History of Honor society in Timeline
Honor societies in the United States recognize individuals exceeding specific standards in academics, leadership, and other achievements. These organizations acknowledge excellence among peers in diverse fields. While the term most often refers to scholastic honor societies recognizing academic or leadership merit, it also encompasses other types of societies. For example, the Order of the Arrow serves as the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America.
1918: Establishment of Mortar Board
In 1918, Mortar Board, the first national honor society for women college seniors, was established.
1925: Formation of ACHS
In 1925, the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) was formed to establish and maintain standards for honor societies.
2005: Founding of Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
In 2005, Yale University and Howard University founded the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society to recognize racially diverse scholars, differing from traditional societies by focusing on self-nominations and requiring a Ph.D. or Ph.D. track.
