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

Citation for Alumnus Membership for Professor Mark R. Schwehn

The Model Chapter Constitution of Phi Beta Kappa states:

graduates of the institution of not less than ten years' standing who, by contributions in the fields of humane sciences and letters or by works of pure literature, have since graduation given clear evidence of the possession of distinguished scholarly capacities, may be elected to alumni membership.
It is not often that a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa decides to award alumni membership, but this year, we evoke our privilege to honor one such individual. Our esteemed colleague, Dr. Mark Schwehn, graduated from Valparaiso University with degrees in History and Philosophy, going on to get his PhD at Stanford University in History and Humanities. He served for many years as the Dean of Christ College, and received the Valparaiso Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award.  As we look at the titles of the courses Dr. Schwehn has taught here, we see the breadth of interests which is one of the essential hallmarks of the Phi Beta Kappa member: Melville and Kierkegaard, Interpretation in the Human Sciences, Arts of Liberal Inquiry, Education: St. Augustine and Henry Adams.  Much could also be said of Dr. Schwehn’s contributions to the field of humane sciences and letters through his extraordinary record of publications, so many of which reveal his profound commitment to a life spent reflecting—and encouraging others to reflect on—the value of a liberal arts education. As the embodiment of all the ideals upon which Phi Beta Kappa is built, it is an honor to welcome Dr. Mark Schwhen as a member of the Eta Chapter of Indiana.