The Senior Skull Honor Society
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The Senior Skull Society at the University of Maine was founded on December 14, 1906. Eleven men, representing eight of the fraternities, met at the Kappa Sigma house to form an organization whose purpose would be “to recognize dedicated service to The University of Maine, to promote campus spirit, to keep an eye on the fraternities, and to discipline freshmen.”
The name "Senior Skull Society" was approved three days later on December 17, 1906, and the first constitution was ratified in January 1907. The Skulls have been an integral part of the University ever since, although the purposes and duties of the Skulls have changed to fit the times. One example is that in 1911 the Senior Skulls created the Sophomore Owls, whose purpose became the discipline of freshmen.
In 1913, the President of the Skulls called a meeting of representatives from all campus fraternities in an effort to form a viable Interfraternity Council. At that time, approval of all student groups, particularly local fraternities, was at the discretion of the Senior Skulls.
The Senior Skull Society continued uninterrupted until the end of World War II, when it ceased to exist for 3 years. It was revived in the fall of 1947 and to this day remains the highest all-inclusive honor society at The University of Maine. The Senior Skulls continue to serve the University in many aspects, ranging from freshmen orientation, various Homecoming activities - including the selection of Homecoming Royalty - and various other duties as assigned by the Alumni Association and, occasionally, the Office of the President.[1]
The Senior Skull Society has evolved into the keepers of UMaine traditions, such as the traditional greeting "Hearty Maine Hello". When departing, Skulls traditionally say "Friendship Obligation Academics Dignity" as a reminder of their values.
