Iron Cross (Secret Society)

The Iron Cross Society is one of University of Wisconsin-Madison's oldest and most prestigious secret societies.

Background

Iron Cross officially exists to recognize UW-Madison juniors and seniors who have improved the UW-Madison campus community through their past leadership and service, and to bring those outstanding students together as a single and diverse group that works to further improve the university. Though originally more secretive, current initiates are publicly identified on a [http://www.union.wisc.edu/ironcross/ UW Madison web site] .

New inducted members sign their names into a book that includes the signatures of all members to date. There are two main ceremonial traditions of Iron Cross each year. First, the oldest member is responsible for the safekeeping of the book and for calling the first meeting. Second, the tallest member is responsible for bearing the iron cross, the organization's symbol of strength without ostentation.

Selection Process

Iron Cross is not like other UW-Madison honor societies. Faculty members, academic staff, student leaders, and student organizations all make nominations to the Iron Cross Society. While GPA is taken into consideration, selection of members is based more on students' extracurricular and community accomplishments. The exact selection process is not known.

History

The Iron Cross Society was founded in 1902 to honor UW-Madison seniors who have dedicated themselves to serving the university community and have achieved personal excellence.

The exact selection process is not public knowledge. As opposed to early years, Iron Cross now appoints both juniors and women. Election to the Iron Cross Society has been considered the highest honor a UW-Madison undergraduate could achieve. The newly inducted sign their names into a book alongside all former members.

The most visible accomplishment of Iron Cross is the founding of the Memorial Union (Wisconsin). In 1907, the UW-Madison president asked Iron Cross members to convert the failing Madison, WI YMCA into something that students would use. Iron Cross turned it into the second students' union to exist in the United States and the first student union to serve beer.

In Other's Eyes

Remarks made by Porter Butts at Iron Cross's 75th anniversary ceremony add color to the lengthy history of the society. He said, "The genius of Iron Cross, it seems to me, has been that it provides a medium through which student leaders who are service-motivated can readily consult with each other, and at times with the university administration, on any University or student problem that concerns them, and then proceed to do something about it, in concert working through their respective organizations, or individually, but always with the knowledge that there are others who understand and are lending active or moral support - the thing that helps give one confidence to go ahead."

Historical Notes

Iron Cross Elections

Four more men from the class of 1924 have been designated by molten inscription which appeared silently in the night on the Bascom Hall portico as having that quality of service and leadership which merits their election to the university's most significant honor society, Iron Cross.

Through an apprenticeship of more than three years these four have served diligently and efficiently for the university and the best interests of Wisconsin. For their ability, perseverance and definite purpose they have been honored.

In the midst of a myriad of honor societies, Iron Cross stands as a peer, as an organization whose highest ideal is the development of leadership in worthwhile undergraduate activities along with the preeminent consideration of love and service to Wisconsin. These few men who have been selected have given the best of their talent and work; their sacrifice has been great; their personal reward small. The highest honor the school can give falls upon them, its champions.

Recognition, the deep applause of men, is a mere bagatelle compared to the actual labor and devotion these honored have shown, but in their service is indicated the progress and activity of this miniature community, and some small measure of acknowledgement is their due.

But in this acknowledgement is an implied understanding that these men have just begun their work and that they will continue to labor and sacrifice for the school. Wisconsin, the university, congratulates the new members of Iron Cross and in this recognition anticipates a perpetuation of service through school and life.

The Daily Cardinal, 1924

Notable Alumni

*Senator Russ Feingold '75
*Former UW Athletic Director Pat Richter '63
*Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Heffernan '42
*Former President and CEO of Campbell Soup Company William Beverly Murphy '28

ee also

*Collegiate secret societies in North America
*University of Wisconsin-Madison

External links

* [http://www.union.wisc.edu/ironcross/ The Iron Cross Society]
* [http://www.uwalumni.com/home/coolstuff/askabe/askabe_orgs/askabe_orgs.aspx Ask Abe (see Q&A near bottom of page)]
* [http://www.engr.wisc.edu/ie/newsletter/2005_springsummer/students.html UW-Madison College of Engineering News]
* [http://www.engr.wisc.edu/bme/newsletter/2005_fallwinter/studentnews.html UW-Madison College of Engineering News]