On May 17, 1918, at a University of Chattanooga faculty meeting, Dr. Lynn H. Harris moved for an organization to honor scholarship and further inspire high academic achievement. The motion was seconded by Dr. Thomas H. Billings. This proposed society came into existence the following semester and was given the name Alpha: Scholastic Honor Society of the University of Chattanooga. Dr. W.W. Hooper was the first president of the society, along with Dr. Carlos E. Conant as his secretary. Since that time, the purpose of Alpha Society, the oldest academic honor society at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has remained unchanged; to recognize scholastic achievement. In order to be eligible to join Alpha Society, students must be seniors and have a certain minimum GPA. The GPA requirement has varied over the years, however, it always followed the high standards of the society’s founders. Therefore, all seniors who meet the GPA requirement are asked to become members. Additionally, faculty, alumni, and other persons with distinguishable scholarly activities are eligible for membership. Students in the Alpha Society are eligible for a scholarship if pursuing a graduate degree. The elected faculty members are tenured and full time. The officers of the society, including a President, a Vice-president, and a Treasurer are elected for a period of three years. The Alpha society holds annual meetings to initiate new members, as well as to receive a speech by a keynote speaker.