The William Penn Society

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The William Penn Society is a local fraternity at Whittier College in Whittier, California. Known on the campus as "the Penns," it was founded by Frank Alexander in 1934 as a social club, but transformed into a social fraternity over the years. The most secretive society of the nine currently chartered at Whittier, it is independent and has no affiliations with any national fraternity.

The Penn Triangle

Based on the teachings of William Penn, the Society has had a long and diverse history. It boasts a diverse membership; however, many of their members have taken an active academic interest in the fields of Political Science and Law, as well as extracurricular involvement in the student government. Members are noted to have controlled the student governing body of the Associated Students of Whittier College named COR (Council of Representatives) for a number of years.

The Society conducts volunteer activities and community service in and around Whittier, California. It also hosts social events for the students of Whittier College in addition to maintaining the "W" icon adorning the hill above Whittier's football/lacrosse field.

The Penns have often been scrutinized for their secrecy with regards to their internal affairs as well as their annual pledging process (New Member Education).

[edit] Membership

As of 2005, over four hundred and fifty men are members of the William Penn Society.

In contrast to many student secret societies, The William Penn Society does not tap a designated number of new members. Instead, a bid procedure is followed, with New Member Education occurring annually. Bids are historically given to those students of Whittier exhibiting strong leadership and academic excellence. During the annual education measure, "prospectives" as the new initiates are known, undergo a series of activities and rituals which instills central tenets of the society such as loyalty, brotherhood, secrecy, and leadership. A convocation ceremony is held at the end of each yearly initiation period.