Four Columbia faculty members—including President Emeritus George Rupp—were elected to the American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States. Founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin to “promote useful knowledge,” the American Philosophical Society honors and engages distinguished scientists, humanists, social scientists, and leaders in civic and cultural affairs and promotes opportunities for “interdisciplinary, intellectual fellowship.” Its members include George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Robert Frost.