History

Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. The Society was founded as a national organization in 1986 at California State University, and has grown to become an international organization with more than 134 chapters. The Delta Eta Chapter at the University of South Alabama was founded in 1997. The goals of Phi Beta Delta are:

To recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, as well as faculty and staff who are involved in international activities;
To enhance the development of academic-based international programming;
To provide a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors;
To extend the network of members in chapters worldwide.

The Greek letters in Phi Beta Delta stand for the following: Phi stands for love of knowledge; Beta stands for valuing of human life; and Delta stands for achieving excellence. The colors of the society are red and gold, symbolizing the strength of humankind and the energy of the sun from which all cultures draw strength and life.

The society’s crest bears a globe, torch, sun, book, and shield. The globe represents the international perspective of the Society’s members. The torch represents the leadership and influence of the Society. The sun represents the energy from which all cultures draw strength. The book represents the coining and sharing of knowledge, and the shield represents the preservation of academic freedom. The motto “Scientia Mutua Mundi”, which means “World’s Shared Knowledge”, is inscribed at the base of the crest.