page_title: Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania / History
caption_attribution_description: English: Bob Paul, C'39, wearing the Friar hat in front of Benjamin Franklin monument at the University of Pennsylvania.
context_page_description: The Friars Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania, commonly nicknamed Friars, is the oldest undergraduate secret honor society at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1899, it recognizes student leaders who have made a significant contribution to the University in all areas of campus life. The organization remains the most active secret senior society at the University with over 2,000 alumni in the United States and in 24 countries throughout the world.
context_section_description: First led by Daniel S. Keller, Jr., Friars was created "to firmly establish uncompromising democracy in all class, college and University activities." In the early years, when violent class contests existed between freshmen and sophomores, Friars served as marshals during these fights. The organization was initially restricted to male leaders, with the first co-ed class formed in the spring of 1971. Throughout its storied history, Friars have shaped many aspects of Penn life such as the addition of straw hats to Hey Day in 1949 and the creation of Spring Fling in 1975.
  Each full class consists of 30 to 36 seniors. 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. The group is governed by the Friars Graduate Board and organizes activities for both undergraduate and graduate members.
caption: In the early 20th century, Friars were known for wearing black hats with the society's emblem. Photo circa 1939.
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