The Raven's Claw Society is an all-male senior honor society at Dickinson College. It was founded in 1896 and is the oldest senior or "hat society" on campus.[1]
History
1965 Raven's Claw Tappings Ceremony on the steps of Old West
The Raven's Claw Society was founded in 1896 at Dickinson College as a senior honor society for male students.[2][3] Formed by seven members of the class of 1896, it was the college's first honor society.[4][5] Its founders wanted to encourage class and collage loyalty, create good fellowship, and continue college traditions.[5]
Historically, the Raven's Claw membership has consisted of seven students and two faculty advisors, with many members also belonging to social fraternities on campus.[6] The society served Dickinson College and Carlisle, Pennsylvania communities through discreet service activities.[5]
The society's members participate in community service activities and raise funds for charities.[7] In honor of its centennial in 1996, it established the Raven's Claw Scholarship which is awards to students based on financial need.[5]
Symbols
While the members of the group are known, the majority of their actions and traditions are concealed. Originally, the society's badge was a gold number seven on a black raven's claw.[5] In the 1920s, student members started wearing a white hat for special days on campus, resulting in Raven's Claw being known as one of Dickinson's "hat societies".[5][7][1] The hats represent unity and loyalty.[4] Members are called Claws or White Hats.[4][7]
Membership
Membership is limited to seven senior men who are selected by the seven previous members.[8][4] The new members are chosen based on character, leadership, and involvement in the campus and community during their first three years at Dickinson College.[8][3] Infrequently, the society breaks with its traditions and inducts a faculty or staff members, such as coach Richard MacAndrews in 1943.[9]
During commencement weekend, members are inducted in a tapping ceremony at the old stone steps Old West.[10][4][5]
