Cryptic IQ Society event sparks interest

It was the stuff spy films are made of. A series of fireworks and a cryptic message greeted about 60 students at the crest of the 38th Street bridge last night -- all of whom were requested to be there by the mysterious "IQ Society." The students had recieved invitations from the society for a "tapping ceremony" that was scheduled to take place at midnight. At about 12:11 a.m., six rockets, apparently set from the roof of 1920 Commons, were launched into the air above the bridge. A minute or so later, a message in a vial tied to a string arrived on the top of the bridge. It advised the students, "For the next 49 minutes, you should introduce yourself to as many people as possible, for there are members of IQ society present. Those considered for membership will be contacted tonight." Across campus, students were left dumbfounded about the society and its mission. But most expressed a healthy curiosity as to what it may be. And almost each person in attendance speculated about this seemingly invisible organization. College freshman Matt Kogan said he thinks the group might be similar to other secret societies. "I think its Skull and Bones, an old boys network which is now an old girls network, a secret society of intellectuals and want-to-be intellectuals," Kogan said. He also said he thought the plan was well executed. "I was surprised that they thought of the fireworks and the crazy hidden note," Kogan added. College sophomore Alisha Berger was impressed by the other students at the event, adding that the group could be composed of powerful members on campus. "The thing that was remarkable was the kind of people who were there. I think its a really good concept," Berger said. "It seems like something that could be influential at Penn or for people's futures." Berger also mentioned IQ Society graffiti which has been appearing around campus, in particular the symbol painted on the front of the site of the former Theta Xi house. College junior Jen Raymond said she has not seen the graffiti, but added that she thinks the University needs this kind of organization. "I would liken it to the senior societies, but the novelty of it being a secret society is going to be a catch-all," she said. "Penn needs something to bring 'Ivy' to the University." Raymond said she has heard many rumors about the society, including that the group was started by members of other schools, that it is possibly a Daily Pennsylvanian prank or a ploy by the administration. One clue about IQ might be in a telephone call made to the DP early this morning. Someone claiming to be from IQ Society said, "After 75 years the wait is over, we can finally reveal our name." The caller then hung up.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.