DVS Senior Honor Society

D.V.S. Senior Honor Society was founded at Emory University in the spring of 1900 as a male-only organization. Its purpose was "to recognize accomplishments already made, but more importantly, to encourage those who were tapped to continue their loyalty to Emory, to encourage their leadership skills for the betterment of society, and therefore to reflect positively on Emory." These fourteen recruits were all male but D.V.S. became co-ed with its next class of members. As of 2014, the society has inducted nearly 800 members. ==Symbols==

The meaning of the letters D.V.S. is not revealed publicly. The society's emblem was drawn by founding member Fletcher Gray Rush. In the 1960s, new recruits were introduced to the campus with an upside-down pipe in their mouth. Emory University Library has three D.V.S. pipes in its collection. ==Activities==

The majority of the society's activities go unrecognized. Its members are the "white-gloved escorts for Dooley, the spirit of Emory" whose is represented on the tip of the mace. ==Membership==

D.V.S. admits seven seniors each year based on their campus leadership, dedication to Emory, and academic excellence. Its recruitment process is called "tapping". The existing members select their replacement from the junior class before graduating. Membership is kept secret until graduation when the seven graduating members' names are printed in the commencement announcements. Historically, however, new members were publicly announced during their junior year at commencement. They stood in a V-formation on the steps of Candler Building, with clasped hands and D.V.S. painted on their faces, with an upside-down pipe in the mouth. ==Notable members==

• George P. Cuttino, professor emeritus of history and Emory's chief marshal from 1976 to 1984 • Goodrich C. White, former president of Emory University ==See also==