Beta Beta Beta, circa 1947-1964; 1985-1990; 2005

Beta Beta Beta (BBB), also referred to as Tri-Beta or TriBeta, is “an honor society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 626 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico” (Beta Beta Beta website, accessed March 8, 2019).

The Alpha XI chapter of BBB was established at Notre Dame in 1947. At its initial meeting, as reported by Columns on May 21, 1947, “Dr. Lloyd M. Bertholf, president of [BBB]….will initiate fifteen new members….at a banquet Thursday evening….The symbols of the fraternity designate its three-fold purpose: to stimulate scholarship, promote the dissemination of scientific truth, and further biological investigation…..In addition to a superior scholastic record, high ethical and moral ideals are required for eligibility.” Eighteen additional members were initiated on December 16, 1947. BBB has been active in presenting lectures and seminars, and hosted regional conferences/conventions at Notre Dame in 1950, 1953, 1960, and 1964.

The Alpha Xi chapter continues at Notre Dame to the present. The Notre Dame website states: “To be eligible for active membership, a student must be a biology major who has completed at least one semester of her sophomore year and has completed at least three semester courses in biology with an average grade of B+. Other students are invited to be associate members if they are interested in life sciences, but are ineligible for active membership” (accessed March 8, 2019).