Owl and Key

Owl and Key, a senior honor society, and Skull and Bones, a junior secret society, were both organized at the University of Utah in 1909.[2][3][4] The Utah societies were not affiliated with Yale University but borrowed from its campus traditions.[2][4]

The purpose of Owl and Key was to foster spirit among the senior class and to uphold the standards and traditions of the University."[5] New members are initiated into the society by alumni of Owl and Key near the start of the spring semester of the senior year.[6] The initiates then plan events such as an annual spring formal.[6]

Owl and Key also acts as the parent organization for Skull and Bones, overseeing the spring recruitment and application process of the juniors who wish to join the secret society.[7] Once applications are received, the active members of Owl and Key select the future members of Skull and Bones.[7]

Historically, all Owl and Key members were previously members of Skull and Bones, with the latter automatically becoming a member of Owl and Key before graduation.[8][9][3] In March 1933, Owl and Key decided to increase its membership by five men so it could also invite worthy students who had not been selected for Skull and Bones.[8] However, its membership is still primarily from Skull and Bones.[9] For example, in its 1940 class, twelve of the fifteen members were from Skull and Bones, with just three new additions.[6] In the 1955 class, eight of the twelve-men members were from Skull and Bones, with four being new additions.[10]

Members are selected the spring semester of their senior year by Owl and Key alumni.[5][11] Membership was traditionally restricted to senior men; however, women are now members.[1][12] Invitations are extended students for the academic achievement, leadership, and service in the campus community.[1][4] Students may also nominate themselves by applying to either Skull and Bones or Owl and Key.[7] Membership to Owl and Key is limited to fifteen initiates per year.[1]

• Bob Bennett – United States Senator[13]
• Arnie Ferrin – professional basketball player[9]
• John Thomas Greene Jr. – United States district judge[14]
• David S. King – United States House of Representatives[2]
• Russell M. Nelson –. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[15]
• Vadal Peterson – basketball coach[2]
• Hugh W. Pinnock – authority of the LDS Church and Presidency of the Seventy[16]
• George Albert Smith Jr. – professor at Harvard Business School[9][2]
• Thornley King Swan – Chief Judge in the Utah Judicial Council[17][18]

• Honor society