Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania

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Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania
Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania logo.png
Founded1889;135 years ago (1889)
University of Pennsylvania
TypeSenior secret society
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
ScopeLocal
Chapters1
Members32 to 36 active
2,065 lifetime
Headquarters241 S. 6th Street, Suite #1603
Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19106
United States
Website friarsseniorsociety.com

The Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania, commonly nicknamed Friars, is the oldest undergraduate secret society at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [1] [a] 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 secret senior society at the university with over 2,000 alumni in the United States and 24 countries throughout the world. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Contents

History

First led by Daniel S. Keller Jr., Friars was created "to firmly establish uncompromising democracy in all class, college, and University activities." [8] 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 adding straw hats to Hey Day in 1949 and creating Spring Fling in 1975. [9]

Member wearing a black hat with the society's emblem, circa 1939. A Friar Senior Society member wearing the Friar hat in front of Benjamin Franklin monument at the University of Pennsylvania.jpg
Member wearing a black hat with the society's emblem, circa 1939.

Each full class consists of 30 to 36 seniors. 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 for meaningful activities. The Friars Graduate Board governs the group and organizes activities for both undergraduate and graduate members. [8]

Symbols and traditions

In the early 20th century, Friars wore black hats bearing the society's emblem.

Activities

The Friars annually presents its Faculty Award which recognizes a University of Pennsylvania faculty member for " their area expertise, but their compassion for teaching and their relationships with their students." [10] The group also awards the Peter K. Riley Award to the University of Pennsylvania freshman of the year. [11] [12]

Members are encouraged to attend sporting events, shows, and other campus events featuring fellow Friars, and they get together and perform various community service projects throughout their senior year. [13] [14]

Membership

Friars are chosen during the society's Tapping Service. Two-thirds of the group are nominated or "tapped" for membership in the spring of their junior year by current members. The other third is filled in the fall of their senior year through a similar process. [15] Membership is intentionally drawn from all walks of campus: the only common thread is that every member of the society is a recognized senior leader and contributes to the greater Penn community. The group proudly consists of those making a difference in the athletic arena, the performing arts, student government, the Greek system, publications, as well as assorted entrepreneurs and community activists, and organizers. Traditionally, the captain of the men's basketball team, the captain of the women's squash team, the former A capella Council chair, and the chair of Bloomer's members of the Friars. [1]

Each year, 90 to 120 prospective members are invited to attend a social event via a hand-delivered invitation; the prospect may then apply for membership and are voted on the current members. [1] Historically, a class consisted of 20 to 25 members, although the founding class had just fifteen members. [16] Today, there are 32 to 36 members in each class. [16] This is divided between 18 and 25 spring recruits who are selected during their junior year and eight to twelve members selected in the fall of their senior year. [1]

The Friars also select one honorary member each year.

Notable members

Collegiate

Honorary

Notes

  1. ↑ "Founded in 1899, Friars is the younger of the two and has thirty members, equal to Sphinx, started earlier that year." [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Pollock, Jody (April 4, 2008). "'Tapping' into senior societies". The Daily Pennsylvanian. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  2. ↑ Tamblin C. Smith; et al. (1948). Pennsylvania Pictures, January 1948 Vol. IV, No. 3. Franklin Society Publication. pp. 3, .
  3. ↑ Francis, Arthur Morius (2015). "Secret Societies Vol. 3: The Collegiate Secret Societies of America".
  4. ↑ Tucker, Glenn I. (June 3, 1938). "Elected to Friars". The Scarsdale Inquirer. Retrieved Oct 17, 2015.
  5. ↑ Bryan, Gina (May 7, 2012). "Friars Senior Society Legacy at Penn". Penn News.
  6. ↑ "The Friars Senior Society – Everything You Need To Know". Friar's Club. Archived from the original on 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  7. ↑ "The Daily Pennsylvanian 22 April 1965 — Daily Pennsylvanian Digital Archives". veridiansoftware.com.
  8. 1 2 "Friars Senior Society - The University of Pennsylvania". friarsseniorsociety.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-16. Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  9. ↑ http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/traditions/heyday/timeline.htm%5B%5D
  10. ↑ "07/13/10, Honors and Other Things - Almanac, Vol. 57, No. 01". almanac.upenn.edu. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  11. ↑ "2003-04 Ivy League Players of the Year". University of Pennsylvania Athletics. 2004-07-02. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  12. ↑ "Penn Tennis Continues to Serve Up Success". University of Pennsylvania Athletics. 2004-07-21. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  13. ↑ Finkelstein, Morgan (April 8, 2010). "Oh, Look, Senior Societies". Under the Button. Archived from the original on November 29, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Chalk It Up". Frankly Penn. 12 April 2012.
  15. ↑ Kelemen, Matt. "'Senior Societies Spring 2015". The Daily Pennsylvanian .
  16. 1 2 "FAQs | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Notable Friars | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  18. 1 2 "Friar Fun Facts | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  19. 1 2 "1950s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  20. 1 2 3 "1990s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  21. 1 2 "2000s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  22. 1 2 "2010s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  23. 1 2 "1940s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  24. ↑ "Front Office". Philadelphia Phillies. Archived from the original on February 19, 2007. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  25. 1 2 "1960s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  26. ↑ "1980s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  27. ↑ "1970s Alumni Decade | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 "Honorary Friars | Friars Senior Society". friarsseniorsociety.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
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