The ivy-covered walls of America's oldest universities hold more than lecture halls and libraries. They conceal secrets. For centuries, exclusive and clandestine organizations have operated just beneath the surface of campus life. These secret societies, with their mysterious rituals, influential alumni networks, and whispered legends, have become a lasting part of the American collegiate experience. Far from simple social clubs, these groups have often been grooming grounds for future leaders in politics, business, and finance, embedding themselves into the very fabric of the nation's power structure.
Skull and Bones - Yale University
Perhaps the most famous and mythologized of all collegiate secret societies is Yale's Skull and Bones. Founded in 1832 by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft, the society is known for its morbid symbolism and powerful alumni. Each year, only 15 seniors are "tapped" for membership, an honor that has been extended to some of the most influential figures in American history.
The "Bonesmen," as members are called, meet in a windowless granite building on Yale's campus known as the "Tomb." What happens inside is the subject of intense speculation, with rumors of strange initiation rites and confessions of personal histories. While the details remain secret, the influence of its members is not. Both President George H.W. Bush and his son, President George W. Bush, were Bonesmen, as was their rival in the 2004 election, John Kerry. Other notable members include William F. Buckley Jr., the founder of the National Review, and Henry Luce, the co-founder of Time Inc. This powerful network has led many to believe Skull and Bones is more than just a college club, but a recruitment center for the nation's elite.
Seven Society - University of Virginia
At the University of Virginia (UVA), philanthropy comes with a shroud of mystery. The Seven Society is a secret organization of seven anonymous members whose identities are only revealed upon their death. A banner with a large "7" is hung from the Rotunda, bells toll seven times on the seventh stroke of the hour, and a wreath of black magnolias shaped like a "7" is placed at the deceased member's grave.
Founded around 1905, the society's primary purpose is to benefit UVA. They are known for making generous financial contributions to the university, often in amounts including the number seven, such as $7,777 or $1,777. These donations are announced in dramatic fashion, sometimes delivered by check on a banner unveiled during a major event or attached to balloons. The Seven Society has funded scholarships, buildings, and student loan programs, always from the shadows. Their secretive benevolence has made them a beloved and integral part of UVA's culture, proving that influence can be wielded quietly.
Sphinx Society - Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is home to one of the oldest "senior societies" in the country, the Sphinx Society. Founded in 1885, the Sphinx selects a small group of senior men who are leaders in campus life. Like Skull and Bones, they have a dedicated meeting place: a windowless, Egyptian-tomb-style building located in the heart of campus.
Members are chosen for their campus achievements and leadership potential. The society aims to create a bond among these individuals that extends far beyond graduation. While its rituals are secret, its alumni network is a powerful asset for members. The society's mystique is amplified by the silence of its members, who traditionally do not acknowledge their affiliation. The Sphinx represents a model of collegiate secret societies that focuses on recognizing and connecting top campus achievers, creating a lifelong network of influence.
The Cadaver Society - Washington and Lee University
At Washington and Lee University, the Cadaver Society adds a spooky element to campus tradition. Founded in 1957, its members are known for their all-black attire, masks, and total anonymity. They operate primarily at night, leaving their mark—a skull and "C" logo—on buildings and walkways.
Like the Seven Society, the Cadavers are also secret benefactors. They have made significant donations to the university, including funding for the renovation of the historic Reid Hall. They are also known for promoting school spirit, often appearing at sporting events to energize the crowd before vanishing back into the darkness. Their identities are said to be revealed only to the university president upon graduation. The Cadaver Society blends a flair for the dramatic with genuine philanthropic intent, creating a unique and mysterious presence on campus.
Order of Gimghoul - University of North Carolina
At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Order of Gimghoul is built around a local legend. The story involves a student named Peter Dromgoole who disappeared from campus in 1833, supposedly after fighting a duel over a woman near a rock on the grounds. The Order, founded in 1889, honors this legend.
The society's most visible landmark is Gimghoul Castle, a stone fortress built by members in the 1920s. Membership is exclusive, offered to a select group of male students, typically campus leaders. The Order focuses on upholding ideals of chivalry and leadership. While its internal workings are secret, its alumni include prominent figures in North Carolina politics and business. The Order of Gimghoul demonstrates how local lore and campus history can intertwine to form an enduring and influential secret society.
