Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania

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Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania
Founded: 1899
Founder:

Daniel S. Keller, Jr.
Size: 30-36
Alumni: 2,044
Purpose: To recognize seniors who have made a significant contribution to the University of Pennsylvania
Presiding officers: The Abbot and the Scribe

The Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania, commonly nicknamed Friars, is the oldest undergraduate honor society at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[lower-alpha 1] Founded in 1899, it recognizes student leaders who have made a significant contribution to the University in all areas of campus life. The organization remains the most active senior society at the University with over 2,000 alumni in the United States and in 23 countries throughout the world. [2][3][4][5][6]

History

First led by Daniel S. Keller, Jr., Friars was created "to firmly establish uncompromising democracy in all class, college and University activities."[7] In the early years, when violent class contests existed between freshmen and sophomores, Friars served as marshals during these fights. The organization was initially restricted to male leaders, with the first co-ed class formed in the spring of 1971. Throughout its storied history, Friars have shaped many aspects of Penn life such as the addition of straw hats to Hey Day in 1949 and the creation of Spring Fling in 1975.[8]

File:A Friar Senior Society member wearing the Friar hat in front of Benjamin Franklin monument at the University of Pennsylvania.jpg
In the early 20th century, Friars were known for wearing black hats with the society's emblem. Photo circa 1939.

Each full class consists of 30 to 36 seniors. Membership is by invitation only, and those invited are the most accomplished leaders of their class, often filling such roles as student government heads, greek organization presidents, entrepreneurs, community organizers, athletic captains, publication editors, and performing arts leaders. Friars promotes interaction between those from all walks of life who have given their time and energies to making the University what it is; hence, the name Friars, for those who sacrifice their time during college to meaningful activities. The group is governed by the Friars Graduate Board and organizes activities for both undergraduate and graduate members.[9]

Membership

Each Friar senior class is composed of student leaders 'tapped' during the spring of their junior year when approximately 26 are accepted into the society, and another 10 senior leaders are inducted in the fall.[10] Membership is intentionally drawn from all walks of campus: the only common thread is that everyone in the society is a top senior leader and contributes to the Penn community. Typically, the group consists of about 1/3 athletic captains, 1/3 performing arts leaders, and 1/3 Greek, student government, publications and community service leaders. Members are encouraged to attend shows, performances and events by fellow Friars, and they get together and perform various community service projects throughout their senior year.[11][12]

Famous Friars

Notes

  1. ↑ "Founded in 1899, Friars is the older of the two and has twenty members, while the Sphinx, which got under way in 1900, has the largest membership with twenty-five."[1]

References

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  8. ↑ http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/traditions/heyday/timeline.htm
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