DAVIS, Calif. – Six UC Davis student athletes were honored on May 15 as newly elected members of the Phi Beta Kappa, becoming part of the nation's oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization.
 
"It was my great pleasure as a long time Phi Beta Kappa, Vice President of the UC Davis Kappa Chapter, and a staff member of the Intercollegiate Athletics department to welcome six new members to Phi Beta Kappa," said Associate Athletics Director, Leadership and Professional Development Michael Lorenzen. "To have attained that honor as a Division I athlete is a remarkable achievement and a testament to truly superlative performance that epitomizes the student-athlete ideal."
 
Amara Aimufua (volleyball), Ella Brislin (lacrosse), Elizabeth Bunt (equestrian), Michael Cooper (cross country), Kendall Lance (equestrian) and Megan Ray (gymnastics) made up the collection of UC Davis athletes who were elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
 
"It is a surreal experience and I'm honored to be even considered and to be initiated into Phi Beta Kappa," said Aimufua. "I was considered about being able to balance my academics and athletics, but if you work hard you can get to where you want to be and getting honored by Phi Beta Kappa is a great accomplishment."
 
The six student athletes are the most elected to Phi Beta Kappa in one class in program history.
 
"It is an incredible honor and I feel privileged to be part of this community," said Brislin. "It makes me excited for the future and what doors being part of Phi Beta Kappa will open,"
 
Kappa Chapter elects juniors and seniors who have compiled outstanding academic records in a curriculum including the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. These nominees, or 'Members in Course', are notified in spring quarter by email, and are invited to attend the initiation ceremony in May. Students who are elected to Phi Beta Kappa are encouraged to become members of the national society.