| Raven's Claw Society | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1896 Dickinson College |
| Type | Honor society |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Senior males |
| Scope | Local |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Nickname | Claws, White Hats |
| Headquarters | Carlisle , Pennsylvania United States |
The Raven's Claw Society is an all-male senior honor society at Dickinson College. It was founded in 1896 and is the oldest senior or "hat society" on campus. [1]
The Raven's Claw Society was founded in 1896 at Dickinson College as a senior honor society for male students. [2] [3] Formed by seven members of the class of 1896, it was the college's first honor society. [4] [5] Its founders wanted to encourage class and collage loyalty, create good fellowship, and continue college traditions. [5]
Historically, the Raven's Claw membership has consisted of seven students and two faculty advisors, with many members also belonging to social fraternities on campus. [6] The society served Dickinson College and Carlisle, Pennsylvania communities through discreet service activities. [5]
The society's members participate in community service activities and raise funds for charities. [7] In honor of its centennial in 1996, it established the Raven's Claw Scholarship which is awards to students based on financial need. [5]
While the members of the group are known, the majority of their actions and traditions are concealed. Originally, the society's badge was a gold number seven on a black raven's claw. [5] In the 1920s, student members started wearing a white hat for special days on campus, resulting in Raven's Claw being known as one of Dickinson's "hat societies". [5] [7] [1] The hats represent unity and loyalty. [4] Members are called Claws or White Hats. [4] [7]
Membership is limited to seven senior men who are selected by the seven previous members. [8] [4] The new members are chosen based on character, leadership, and involvement in the campus and community during their first three years at Dickinson College. [8] [3] Infrequently, the society breaks with its traditions and inducts a faculty or staff members, such as coach Richard MacAndrews in 1943. [9]
During commencement weekend, members are inducted in a tapping ceremony at the old stone steps Old West. [10] [4] [5]
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