Essay on History and Heritage
Written by J Thomas Brown
| The Beginning | Masterplan I | Masterplan II & III | Athletics | Organizations | Traditions |
From Normal School to University
Societies and Social Organizations
Within three years of the Normal School’s opening, there were three literary societies formed at the Normal School: the Eclectic, the Philomathean, and the Debating Society. All were established to train members in the art of thinking, speaking, and writing. Several attempts were made to establish chapters of Greek letter fraternities and sororities but all such attempts failed because it was the policy of the school authorities to consider such organizations inconsistent with the best interest of the school as" they were intended particularly for the student's welfare, and they never considered the general welfare of the school." In the absence of Greek letter and social organizations several national organizations developed strong following at the Normal School during the 19th century, largely in response to the needs of student housing and social entertainment. These included such organizations as the YMCA, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and the YWCA
The origins of the present Greek social and Pan Hellenic organizations at Indiana State University can be found in the Normal Advance of June 1896, where a small notice states, "Feeling the want of a larger social life in the Normal, the ladies have organized a Women’s League." The Women’s League was formed into sections that were organized around living proximity so meeting might be easily attended. Within a few years, sections assumed unique names (many adopting Greek letters) and a few organized around a similarity of student interests. The Women’s League was formed for the noble purpose of intellectual enlightenment and meetings featured lectures, musical programs, public readings; however, this social and cultural function was soon replaced by the more mundane social priorities of belonging to the 'best' group." Nevertheless, aside from purely social functions, the Woman’s League proved to very active in lobbying for issues of social concern to female students, such as petitioning for construction of a Women’s Residence Hall.
A men’s club was formed in 1898, along the same lines as the Woman’s League, but did not survive. It wasn’t until 1901, when twelve men organized for the purpose of forming a debating society, The Forum, which evolved into the first "fraternity" at Indiana State. This group was soon followed by other similar organizations, which were primarily social in nature.
Not all social organizations of the 19th century were scholarly or Greek letter in nature. A Married Peoples Club was formed in 1897, and an English club in 1898, as was The Seekers of Wisdom, a club for college graduates. In 1900, the Junior Pie Club was formed by a dedicated band of hard-core followers who "dedicated to the extermination of pies."
The Greek organizations of the Women’s League and the Men’s fraternities have played a significant role in the social life of Indiana State University throughout this century. Since the 1920’s, the Greek organizations provided the organizational basis for most social activities on campus, as well as such major events as Homecoming, Crystal Ball, Junior Prom and numerous other functions which required the recognition of "Queens", "Bachelors", "Big Wheels", or "Ugly Men". Many student organized programs were developed through joint efforts of Greek organizations and such groups as the Sycamore Players, who were involved with Songfest and Campus Revue; or the Women’s Athletic Association, which was instrumental in developing intramural competition. Such cooperative activities remained campus traditions for decades.
The years following World War II produced noticeable changes and opportunities for student organizations. A Black fraternity (1947) and sorority (1948) were organized on the campus, and in 1951, the Women’s League pronounced that only non-discriminatory sororities would be admitted to the league. Between the years 1949 and 1954, local sororities of the League and most fraternities voted to associate with national sororities and fraternities. The Women’s League was transformed into Pan Hellenic Council and an Inter-fraternity council was formed.
Today there are thirty eight Greek social sororities and fraternities (active, silent, and colony) recognized at Indiana State University and these organizations continue to maintain as vital role in the life of the University. Annual events such as Homecoming, Trike Races, and Tandemonia and numerous philanthropic activities are built around the active participation of these social organizations.
In addition to Greek letter organizations there are today more than 185 student organizations which provide a wide range of services. Departmental organizations and professional fraternities are concerned with study in specific curricula. Honor societies provide recognition for outstanding academic achievement. Social groups, religious organizations, and special interest groups all meet the interest areas and concerns of students.