Will Wisdon

Secret societies and organizations date back to the Middle Ages. Similar to the fraternities and sororities that we know today, these societies were often cloaked in secrecy and followed traditional customs such as initiation. Unlike the Greek, or Social Societies, as they are sometimes referred to, previous craft union societies were developed for specialized professions and only allowed established professionals or gifted apprentices to join.

The first Greek Society was conceived by five young men at the College of William and Mary. Though already a part of the established literary societies on campus these men wished to form a secret society that was both social and literary in nature. Wishing to present a unique yet established image they adopted a Greek (rather than Latin) name. The men chose the name, Phi Betta Kappa, because it represented the principals of the group, “Fraternity, Morality, and Literature.” The men also developed a badge, a handshake, secret rituals, and a motto. Though the structure of Phi Betta Kappa was not unique, the society developed a reputation based on its selectivity and secrecy.

Setting the stage for future organizations, Phi Betta Kappa allowed chapters to be started at other colleges. These new chapters were given additional names corresponding with the letters of the Greek alphabet, a tradition that continues today.

Soon after the development of these early fraternal societies a new type of group emerged. Determined to be taken seriously these societies took distinct, classical names like Euphemian and Adelphian. Their determination paid off as colleges began encouraging and supporting this new breed of society. Similar to current day students, those of the time joined a society based on their collegiate purpose whether it be social or literary. The difference between the two types also created rivalries.

Greek societies grew slowly through the 1800s an early 1900s until World War I when college aged men joined the service rather than entering college. This slump in fraternal activities allowed sororities, such as the Adelphian society, to thrive as many female societies took over campus activities that were historically male-run. After World War II men flocked back to universities causing fraternity membership to expand and new chapters to bloom. Since then the growth of Greek societies has been exponential. Today there are 90 recognized college fraternities and sororities and over 5,550 chapters.

85%
Percentage of Fortune 500 executives who were part of a fraternity or sorority

Characteristics of Greek Societies

•	Two to Three Greek Letter Names - These names generally represent a motto and usually indicate the organization's purpose. Sometimes chapters have additional names indicating when they were established or their college association.
•	Secrecy - The secrecy surrounding fraternities and sororities is meant to foster a bond between members. Some groups publish their traditions, though many do not. Some don't even allow their information to be printed for fear that it could be discovered.
•	Rituals - The rituals that Greek societies use are an integral part of the process. Rituals were initially based on a combination of Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and literature, Christian scripture, and military codes of honor. As time has passed many organizations have lost the original meanings of their rituals, though the showmanship is still strong.
•	Rush - Rush is the time when students not involved in a Greek organization can learn about the process. There are usually a number of parties and other social events meant to showcase the standards and beliefs of each group. The parties and events generally go in rounds. First they are open to everyone and each event afterwards is by invite only.
•	Initiation - Initiation is the time when students become true members of a fraternity or sorority. There is generally a period of time after the student has accepted an invitation where the recruit is supposed to learn about Greek life in general and about their society specifically. During initiation new members will be told all of their organization's secrets. While initiation has been strongly linked to hazing there are now strict rules against it.
•	Badges - Like so much with Greek societies, their badges are strongly symbolic. They often have the societies letters along with some pictorial symbol of their motto, purpose, or beliefs. Generally, members are not given a true badge until they have been initiated and welcomed as a new member.

Greek Life Statistics

•	All but two U.S. Presidents since 1825 have been a part of a fraternity.
•	Since 1900, 63% of the U.S. Presidents' cabinet have been Greeks.
•	43 of the nation's largest corporations are headed by Greeks.
•	Over 70% of those in Greek societies complete college graduation.