Union-Philanthropic Society

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The Union-Philanthropic Society hall today (known as the Patrick Henry Room).

The Seal of the Union-Philanthropic Society. It is the combination of the Union Society's ancient badge and Philanthropic Society's ancient badge.

Winston Hall at Hampden-Sydney College. The top floor facing Via Sacra Road is inhabited by the Union-Philanthropic Society.

The Union-Philanthropic (Literary) Society (UPLS) is an American college debating society at Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia.

For over two centuries, the Union-Philanthropic Society has offered Hampden-Sydney a unique forum for discussion. Whether debating the ethics of slavery — in 1810 — or discussing the various views of the historical Jesus — in 1996 — the Society has continually provided the College with an unparalleled source for the oratorical and literary improvement of her sons. Rather than narrowly focus on a single subject, the Society has long complemented the College's liberal curriculum by addressing topics from a variety of issues. Each week, the Society analyzes a different item from literature, politics, or the arts. The Society's exercises quickly train its members to think clearly, argue coherently, and speak forcefully on any topic.

The oldest student organization at the College and the second-oldest literary society in America (the oldest being the American Whig-Cliosophic Society at Princeton University, and the oldest continuously-existing being the Philomathean Society at the University of Pennsylvania), the Union-Philanthropic dates from 1789. Edward Henry, the son of Virginia's greatest orator, and William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the Unites States, were among its early members. Yet the society has never been simply a student organization, and its influence has never stopped at the College gates. Men from all backgrounds, from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to Robert E. Lee, have been awarded — and have accepted — honorary membership.

The Union-Philanthropic Society faces the future confident in its traditions but cognizant of the need for innovation. While reinforcing its ancient emphasis on private discussion among its members, the Union-Philanthropic is now exploring new arenas for public discussion, including debates, round-table talks between faculty and students, activities with the women's colleges, and guest lecturers.

Membership in the Society is an honor which is bestowed upon gentlemen who demonstrate an interest in public discussion, a thirst for learning, a friendly manner, and good character. The Society summons several men to become members each term.

1 Regalia
2 Current Officers of the UPLS
3 Notable Honorary Members
4 Other American collegiate Literary Societies
5 References

[edit] Regalia

A tracing board of the Union-Philanthropic Society.

The regalia of the Union-Philanthropic Society combines the historic regalia of the Union Society and the Philanthropic Society, which merged into one organization in September 1929.

The Union Society:

Name: The Union Society (Concordiæ Societas)
Established: September 22, 1789
Motto: Me Socium Summis Adjungere Rebus ("I Wish to Ally Myself With the Greatest Things")
Colors: The badge should be displayed with the emblem in silver (or white) with a light blue background
Badge: The Union Society badge incorporates elements from the Society's history: the fasces, stars, quills, and scroll

The Philanthropic Society: