Philo: A tradition since 1813

In a dimly-lit room on the second floor of College Hall, all in attendance rose for the entrance of the moderator. Four men in black robes proceeded to the front of the room and took their seats. The Philomathean Society meeting had begun. Philo, the oldest student organization on campus, was founded at the University in 1813. It is also the oldest continuously existing literary society in the country, according to College junior Elliott Witney, who serves as the group's moderator. Witney said Philo's mission is to "learn and teach, not necessarily in that order." "At an ideal Philo event, there's an element of humor and fun, trying to get people excited about learning," Witney said. The society boasts the first complete English translation of the Rosetta Stone, along with possession of the stone itself. Campus groups such as The Red and Blue, Penn Players and The Daily Pennsylvanian also stemmed from Philo, according to College sophomore Daniel Orr, the group's archivist. While Philo events are open to students and faculty, the society itself is exclusive. Membership is limited to 50 students. "It's part of maintaining a certain dynamic," Witney said. "Our small size allows everyone to know each other and know what each other is doing." Applications are accepted once per semester. The process consists of three parts -- a one-hour interview, a three-to-six-minute presentation to the society and a creative submission. The focus of this sequence, according to Engineering sophomore and Philo Scriba Scott Schimmel, is to "get to know" the applicant. But Witney explained that Philo wants to "enlist the support of people in the community," and that the only differentiating factor between members and non-members is the voting privileges enjoyed by members. "What we are is what we do, which is largely a product of who knows about us," Witney said. "The only thing limiting about Philo is its membership." Philo holds eight organized events each semester, including the Annual Oration in the spring, which typically features a well-known guest speaker. According to Engineering senior Carter Page, one of the goals of the society is to improve "the poor student-faculty dynamic" of the University. "Philo officially puts together events that will expand the horizons of classroom education," Page said. Witney agreed, adding that he wants to "help the community at Penn become a more intellectually stimulating environment." But College junior Jeffrey Wachs said many members have varying opinions on what Philo's purpose should be. "We all have our own particular vision of Philo, which is ultimately what brings us together," Wachs said.