334:, and leaders of the largest or most influential campus organizations, historically within Student Government, the University Union, The Chronicle (University Newspaper), and the Interfraternity Council. Trident Society alumni have served on the Duke University Board of Trustees, with both alumni and active members involved in workings of the university, and it is noted that membership brings access to an "elite alumni network."
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in Durham, North
Carolina. The Trident Society is often considered the most secretive and prestigious of the societies at Duke University, and inherited the mission of The Order of the Red Friars and The Order of the White Duchy. The Society seeks to promote dedication and loyalty to Duke University
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for its initiation rites. Before initiation, members must solve a series of riddles. Throughout the year, the "Charley Bell," located within Kilgo quad—which was a gift from former society members, is controlled exclusively by the society. Details about the reasons for the use of the Bell remain
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The
Trident Society largely works behind the scenes, and the extent of their power and influence is largely unknown. A member of the group notes, "The individual contributions (of Trident Society members) effect change." Together, the society's members can impact society. A 2008 story in
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explained the group's philosophy. According to a "cryptic letter sealed with wax," the society is "rooted in ideals that stretch back to the university's founding." The letter continued: "Our founders recognized that similar institutions existed at other top universities
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While the origins of the
Trident Society are largely mysterious, it is believed to have been founded in the early 1930s as an all-male organization, and grew during the dissolutions of the Red Friars and the White Duchy. The Red Friars were founded in 1913 at
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Trident was historically all-male but is now co-ed. It is believed that each year, the
Trident Society selects or taps five to ten members. The members of the society maintain a strict silence about their membership and the group's mission.
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The society writes an annual letter, which is usually found on the steps of Lilly
Library or the East Campus Marketplace with a rose, during the first few weeks of every school year, welcoming first-year students to the campus.
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claims that members of the secret society often develop strong relationships with notable administrators and use this influence to enact change across the campus, unknown to the general population.
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The society's alumni help ensure the integrity of the society and provide financial support for its activities. This enables the society to provide substantial financial scholarships for students.
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As such, on-campus members are not typically public about their membership in the
Society, and do not join for recognition.
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217:(which eventually became Duke University). Members of the Red Friars included nationally recognized individuals such as
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491:"Order of the White Duchy records, 1925-1968. - Archives & Manuscripts at Duke University Libraries"
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The society uses the lowercase letters "ts" over a pitchfork, capped with a red rose, as its symbol.
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523:"Order of Red Friars records, 1913-1971 - Archives & Manuscripts at Duke University Libraries"
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while promoting the goals of the university, and to reward students for merit and achievement.
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unknown, though it is reported that it rings upon initiation "on the first
Thursday in May."
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458:"A History of Secrets: A Never-Before-Seen Look at Secret Societies at Duke and UNC"
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Membership is strictly sectretive. A November 2007 edition of the
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David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript
Library
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David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript
Library
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62:Learn how and when to remove this message
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264:Symbols and traditions
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328:Benjamin Newton Duke
316:Marshall Scholarship
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567:October 20,
270:Duke Chapel
132:Independent
129:Affiliation
673:Categories
658:2023-10-04
629:2023-08-26
600:2023-10-04
537:2023-10-04
505:2023-10-04
476:2016-08-28
423:2023-08-16
374:2023-08-16
338:References
302:Membership
280:Activities
44:editing it
52:July 2024
652:Archived
623:Archived
594:Archived
561:Archived
531:Archived
499:Archived
470:Archived
417:Archived
368:Archived
161:Chapters
156:Red rose
255:Cornell
208:History
107: (
96:Founded
174:Durham
153:Flower
140:Active
137:Status
462:Rival
148:Local
145:Scope
569:2022
243:Yale
121:Type
109:1933
102:1933
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