It is so easy to forget, amidst the flurry of construction that has mushroomed all over campus, that change and continuity are inextricably linked at Cornell. The omnipresent cranes and scaffolding that dot our landscape are symbols of the University’s commitment to renewal, modernization and progress. Yet, as I walk across the historic Arts Quad, the refrains of the Alma Mater ringing from the Chimes of the clock tower, I am reminded that Cornell abounds with tradition.

Many of our traditions are familiar to all of us: the midnight scream, Dragon Day, Slope Day, swimming in the gorges, and sledding down Libe Slope on a dinner tray. All of these cherished traditions have remarkable stories that are told and retold, no doubt with considerable embellishments, to each new class of incoming students.

There is, however, one tradition that is reverently wrapped in a veil of secrecy: the secret societies of Cornell. These societies help nurture the ideals of scholarship and service that sustain Cornell’s unique identity. From what I’ve heard, the members prefer that the focus of their efforts is on what they do and not on themselves. While I can hardly claim to be an expert, I do know a little bit of the history of these secret societies.

The secret society tradition at Cornell has two branches. One developed into the fraternities and sororities that constitute Cornell’s flourishing Greek community. The other branch, originally known as the “class societies” (because their membership was limited to class year, usually the senior year), became the legendary secret societies.

The Sphinx Head Senior Honor Society was the first secret society to be founded at Cornell, some 118 years ago. Founded with the mission to “quietly and humbly uplift Cornell,” Sphinx Head would become the example which other societies would seek to model themselves after. In fact, three years later, the Quill and Dagger Senior Honor Society was established at the suggestion of several members of Sphinx Head. The idea was that friendly rivalry between these two organizations would benefit not only the University but the organizations as well. It seems that the founding members believed in the “invisible hand” in more ways than one.

Of course, women at Cornell, always a formidable force, were determined not to be short changed by the then all-male Sphinx Head. In 1892, Cornell women founded their own senior honor society, Der Hexenkreis. Eventually, Der Hexenkreis became one of the founding chapters of another senior honor society — Mortar Board. In 1975, Der Hexenkreis/Mortar Board became co-ed, and about that time chose to shed its status as a secret society. Today, Mortar Board thrives as a leading student organization.

Sphinx Head and its sibling rival, Quill and Dagger, continue to pique the curiosity of Cornellians. And perhaps rightfully so, given the aura of mystery that still cloaks them. These two societies have histories stretching back to Cornell’s infancy, and they have served the University for well over a century. If we look carefully, we can see their contributions everywhere.

Just think for a moment. Willard Straight, prankster at Cornell and consul in Korea, endowed us with the beautiful building that bears his name. By the way, he was also a member of Sphinx Head. And who can miss the elegant Quill and Dagger Tower that crowns the gateway to West Campus? James Lynah, Robert Purcell and Henry Bartels, all illustrious alumni and supposedly members of Cornell secret societies, endowed buildings named after them. It is said that two of Cornell’s most enduring traditions, Dragon Day and Slope Day, were started by members of Sphinx Head. I can’t say for sure, but it seems to me that Cornell’s secret societies fascinate us and capture our imagination because they are the source of much of what makes Cornell truly unique.

Cornell is a vibrant, evolving community. Every year, new students bring with them new dreams, visions, experiences, and, yes, new fears. A few will make an impact and go on to change the lives around them, sending ripples of goodwill throughout the Cornell community. Many of those few will be members or become members of Cornell’s secret societies. That midnight knock, that shadowy figure tapping you on the shoulder, oddly enough, may be an invitation to be part of something very precious and special.

Certainly, change is a constant at Cornell. And secret societies are a constant at Cornell as well. I don’t know about you, but that cloak of secrecy is a comfort blanket for me. I’m glad Sphinx Head and Quill and Dagger are secret sentinels safeguarding, fostering and nurturing our traditions. Quite frankly, I would not have it any other way.

Sanjiv Tata is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. He can be reached at sanjiv.tata@gmail.com. The Vested Interest appears alternate Tuesdays.