The Sphinx Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest honor society at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900, the organization is self-perpetuating and today usually consists of 25-30 members. Its members represent a diverse and varied cast, coming from all areas of achievement, community, activities, and backgrounds. However each member is chosen because of the singular fact of their committed leadership to the University, its community, and the general public.
The organization is rumored to be one of the university's secret societies,[1] but has always been open and makes no secret of its presence. Every year, recent new members are listed in the campus paper The Daily Pennsylvanian for congratulations and recognition. Current and past members are also listed openly on the organization's website. In the past, new members are even listed in prominent papers such as the New York Times.[2]
The total size of the current undergraduate society ranges from 20-30 depending on each class's preference. Members, officially called "Sphinxes," represent outstanding individuals that have served the university in some form or manner and are selected based on their achievement, character, involvement, leadership, and vision. This membership perpetuates through "tapping" (a common society term meaning invite)[3] [4] every spring where current members personally nominate deserving juniors to attend a smoker. This informal smoker provides an opportunity for the taps to pick up an application as well as for the current members to meet and screen nominees before seniors go through the selection process.
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