History

Der Hexenkreis has a very rich history at Cornell University.

Established in 1892, Der Hexenkreis was formed as a secret society for women students on campus– it is the second oldest non-academic honor society at Cornell. Members were strictly forbidden to discuss the society’s traditions or existence until later in the 20th century.

Though the society is no longer secret in its membership, secret rituals and traditions still remain from the past. The gold skull pin with ruby eyes and the number 7 (originally made by Tiffany’s New York) is still worn by members today at society events and on special days as a symbol of the society and a point of linkage amongst members.

The names of Der Hexenkreis alumnus grace many buildings and programs on campus, including well-known halls like Donlon  and Comstock. Many of our members have served as trustees and University beneficiaries.

Der Hexenkreis on a National Level: 

Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1918, members of Der Hexenkreis, along with individuals from the University of Michigan, Swarthmore, and Ohio State University founded a National Organization: Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society. It was the first honor society in the country to include women. The ideals established for members were Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. As a result, members today are not only a part of an important Cornell tradition (Der Hexenkreis) but an important National tradition (Mortar Board).

After the passage of Title IX in 1972, Mortar Board chapters, including Der Hexenkreis, began accepting men as well as women. Since then, it has been the goal of our society to accept the most exceptional student leaders on campus, regardless of gender.

Throughout the years the role of Der Hexenkries on campus has changed. Early in the 20th century, the society served as the chief advisory council for women on campus. In more recent history, Der Hexenkreis has been involved in orchestrating discussion and debate on many important campus issues, including the existence and vitality of program houses, censorship in student publications, and the importance of transparency in University affairs. Our sponsored events routinely make the front page of the Cornell Daily Sun.

Today, members of Mortar Board are leaders in nearly every major student organization on campus (see “Our Members”) and because of this are able to collaborate on campus wide issues using a variety of perspectives and experiences. Broadly speaking, it has been the mission of each tapping class since 1892 to “Serve Cornell” through leadership, scholarship and service.

It is the imperative of each incoming tap class to decide which University issues are most pressing and how our network of leaders can best collaborate to make a difference.