Literature, and the hand pointing to the stars indicates the high aspirations of the members. On the reverse side the letters S P are the initials of the Latin words, Societas Philosophiae, which are in harmony with the Greek motto on the obverse. Above these initials the name and chapter of the wearer may be engraved.

The date, December 5, 1776, was engraved on the earliest medals, and indicates the time of the Society's formal organization. All wearers of the Key are thus assured that they belong to one of the oldest college organizations in this country - the oldest Society formed for the encouragement of scholarship and the union of those engaged in scholarly pursuits.