Y society
Encyclopedia
The Y Society is a secret society
that exists on Grounds at the University of Virginia
. Founded in 1898 as a result of a dispute among members of the 7 society
, the Y society has remained almost invisible on Grounds for over 100 years. Although there are buildings on Grounds that bear the Y mark, they are far less prevalent than those of the 7's, IMP's
, and Z's
. The society lives on in the shadows to this day as prospective members are secretly recruited or "tapped" by current members.
The Y's are considered by many to be the most selective of the secret societies on Grounds. Unlike the 7's, Z's, and IMP's there is no formal time when the identity
of a Y is revealed, rather each member of the Y's bears a small Y tattoo
somewhere on their body. In addition, all donation
s made by the Y society to the University of Virginia are made completely anonymously with no reference to the society whatsoever. They Y's have always held the belief that service, when provided anonymously, provides a unique philanthropic
opportunity.
Notable confirmed members of the Y Society include NFL
Tight End Heath Miller
, First Team All-American Lacrosse
Player Matt Ward, and Former Virginia Governors Gerald Baliles and Jim Gilmore
.
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...
that exists on Grounds 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...
. Founded in 1898 as a result of a dispute among members of the 7 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...
, the Y society has remained almost invisible on Grounds for over 100 years. Although there are buildings on Grounds that bear the Y mark, they are far less prevalent than those of the 7's, IMP's
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...
, and Z's
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 society lives on in the shadows to this day as prospective members are secretly recruited or "tapped" by current members.
The Y's are considered by many to be the most selective of the secret societies on Grounds. Unlike the 7's, Z's, and IMP's there is no formal time when the identity
Cultural identity
Cultural identity is the identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as one is influenced by one's belonging to a group or culture. Cultural identity is similar to and has overlaps with, but is not synonymous with, identity politics....
of a Y is revealed, rather each member of the Y's bears a small Y tattoo
Tattoo
A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes...
somewhere on their body. In addition, all donation
Donation
A donation is a gift given by physical or legal persons, typically for charitable purposes and/or to benefit a cause. A donation may take various forms, including cash, services, new or used goods including clothing, toys, food, and vehicles...
s made by the Y society to the University of Virginia are made completely anonymously with no reference to the society whatsoever. They Y's have always held the belief that service, when provided anonymously, provides a unique 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...
opportunity.
Notable confirmed members of the Y Society include NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
Tight End Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
, First Team All-American Lacrosse
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a team sport of Native American origin played using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick, mainly played in the United States and Canada. It is a contact sport which requires padding. The head of the lacrosse stick is strung with loose mesh...
Player Matt Ward, and Former Virginia Governors Gerald Baliles and Jim Gilmore
Jim Gilmore
James Stuart "Jim" Gilmore III is an American politician from the Commonwealth of Virginia, former 68th Governor of Virginia, and a member of the Republican Party. A native Virginian, Gilmore studied at the University of Virginia, and then served in the U.S. Army as a counterintelligence agent...
.