Owl and Key, a senior honor society, and Skull and Bones, a junior secret society, were both organized at the University of Utah in 1909.[2][3][4] The Utah societies were not affiliated with Yale University but borrowed from its campus traditions.[2][4]
The purpose of Owl and Key was to foster spirit among the senior class and to uphold the standards and traditions of the University."[5] New members are initiated into the society by alumni of Owl and Key near the start of the spring semester of the senior year.[6] The initiates then plan events such as an annual spring formal.[6]
Owl and Key also acts as the parent organization for Skull and Bones, overseeing the spring recruitment and application process of the juniors who wish to join the secret society.[7] Once applications are received, the active members of Owl and Key select the future members of Skull and Bones.[7]
Membership
Historically, all Owl and Key members were previously members of Skull and Bones, with the latter automatically becoming a member of Owl and Key before graduation.[8][9][3] In March 1933, Owl and Key decided to increase its membership by five men so it could also invite worthy students who had not been selected for Skull and Bones.[8] However, its membership is still primarily from Skull and Bones.[9] For example, in its 1940 class, twelve of the fifteen members were from Skull and Bones, with just three new additions.[6] In the 1955 class, eight of the twelve-men members were from Skull and Bones, with four being new additions.[10]
Members are selected the spring semester of their senior year by Owl and Key alumni.[5][11] Membership was traditionally restricted to senior men; however, women are now members.[1][12] Invitations are extended students for the academic achievement, leadership, and service in the campus community.[1][4] Students may also nominate themselves by applying to either Skull and Bones or Owl and Key.[7] Membership to Owl and Key is limited to fifteen initiates per year.[1]
^"Robert F. Bennett BS'57". Beeline. University of Utah Alumni Association. Spring 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
