Trident Society

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,[2] and grew during the dissolutions of the Red Friars and the White Duchy.[4] The Red Friars were founded in 1913 at Trinity College (which eventually became Duke University).[5] Members of the Red Friars included nationally recognized individuals such as Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States, and Raymond Nasher, American businessman and noted art collector, as well as high-level university administrators, mainly Presidents and Deans, such as Arthur Hollis Edens, Rex Adams, William Wannamaker, Herbert Herring, Robert Flowers, and Tallman Trask.[5][2]

Only recently has it come to light that "TS" stands for "Trident Society," and membership is strictly sectretive. A November 2007 edition of the Rival Magazine 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."[3] The letter continued:

"Our founders recognized that similar institutions existed at other top universities (Skull and Bones at Yale, The Sevens at the University of Virginia, Quill and Dagger at Cornell) and saw a void to fill at Duke."[3]

As such, on-campus members are not typically public about their membership in the Society, and do not join for recognition.[1][2]

The Trident Society uses the Duke Chapel for its initiation rites.[2] Before initiation, members must solve a series of riddles.[2] Throughout the year, the "Charley Bell," located within Kilgo quad - which was a gift from former society members, is controlled exclusively by the society.[6] Details about the reasons for the use of the Bell remain unknown, though it is reported that it rings upon initiation "on the first Thursday in May"[7]

The society uses the lowercase letters "ts" over a pitchfork, capped with a red rose, as its symbol (see in Infobox to the right).

The Trident Society largely works behind the scenes, and the extent of their power and influence is largely unknown.[1][2] A member of the group notes, "The individual contributions (of Trident Society members) effect change."[3] Together, the society's members can impact society.[3] A 2008 story in The Chronicle 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.[8]

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.[1]

The society's alumni help ensure the integrity of the society and provide financial support for its activities.[3] This enables the society to provide substantial financial scholarships for students.[2]

Trident was historically all-male but is now co-ed.[3] 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.[3]

Alumni of the society include recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, Truman Scholarship, Angier B. Duke Scholarship, Benjamin Newton Duke Scholarship, players for Coach Mike Krzyzewski, 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.[9][3][2] Trident Society alumni have served on the Duke University Board of Trustees,[3][2] 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."[7]