Friars senior society

Founded in 1901 by Daniel Keller, Friars Senior Society is the oldest and most active senior society at the University of Pennsylvania. It was founded to protest cliques and strive against caddishness and snobbery, and to establish uncompromising democracy in University activities. Friars promotes interaction between those from all walks of life who have given their time and energies to making the University what it is; hence, the name Friars, for those who sacrifice their time during college to meaningful activities.

Each Friar senior class is composed of student leaders 'tapped' during the spring of their junior leaders year (where it accepts at least 20 into the society), and another 10 or so senior leaders taken in the fall. Membership is intentionally drawn from all walks of campus: the only common thread is that everyone in the society are top leaders and contribute to the Penn community. Typically, the group consists of about 1/3 athletic captains or otherwise excellent players, 1/3 performing arts leaders, and 1/3 Greek, Government, Publications and Community Service leaders. Members support each other throughout the year through attendance at shows and events and they perform various community service projects during their senior year as well. It first admitted women in the spring of 1971.

Once Friars graduate, they still remain active in the organization. Friars receive regular Friar communication throughout the year and have half a dozen Friar alumni events they can attend which is why they are considered the most active group of its kind at Penn. As of 2008, the Friars Alumni Association numbered over 1850 worldwide and is governed by the Friars Graduate Board.

Famous Friars include:
Ed Rendell (Governor of Pennsylvania),
Harold Ford (Tennessee Congressman),
Fran Dunphy (Temple basketball coach),
David Montgomery (President, Philadelphia Phillies)

External links

* http://www.friarsseniorsociety.com