The Phi Kappa

About us

The Phi Kappa Literary Society at the University of Georgia is one of the oldest student organizations in the United States.

At one time, and particularly during the antebellum period, literary societies were the primary extracurricular student activity. The practice of debate, oration, creative writing, and camaraderie that went on in literary societies augmented the lessons learned in the classroom. In addition, students gained maturity and confidence through the societies' exercises. Members of the various societies throughout the nation maintained a life-long dedication to their society, its principles, and its members.

The Phi Kappa Literary Society was founded on the anniversary of the birth of George Washington in 1820. Joeseph Henry Lumpkin (left), later the first Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, felt that the only way to kindle the spirit of oration and logical disputation at the University of Georgia which had been lacking since the University's charter in 1785 was to form a literary society in Athens. Thus Lumpkin and three other students, William Crabbe, Edwin Mason, and Henry Mason, formed The Phi Kappa Literary Society.

Over the next several years, Phi Kappa grew very quickly, swelling its ranks with scores of new members every year. Prior to the completion of their own Hall, the members of the Society met in the garret of the University Chapel. Phi Kappa Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus today, was built at a cost of $5,000 and was dedicated on July 5, 1836. Presiding at the dedication meeting was John C. Calhoun. University President Moses Waddel served as Calhoun's vice-president.

The era before the War Between the States was a glorious period of oratory and debate for Phi Kappa. The Hall was graced with the eloquent oratory of members such as Howell and T. R. R. Cobb, who wrote the first Law Code of Georgia, Alexander H. Stephens (right), who went on to become the Vice-President of the Confederacy, and John and Joesph LeConte.

The War Between the States significantly reduced enrollment at the University, and in 1861 Phi Kappa suspended its activities. For the extant of the War the Hall was occupied by Union troops. During this hateful occupation, most of the Society's library, which had been lovingly collected over the past forty years, disappeared. The University reopened in 1866, and Phi Kappa promptly resumed its activities. One of the most prominent members of the Society during the Reconstruction period was Henry W. Grady, the future journalist.

The rise of social fraternities and collegiate athletics in the late nineteenth century severely undercut participation in literary societies throughout the nation. Despite this drain on membership, Phi Kappa remained a vigorous organization as the new century dawned.

The twentieth century has seen its share of Phi Kappa members rise to regional, state, and national prominence. Notable alumni of the Society include University of Georgia Dean of Men William Tate, Senator Richard B. Russell (left), Senator Phil Gramm, and Georgia governors Eugene Talmadge, Ernest Vandiver, and Carl Sanders. In the sixties, Phi Kappa was the first literary society on campus to allow the induction of women as members.

In the tumultuous 1960s, Phi Kappa had a few run-ins with University administration. A more notable row occurred when the University accused the society of attempting to cause riots when it invited a member of the United States Communist Party to come to Georgia and debate a University Economics professor. In the 1970s, Phi Kappa became dormant. Several attempts to refound the Society were unsuccessful. One such attempt, in the early 1980s, was briefly successful, but the Society once again became inactive in 1982.

A successful attempt to re-establish Phi Kappa's superlative tradition of oratory and fellowship was made in 1991. The first President of the Refounding was Stephanie Hendricks. She and the other officers were sworn in by E.H. Culpepper, President of the Society in 1961. Since 1991, Phi Kappa has continued to gain strength. The living tradition and continued existence of Phi Kappa proves that literary societies are no anachronism; the activities that illuminated the antebellum period are every bit as beneficial in today's world.

Phi Kappa Hall was renovated during the 2004-2005 school year, reopening its newly-painted doors on March 30th. Since then the membership has strived to balance a love for the rich traditions embodied in Phi Kappa with a continual desire for innovation and novelty.

Several well-written histories of the University of Georgia contain more information about Phi Kappa's history. A fuller treatment of the history of the University of Georgia and Phi Kappa can be found in the following works:

• E. Merton Coulter's College Life in the Old South
• Thomas G. Dyer's The University of Georgia: A Bicentennial History
• T.W. Reed's History of the University of Georgia
• F.N. Boney's A Pictorial History of the University of Georgia

All these titles are available through the UGA library. Additionally, T.W. Reed's History of the University of Georgia is available online here

Requirements for membership

In order to become a member of the Phi Kappa Literary Society, prospective members must:

• Be a student currently enrolled in any school of the University of Georgia
• Announce oneself as a petitioning guest during the recognition of guests
• Attend at four consecutive meetings of the Society
• Complete a membership test
• At the fourth meeting, deliver a petitioning speech before the Society

Prospective members are encouraged, but are not required, to speak in either debate or creative writings and orations before becoming a member so that they may more accurately discern whether Phi Kappa provides a good fit. Immediately following the petitioning speech, the Society deliberates and decides whether the petitioning guest should become a member.

Because Phi Kappa exists for the development of speaking skills, after acceptance, all active members must speak at least once every three meetings in addition to maintaining good attendance and paying dues. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the suspension of a member's voting privileges.