Ribbon Societies

This handsewn pillowcase was made with ribbons from German Club dances, cotillions, final balls, and other social events sponsored by the University of Virginia German Club, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and Eli Banana. The ribbons range in date from 1897 to 1903.

Jefferson Society

Photograph of the Jefferson Society, no date.

Medal. Jefferson Society. 1867 June 28. Bequest from the estate of Mary Churchill Humphrey (granddaughter). Inscribed on the verso, "Presented by the Jefferson Society to Alex. P. Humphrey of KY as their Best Debater, session 1866-67."

Washington Society

Medal. Washington Society. 1888-89. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Gallie N. Bogel. Inscribed on the verso, "Presented by the Washington Society to J.E. Barclay, KY as their best debater, session 88-89."

IMP Society

The IMP Society surfaced in 1913 as a successor to the secret Hot Feet Society. 

The Hot Feet were disbanded in 1912 by the University's administration after a night of revelry in which Hot Feet members removed an assortment of life-sized, stuffed creatures, including a moose, kangaroo, polar bear, Bengal tiger, three-toed emu, and boa constrictor, from the basement of Cabell Hall and placed them before the front door of each professor's Lawn residence.

Ceremonial Tin Hot Foot Crown. IMP Society. No date. Original photograph from The University of Virginia: A Pictorial History (Charlottesville, Va: University Press of Virginia and University of Virginia Bookstore, 1999).

The IMP Society is still in existence today and gives an annual award to a "faculty member who has been outstanding in promoting student-faculty relations." They also give the IMP Student Athlete Award at graduation each year to an exemplary female athlete who has shown exceptional performance and integrity both on the playing field and in the classroom. For the first time this year, students will have an opportunity to apply for a $1,000 community service fellowship sponsored by the IMPs.