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Marjorie Wladis Elitzer, Class of 1939, Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa

Elmira, NY (03/23/2021) — Marjorie Wladis Elitzer, Class of 1939, was recently inducted into the Pi of New York chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Elmira College. Elitzer graduated from EC in 1939, one year prior to the installation of the Pi of New York chapter.

"Late last year, I received a letter from Marjorie's son asking the Elmira College chapter of PBK to consider his mother, Marjorie Wladis Elitzer, Class of 1939, for induction into the society," explained Dr. Mark Pitner, associate professor of Asian history and EC Phi Beta Kappa advisor. "He explained that his mother's advisor had told her that she would have qualified for induction if only she had graduated a year later."

Elitzer, an Elmira native, had long wished she could have been inducted and often spoke of it to her children. Her sons thought it would be a wonderful surprise for her 103rd birthday in November 2020, and approached Pitner. Beyond confirming the timeline of events and her academic qualifications, the resident PBK members were deeply moved by her life of service as a teacher, philanthropist, and engaged community member. By unanimous vote she was elected into the society before her November birthday.

"I think I can speak for all of the resident members when I say this was one of the bright spots in a challenging year," said Pitner. "Her sons shared that Marjorie was in fact very pleased to receive the honor, belated though it was."

The Pi of New York chapter had planned to include Elitzer in the March ceremony, however after a brief illness, she passed away on January 12, 2021. Elitzer was honored, posthumously, at the March induction.

"I think my mother would have been proud to have the story told by her college," said Elitzer's son, Chip. "She always felt a strong connection to Elmira, both the school and city. On her 103rd birthday, all of her three sons, six grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and their significant others gathered on Zoom from a fairly broad span of time zones (California to the U.K.) to celebrate (1) her birthday, and (2) her induction into Phi Beta Kappa. She had always been the biggest cheerleader for her family's academic awards and degrees, and now we got to cheer for hers."

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Marjorie Wladis Elitzer, Class of 1939, was recently inducted into the Pi of New York chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Elmira College. Elitzer graduated from EC in 1939, one year prior to the installation of the Pi of New York chapter.

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