Likewise , in 1877 , it initiated the first African American into the society .
Four years later , it was the first American university to admit women to full membership into the Phi Beta Kappa Society , the country 's oldest collegiate academic honor society .
In 1877 , university initiated the first African American into the society .
Four years later , it was the first American university to admit women to full membership into the Phi Beta Kappa Society , the country 's oldest collegiate academic honor society .