Anne Wilber Named a 2026 Key into Public Service Scholar
Rising fourth year, Anne Wilber recognized by Phi Beta Kappa for commitment to public service and advocacy
Grinnell College student Anne Wilber ’27 has been named a 2026 Key into Public Service Scholar by The Phi Beta Kappa Society, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor societies.
Wilber, a rising fourth year, majoring in economics with a concentration in policy studies, is one of just 20 students selected nationwide for the highly competitive program. Chosen from nearly 800 applicants across Phi Beta Kappa chapter institutions, the scholars demonstrate a strong commitment to applying their arts and sciences education to careers in public service.
On campus, Wilber has been deeply engaged in advocacy and research. She founded a chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action, working alongside peers to mobilize student advocacy for reproductive rights. She also collaborates with Professor Andrea Hall on health economics research, with a particular focus on reproductive health.
During the Spring 2026 semester, Wilber studied abroad in Granada, Spain, where she strengthened her Spanish language skills while gaining insight into a new economic and political context. This summer, she will return to her hometown of Chicago to serve as a research assistant with the Community Development team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Following graduation, Wilber plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economics and build a career in economic and policy research centered on community advocacy.
As a 2026 Key into Public Service Scholar, Wilber will receive a $7,600 undergraduate scholarship—honoring Phi Beta Kappa’s founding in 1776—and participate in an educational conference in Washington, D.C. The program provides mentorship, training, and opportunities for reflection on pathways to active citizenship.
The recognition comes during Phi Beta Kappa’s 250th anniversary year, underscoring the Society’s longstanding commitment to the arts and sciences as a foundation for public leadership.
“An arts and sciences education prepares students not only to understand the world, but also to shape a future where democracy thrives,” said Phi Beta Kappa Secretary and CEO Frederick M. Lawrence. “The 2026 Service Scholars embody that spirit of engagement. They apply their learning to strengthen communities and advance the public good. At a time when thoughtful leadership and civic participation matter deeply, they show what it means to lead with knowledge, curiosity, and purpose.”
For more information about the scholarship and to access individual biographies of the recipients, please visit www.pbk.org/KeyintoPublicService
About The Phi Beta Kappa Society
Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s premier honor society, championing education in the arts and sciences for 250 years. We build a community where members can engage with peers and maintain their love of learning, and we use our platform to advocate for the arts and sciences, promoting their integral role in our communities, democracy, and institutions across the country. Our members apply their arts and sciences education to defy expectations and address society’s greatest challenges. As it marks 250 years, Phi Beta Kappa proudly continues to build a future where knowledge inspires action. Visit pbk.org to join us in amplifying the power of knowledge and to build a thriving future of opportunity.