THE PHI BETA KAPPA SOCIETY
Eta of Indiana Chapter
May 16, 2008

Citation for Honorary Membership for President Alan F. Harre

This category of membership was created by the founders of the Society at the College of William and Mary. The model chapter constitution of Phi Beta Kappa states:

Men and women, not graduates of the institution, who, by contributions in the fields of the humane sciences and letters or by works of pure literature, have given clear evidence of the possession of distinguished scholarly capacities, may be elected to honorary membership. Moreover, the lives and careers of those so nominated must demonstrate the utmost support for the ideals espoused by the Society. Phi Beta Kappa describes itself as an advocate of excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and the ideal member as one who has “demonstrated intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests.”

There is no doubt that President Alan Harre, during his 20 years at Valparaiso University, has been such an advocate. It has been during his tenure that Valparaiso achieved a level of excellence that permitted it to meet the high standards set by Phi Beta Kappa to determine which institutions are deemed worthy of sheltering a chapter of  the Society. Dr. Harre has shown a firm commitment to all areas of liberal studies. When we walk by the Center for the Arts, the Kade Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center, the Christopher Center, and the Kallay-Christopher Hall, we see visual evidence of his support for the arts, language study, the sciences, and an overall love for inquiry and learning. When we count the number of Endowed Chairs established during Dr. Harre’s time, housed in diverse areas such as History, Theology, Church Music, the Humanities, we see his commitment to the liberal arts. Attending the Martin Luther King Day celebration, initiated during his Presidency, we see his support for the liberal arts as a platform that breeds tolerance and respect for all others. For these and many other reasons, it is an honor for us to induct Dr. Alan Harre into the Phi Beta Kappa Society today, in honor of 20 years service to its ideals.