Zeyu Chen, C’21, Named a 2020 Key Into Public Service Scholar

Zeyu Chen, C’21, has been selected as a Key into Public Service Scholar by The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. The award recognizes students who have demonstrated interest in working in the public sector and possess a strong academic record in the liberal arts and sciences.

Chen is one of just 20 Key into Public Service Scholars chosen from over 600 applicants across the nation. Each scholar will receive a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and take part in a virtual gathering in late June to provide them with training, mentoring, and reflection on pathways into active citizenship in the tradition of Phi Beta Kappa’s founders.

Chen, from Beijing, China, is majoring in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) and mathematical economics in the College of Arts & Sciences. His academic interests include monetary and fiscal policies and political institutions. He is a peer advisor for PPE, and is involved in student activism around education justice, political science research, peer advising, and club water polo. After graduation, he intends to further study political science or macroeconomics in a Ph.D. program.

“The academic achievement, breadth and depth in the liberal arts and sciences, and demonstrated interest in public service of these accomplished students truly stand out, even among the many impressive applicants we reviewed from our chapter campuses across the nation,” said Phi Beta Kappa Secretary and CEO Frederick M. Lawrence. “At this time in our country when the value of expertise, experience, and service is very clear, the Society proudly applauds them for their pursuit of liberal arts and sciences excellence in the public interest.”

Founded in 1776, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the nation's most prestigious academic honor society. Its mission is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought, and recognize academic excellence.