Sphinx (senior society)

In 1885, the Sphinx was founded as a senior-class society at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire by fourteen male students of the class of 1886. It was the first senior society at Dartmouth. Initially, the group met at Thornton Hall on Saturday nights. The main criteria used to select members is community leadership. The society is secretive about its purpose or mission, but says that it "supports Dartmouth. == Symbols ==

Members of Sphinx refer to each other as "frater". == Sphinx Tomb ==

The Sphinx Tomb was constructed in 1903 on East Wheelock Street. It was designed by Manchester architect William M. Butterfield was inspired by the Temple of Dendur. In 1923, a significant addition was planned for the Sphinx Tomb; however, the proposed addition was never constructed. The tomb is owned by the Sphinx Alumni Association and serves as its headquarters. == Misconduct and scandals ==

The Sphinx attracted negative publicity in 1989 when thefts that took place during a scavenger hunt were traced back to the secret society. On April 27, 1989, sixteen students took part in a scavenger hunt that resulted in the theft of numerous items across the Dartmouth campus, including paintings, photographs, mailboxes, life preservers, and signs. The school estimated the total value of missing items at nearly $12,000. In 2003, two unidentified males broke into the Sphinx Tomb by forcing open its side door and several interior doors. This incident was unusual because the break-in was successful; attempts are made to enter the Sphinx tomb at least once a year. ==See also==