The Z Society is a philanthropic

Philanthropy

Philanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity"—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of "what it is to be human," or "human potential." In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of...

 organization that was founded at the University of Virginia

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...

 in 1892. It comprises outstanding student leaders who give time, talent, and financial contributions to groups and individuals that exemplify the spirit of the society and uphold the ideals of the university. Additionally, the Z Society encourages and recognizes excellence through a number of honorary dinners and academic awards.

The organization's membership chooses to remain anonymous

Anonymity

Anonymity is derived from the Greek word ἀνωνυμία, anonymia, meaning "without a name" or "namelessness". In colloquial use, anonymity typically refers to the state of an individual's personal identity, or personally identifiable information, being publicly unknown.There are many reasons why a...

 because of the belief that service, when provided anonymously, provides a unique philanthropic opportunity. After graduation, members may opt to wear Z Society rings. Selection for membership is considered a high honor at the University.

The Z Society contributes significantly to the University through monetary donations, recognition events, such as a First-Year
Recognition Dinner, service opportunities, encouragement letters, and major awards such as the Edgar Shannon Award, presented to one student from each school during graduation, as well as the Distinguished Faculty Award, presented to one faculty member from the University every year.

Like the Seven Society

Seven Society

The Seven Society is the most secretive of the University of Virginia's secret societies. Members are only revealed after their death, when a wreath of black magnolias in the shape of a "7" is placed at the gravesite, the bell tower of the University Chapel chimes at seven-second intervals on the...

 and IMP Society

IMP Society

The IMP Society is a secret society at the University of Virginia that is notable for combining philanthropy and public mischief.Originally founded in 1902 as a society called the Hot Feet, the society was known primarily for its public ceremonies in which it crowned the society's "king." The Hot...

, the Z Society is known to paint their symbol around grounds. Superstition holds that if a woman walks directly over the Z on the steps of the footbridge near Ruffner Hall, she will become pregnant before she graduates.

History

The Z Society was founded in 1892 in the wake of a series of disputes between the Eli Banana

Eli Banana

The Eli Banana Ribbon Society is the oldest secret society at the University of Virginia. Founded in 1878 as a way to encourage the fraternities to engage more directly in the life of the University, the aim of the society was to bring its members to leadership in the University community and to...

 society and the faculty and Board of Visitors of the University. According to University historian Philip Alexander Bruce

Philip Alexander Bruce

Philip Alexander Bruce was an American historian who specialized in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Author of over a dozen volumes of history, Bruce's scope ranged from the first Virginia settlements to the early 20th century...

, the society was formed to "skim the cream" from the Elis and T.I.L.K.A.; by his estimation, some 90% of the membership of the Z (or "Zetas," as he refers to them) were "in society," that is, of social distinction.

The early Z Society, along with Eli Banana and T.I.L.K.A., was a "ribbon society," one whose members were denoted by a cloth ribbon worn on the lapel.. In 1906, it was described as the "most secret ribbon organization,"though by 1969 it was described as "semi-secret."

Over time, the Z Society began a tradition of philanthropy around the school for which they are remembered today. Past gifts to the university include an annual fund for the purchase of books at Alderman Library, established in the honor of University professor, dean, and Z Society member Robert Kent Gooch at his retirement in 1964; a scholarship in honor of University president Edgar F. Shannon, Jr.

Edgar F. Shannon, Jr.

Edgar F. Shannon, Jr. was a professor of English and president of the University of Virginia from 1959 to 1974.-Biography:...

, established in 1973; the Z Society Distinguished Faculty Award, for professors who contributed to the community beyond their academic responsibilities, established in 1972; and the Z Society Award for Organizations, dating from 1971 or before.

In recent years, the Z Society has been outspoken in support of diversity in the University community, symbolically painting its white Z symbols black in response to an alleged 2003 hate crime; and writing letters of support to organizations that support Jewish student life at the University and in Charlottesville.

Notable members

Notable members of the Z Society include Gilbert J. Sullivan

Gilbert J. Sullivan

Gilbert J. "Gilly" Sullivan was the longtime director of the University of Virginia Alumni Association for 35 years. Appointed to the position in 1958 after the retirement of J. Malcolm "Mack" Luck, Sullivan remained in the position until his retirement in 1993...

, director of the UVA Alumni Association, and George M. Cochran

George M. Cochran

George Moffett Cochran was born in Staunton, Virginia on April 20, 1912. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934 from the University of Virginia, and his LL. B. degree in 1936 from the University of Virginia Law School. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1948 to 1965,...

, Virginia House of Delegates

Virginia House of Delegates

The Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly. It has 100 members elected for terms of two years; unlike most states, these elections take place during odd-numbered years. The House is presided over by the Speaker of the House, who is elected from among the...

 and Senate of Virginia

Senate of Virginia

The Senate of Virginia is the upper house of the Virginia General Assembly. The Senate is composed of 40 Senators representing an equal number of single-member constituent districts. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia...

; Supreme Court of Virginia

Supreme Court of Virginia

The Supreme Court of Virginia is the highest court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It primarily hears appeals from the trial-level city and county Circuit Courts, as well as the criminal law, family law and administrative law cases that go through the Court of Appeals of Virginia. It is one of...

.

See also

• Secret societies at the University of Virginia
  Secret Societies at the University of Virginia
  Secret societies have been a part of University of Virginia student life since the first class of students in 1825. While the number of societies peaked during the 75 year period between 1875 and 1950, there are still five societies active that are over 100 years old, and several newer societies...
  
  
• Collegiate secret societies in North America

External links

• This article on Teaching Awards lists an award sponsored by the society.
• Shannon Award Winners from the Medical School