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University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Alpha Society records

 Collection
Identifier: UA-00-04-01

Scope and Contents

The Alpha Society records series consists of meeting minutes, membership records, correspondence, banquet programs, initiation rituals, constitution, financial records and other historical records of the Alpha Society spanning from 1918 up to 2018. The meeting minutes document the initiation process of new members, addresses delivered by various speakers, as well as the society’s upcoming plans and events. Some of the meeting minutes are from the annual banquets, while others are from the special meetings held by officers and committees. In addition to the meeting minutes, agendas, banquet programs and initiation rituals also document the proceedings of the Alpha Society. Membership records contain lists of Alpha members, including students, alumni, faculty, and other distinguished members. Moreover, there are multiple memorial biographies dedicated to the deceased members and delivered at the meetings. Starting in 2003, this collection also contains many student membership applications. A large portion of this collection consists of correspondence between members and society officers.

Dates

  • Creation: 1918-2018

Creator

Language of Materials

This series contains materials in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This series is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright status of this series has not been evaluated.

Biographical / Historical

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.

Extent

3.36 Linear Feet (8 containers)

Processing Information

Processing of this series is in progress.

Title
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Alpha Society records
Status
Under Revision
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Collection Area Details

Part of the University Archives Collection Area

Contact:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library
c/o Special Collections
600 Douglas Street
Chattanooga Tennessee 37403 United States