We have to face the fact that we live in an increasingly credentialed society. As the competition for good positions increases, people are more and more anxious to build a good resume. It would be nice to think that the tide will turn and there will be more judging people on their performance rather than a barrel of papers, but the need for "proof" is probably going to be more rather than less.
As an honor society, Phi Beta Delta along with other honor societies is a part of that credential experience, and so we have to constantly be working to maintain standards. For the medallion to be something, all of us in the society must be something. The value of Phi Beta Delta membership rests with all of us who are active now in the society, to add to the standing of the society by what we do.
The Wizard of Oz tells the Scarecrow, "Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning -- where men go to become great thinkers, and when they come out, they think deep thoughts -- and with no more brains than you have -- but they have one thing you haven't got! A diploma!" You will recall that the Wizard then confers the degree of Th.D., Doctor of Thinkology, upon the Scarecrow. It doesn't help because when the Scarecrow tries to give a speech; he makes a perfect fool of himself.
Giving awards means a responsibility to give them to the worthy. That is a process that requires work and our chapters have a particular charge to vigorously look for the best. We are known on many campuses for having the best, and we want to have the best on all campuses.
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