Three Graduates Elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Nation's Oldest Academic Honor Society

Three recent college graduates from Manchester have been elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society, while graduating with some of the highest academic distinctions awarded by their respective colleges and universities.

Founded in 1776 at the College of William & Mary, Phi Beta Kappa recognizes exceptional scholarship in the liberal arts and sciences and is considered one of the most prestigious academic honors an undergraduate can receive.  Membership is by invitation only and is limited to a small percentage of graduating seniors at colleges and universities that have earned Phi Beta Kappa chapters.  Candidates must demonstrate not only outstanding academic achievement but also breadth of study across the arts and sciences.

Christopher K. Siems graduated summa cum laude from Clark University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science, earning high honors in Computer Science. He was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa.  Clark awarded 612 bachelor's degrees and 636 graduate degrees during its 2026 commencement ceremonies.

Founded in 1887 and located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clark University is a nationally recognized liberal arts-based research university known for combining rigorous academics with experiential learning.  Through its undergraduate and graduate programs, Clark emphasizes research, community engagement, and preparing students to address complex global challenges.

George "Gus" Brown graduated summa cum laude from William & Mary with Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics.  In addition to his election to Phi Beta Kappa, Brown received the Stephen K. Park Prize in Computer Science, recognizing outstanding academic achievement in the discipline.

Founded by royal charter in 1693, William & Mary is the nation's second-oldest institution of higher education and is widely recognized as one of America's premier public universities.  Often referred to as a "Public Ivy," the university has educated three U.S. presidents—Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler—and generations of leaders in public service, business, science, and the arts.

Audrey R. Brogna, a 2021 graduate of Manchester Essex Regional High School, graduated magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and French.  She was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa in recognition of her academic achievement in the liberal arts and sciences.

Founded in 1837 by pioneering educator Mary Lyon, Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, is the oldest of the historic Seven Sisters colleges.  Nationally recognized for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and leadership in women's education, Mount Holyoke is known for excellence in the sciences, humanities, languages, and international studies.

Although summa cum laude and magna cum laude recognize exceptional academic performance within an individual institution, election to Phi Beta Kappa reflects scholarly achievement across a broad liberal arts curriculum.  

For Siems, Brown, and Brogna, the distinction places them among a select group of graduates recognized for academic excellence at three highly respected colleges and universities.  Congratulations to all three graduates.