The earliest senior societies of
Dartmouth College date back to 1783 and while they have evolved over the years,
they continue to be a vibrant tradition within the campus community.
There are eight senior societies on campus. Seven of the societies keep
their membership secret until Commencement, when members of all senior
societies can be identified by their carved canes. Each senior society is
unique in character and composition. Some are single sex and others are coed,
some are residential, others are not. Approximately 25% of the senior class
members are affiliated with a senior society.
- Abaris
- Casque and Gauntlet
- Cobra
- Dragon
- Fire and Skoal
- Gryphon
- Phoenix
- Sphinx
Casque and Gauntlet
(also known as C&G) was founded in 1886 as the second permanent senior
society at Dartmouth. In 1893 the group moved to its current location at
1 South Main Street. Following co-education at Dartmouth, the 1979
delegation voted unanimously to nominate women for membership, and the first
female members were inducted in 1980. C&G membership is exclusive and
not secret. Notable members of past delegations include Theodor Seuss
Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Nelson Rockefeller
Founded in 1975, Fire and Skoal is Dartmouth's oldest co-ed senior
society.
Phoenix was founded in 1982 and is the second-oldest all female senior
society. The society draws from a cross section of women leaders to carry
on its mission of promoting co-education at Dartmouth. Phoenix works on a
variety of anonymous service projects on campus to create dialogue surrounding
women's issues.
Sphinx was founded in 1885 making it the oldest senior society at
Dartmouth.
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