Iron Cross (Secret Society)
Encyclopedia
The Iron Cross Society is University of Wisconsin–Madison
's oldest and most prestigious secret societies. Election to the Iron Cross Society has been considered the highest honor a UW–Madison undergraduate could achieve.
There are two main ceremonial traditions of Iron Cross each year. First, the oldest member is responsible for the safekeeping of the book and for calling the first meeting. Second, the tallest member is responsible for bearing the iron cross, the organization's symbol of strength without ostentation.
In contrast to early years, Iron Cross now appoints both juniors and women.
. In 1907, the UW–Madison president asked Iron Cross members to convert the failing Madison, WI YMCA
into something that students would use. Iron Cross turned it into the second students' union
to exist in the United States and the first student union to serve beer.
director Porter Butts at Iron Cross's 75th anniversary ceremony add color to the lengthy history of the society. He said, "The genius of Iron Cross, it seems to me, has been that it provides a medium through which student leaders who are service-motivated can readily consult with each other, and at times with the university administration, on any University or student problem that concerns them, and then proceed to do something about it, in concert working through their respective organizations, or individually, but always with the knowledge that there are others who understand and are lending active or moral support - the thing that helps give one confidence to go ahead."
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
's oldest and most prestigious secret societies. Election to the Iron Cross Society has been considered the highest honor a UW–Madison undergraduate could achieve.
Background
Iron Cross exists to recognize UW–Madison juniors and seniors who have improved the campus community through their leadership and service, and to bring those outstanding students together as a single and diverse group that further improves the university. Though originally secretive, current initiates are publicly identified on a UW Madison web site. New inducted members sign their names into a book that includes the signatures of all members to date.There are two main ceremonial traditions of Iron Cross each year. First, the oldest member is responsible for the safekeeping of the book and for calling the first meeting. Second, the tallest member is responsible for bearing the iron cross, the organization's symbol of strength without ostentation.
Selection
Unlike other UW–Madison honor societies, faculty, academic staff, student leaders, and student organizations all make nominations to the Iron Cross Society. While GPA is taken into consideration, selection of members is based more on students' extracurricular and community accomplishments. The exact selection process is not known.In contrast to early years, Iron Cross now appoints both juniors and women.
History
The most visible accomplishment of Iron Cross is the founding of the Memorial UnionMemorial Union (Wisconsin)
The Memorial Union, known locally as simply "the Union", is located on the shore of Lake Mendota on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Between the building and the lake is the Terrace, a highly-popular outdoor space....
. In 1907, the UW–Madison president asked Iron Cross members to convert the failing Madison, WI YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
into something that students would use. Iron Cross turned it into the second students' union
Students' union
A students' union, student government, student senate, students' association, guild of students or government of student body is a student organization present in many colleges and universities, and has started appearing in some high schools...
to exist in the United States and the first student union to serve beer.
Opinion
Remarks made by Wisconsin UnionWisconsin Union
The Wisconsin Union is a membership organization at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It operates the Memorial Union, Union South, the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the Hoofer Equestrian Center, Bernie's Place Child Care Center, and a number of food outlets on campus in order to "to...
director Porter Butts at Iron Cross's 75th anniversary ceremony add color to the lengthy history of the society. He said, "The genius of Iron Cross, it seems to me, has been that it provides a medium through which student leaders who are service-motivated can readily consult with each other, and at times with the university administration, on any University or student problem that concerns them, and then proceed to do something about it, in concert working through their respective organizations, or individually, but always with the knowledge that there are others who understand and are lending active or moral support - the thing that helps give one confidence to go ahead."
Historical notes
Notable alumni
- Senator Russ FeingoldRuss FeingoldRussell Dana "Russ" Feingold is an American politician from the U.S. state of Wisconsin. He served as a Democratic party member of the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2011. From 1983 to 1993, Feingold was a Wisconsin State Senator representing the 27th District.He is a recipient of the John F...
'75 - Former UW Athletic Director Pat RichterPat RichterHugh Vernon Richter is the former University of Wisconsin–Madison athletic director and American football player. He was responsible for hiring Barry Alvarez from Notre Dame in 1990 as head football coach, restoring the Badgers football program to national prominence.-Playing career:Richter was...
'63 - Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan HeffernanNathan HeffernanNathan Stewart Heffernan was an American judge who served as a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court from 1964 to 1995, and as Chief Justice of that court from 1983 to 1995.-Biography:...
'42 - Former President and CEO of Campbell Soup Company William Beverly MurphyWilliam Beverly MurphyWilliam Beverly Murphy was a U.S. food businessman. He was the president and CEO of Campbell Soup Company between 1953 and 1972. From 1942 to 1945 he was on leave from Campbell's Soup to the War Production Board. Prior to joining Campbell's Soup he was at the A.C...
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