College of William & Mary secret societies

The F. H. C. Society was founded on November 11, 1750, under a secret Latin name, possibly Fraternitas, Humanitas, et Cognitio, Fraternitas Humanitas Cognitioque, or variations thereof. It was reformed in 1920s and operated until 1943. According to The Flat Hat (a largely unaffiliated student newspaper), "new members are selected by those currently in the group. Historically, the group has tapped student government leaders, as well as several members of The Flat Hat [newspaper], which took its name from the historic group." The F.H.C. Society's operations remain cloaked in secrecy, but remain committed to philanthropy impacting the William & Mary community. ==7 Society==

The 7 Society is a senior-class society founded in 1826. In recent years, however, membership has become steeped in mystery—being only revealed in the event of death. There are several other secret societies with the word "seven" in their name, though there is no known evidence connecting the groups. One such society is the Seven Society at University of Virginia, founded in 1905, also noted for its philanthropic practices. ==13 Club==

Given the society's name, the 13 Club, founded in 1890 and reactivated in 1994, is presumed to have thirteen members. ==Alpha ==

The all-female Alpha or Ladies of Alpha was likely created to counteract the college's male-dominated secret societies. Their stated mission is that they are dedicated to empowering women and recognizing strong female leadership. They recognize female students and faculty monthly for their dedication to the college community by leaving yellow roses and notes for these individuals. Other details surrounding this society remain a mystery. ==Bishop James Madison Society==

The Bishop James Madison Society reports its founding year as 1812. Named in honor of William & Mary's eighth president, the late Bishop James Madison. The original society disbanded during the Civil War but it was reformed sometime in the 20th century. The society's activities, which seek to further the reputation, pride, and mirth of the college community, include the promotion of a "Last Lecture" in which it invites a noted faculty member to speak on issues of current social and/or academic importance. Membership in the society is confidential. During the college's annual commencement exercises, some graduating members identify their involvement by wearing medals featuring the society's symbol, an elongated quatrefoil. ==The Cord==

'''The Cord President Ewell continued to ring the College Bell at the beginning of each academic year for the duration of the College's closure. The name "The Cord" is thought to have been taken from the cord that rings the College Bell as a symbol of the society's endurance through William & Mary's darkest years. The society is said to consist of eight members, four seniors who then select four juniors during each academic year to replace them and choose the next year's juniors. Little is known about the actions of The Cord, but they appear to take part in several ceremonies and rituals around campus each year, set up by the seniors but attended only by its juniors. == Live Oak Society ==

The Live Oak Society is associated the quote "There is no limit to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit” by George C. Marshall. == P.D.A. ==

P.D.A. was the second fraternity after FHC to be established at William & Mary. Created in 1773. P.D.A. as a secret Latin name, was composed of seven individuals. It continued in operation until 1976. ==Phi Society==

The Phi Society was created at the University of Virginia, but a chapter has been established at William & Mary. Little is known about this society at the college. Another similarly named organization, the Phi Society of 1883 exists at The University of the South. Outside of the fact that both organizations were created by former members of Phi Delta Theta, the two societies are unrelated. Both societies branched off from the main organization due to conflicts of interest with the national organization. ==W Society==

Little is known about the W Society. It honors one freshman every year for service to the Williamsburg community. The members are selected via secret invitation. The Society is service-focused and was founded by two students and Drew Stelljes, a former administrator and professor. ==Wren Society==

The Wren Society was founded by John Hadley on October 20, 1832, at the College of William & Mary to honor the two hundredth birthday of Sir Christopher Wren. The Wren Society was reactivated by student in the 20th century and has continued to assist the college. Annually, it recognizes campus involvement and academic achievement by presenting the 1832 Award to eight seniors, three professors, two staff members, and a student organization. == Zodiac Society ==

The Zodiac Society first revealed itself to the William & Mary campus by leaving a good luck note to students in Swem Library before the December 2013 final exams. ==See also==