The IMP Society is a secret society

Secret society

A secret society is a club or organization whose activities and inner functioning are concealed from non-members. The society may or may not attempt to conceal its existence. The term usually excludes covert groups, such as intelligence agencies or guerrilla insurgencies, which hide their...

 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...

 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 Feet were disbanded in 1908 under pressure from the University's Administrative Council, who called the society "very detrimental to the University's welfare" and banned it, along with "all other organizations which promote disorder in the
University." University historian Virginius Dabney

Virginius Dabney

Virginius Dabney was a U.S. teacher, journalist, writer, and editor. He was the editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch from 1936 to 1969 and author of several historical books...

 records the final activity of the society as the distribution of stuffed animal specimens from the natural history museum about Grounds on Easter Sunday, and the assault of a student in his room.

The society reconstituted itself in 1913 as the IMP Society, an acronym generally believed to stand for "Incarnate Memories Prevail," and remains active to the current day.

The IMP Society has engaged in philanthropic activities around the University, including the IMP Award, given "to a faculty
member who had been outstanding in promoting student-faculty relations and perpetuating the traditions of the university"; the IMP Student Athlete Award, given at graduation to a female athlete who has excelled in both the field and the classroom; and a recent student community service fellowship.

In addition to philanthropy, IMPs are known to march around the grounds carrying pitchforks, wearing horned hoods, and engaging in mild mischief and revelry. (In one 2004 incident, the group was forced to apologize after using gasoline to start a bonfire on the Lawn during a nighttime ceremony.) The society publicly "taps" its new members, and most current members wear a ring indicating their membership in the organization. While the members of the group are known, many of their community service works are not widely publicized. 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 Z Society

Z Society

The Z Society is a philanthropic organization that was founded at the University of Virginia 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...

, the IMP Society is known to paint their symbol around Grounds.

Members of the IMP Society are more public than other societies at the University, often recognized by their ring with the face of a devil on it, or their public tappings. Notable IMP and Hot Feet alumni include James Rogers McConnell

James Rogers McConnell

James Rogers McConnell flew as an aviator during World War I in the Lafayette Escadrille and authored Flying for France. He was the first of sixty-four sons of the University of Virginia to die in battle during that War....

, who was the inspiration for Gutzon Borglum

Gutzon Borglum

Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum was an American artist and sculptor famous for creating the monumental presidents' heads at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, the famous carving on Stone Mountain near Atlanta, as well as other public works of art.- Background :The son of Mormon Danish immigrants, Gutzon...

's statue The Aviator.

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