Draft:Prytanean

• Comment: Fails both notability and WP:PROMO. S0091 (talk) 19:09, 30 August 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: You need sources outside of Berkley and that are not connected in any way to the group to prove it is in fact notable by the standards of the English Wikipedia. So far the sources you have chosen do not demonstrate this. McMatter ^(talk)/_(contrib) 18:37, 30 August 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: Nothing was done to rectify the previous decline. Please read through the links in the messages above to correct the concerns. Do not resubmit without first addressing those issues McMatter ^(talk)/_(contrib) 18:29, 30 August 2024 (UTC)

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Prytanean Women’s Honor Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious women’s honor societies in the United States. Founded in 1901 at the University of California, Berkeley, the society was established to recognize and encourage the academic, leadership, and service achievements of women in higher education.

History

The Prytanean Society was founded in 1901 by Agnes Frisius ’01 and Adele Lewis ’02, with the assistance of Dr. Mary Bennett Ritter, a physician and advisor to university women."History". UC Berkeley Prytanean Society Official Website. The society was named after the Prytaneum, the ancient Greek hall where leaders gathered to discuss important civic matters. The founders aimed to create an organization that would support women in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Mission and Values

Prytanean Women’s Honor Society is dedicated to the advancement and support of women in academia. The society’s mission is to recognize outstanding women who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service to their community. The society upholds values of academic achievement, integrity, and commitment to the betterment of society.

Early Projects

From 1901 to 1906, the Prytaneans embarked on their first major fundraising project, which raised $2,400 for a 20-bed student infirmary, marking the establishment of the university’s first student health service.

Expansion and Influence

Over the decades, the society continued to influence campus life, including advocating for dormitories for women, establishing loan funds, and supporting physical education for women."150 Years of Women at Berkeley History Research Project" (PDF). California Alumni Association. The society’s impact extended beyond Berkeley, with chapters established at UCLA in 1926, at UC Davis in 1952, and at UC San Diego in 1983.

Recent Developments

In 2023, Dr. Samantha Lewis received the Prytanean Faculty Enrichment Award, continuing the society’s tradition of supporting women in academia."Dr. Samantha Lewis Receives 2023 Prytanean Faculty Enrichment Award". UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science. The society has also been associated with prominent figures such as Susan Meadows Hone, a former vice mayor of Berkeley."Remembering Susan Meadows Hone, a former vice mayor of Berkeley". Berkeleyside.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1901: Prytanean Women’s Honor Society is founded at UC Berkeley.

• 1907: The society funds the establishment of the university’s first student infirmary.

• 1926: A chapter of Prytanean is established at UCLA.

• 1939: The first annual alumnae meeting is held, a tradition that continues to this day.

• 1952: A chapter of Prytanean is established at UC Davis.

• 1968: Proceeds from the sale of Ritter Hall are used to create a trust, providing funding for student service projects.

• 1983: A chapter of Prytanean is founded at UC San Diego.

• 1986: The Prytanean Faculty Award is created to support tenure-track female faculty members.

• 2023-Present: Dr. Samantha Lewis receives the Prytanean Faculty Enrichment Award in 2023. Chelsea Ling serves as the president of the organization for the 2024-2025 term.

Membership

Membership in Prytanean Women’s Honor Society is highly selective. Women who are invited to join the society must meet stringent criteria, including academic excellence, demonstrated leadership abilities, and a strong record of service to the community. Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumnae, are eligible for membership. The society also extends honorary memberships to distinguished women who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Activities and Programs

The Prytanean Society is involved in a variety of activities that support its mission. These include:

• Scholarships: The society offers scholarships to women who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership abilities.

• Mentorship Programs: Prytanean members often participate in mentorship programs, connecting with younger women students to provide guidance, support, and encouragement.

• Community Service: Members engage in various community service projects that align with the society’s values.

• Networking Events: The society hosts networking events that bring together members from different generations.

Notable Members/ Alumna

Prytanean Women’s Honor Society has had many notable members throughout its history, including:

• Dorothy Buffum Chandler – Philanthropist and patron of the arts.

• Ina Coolbrith – California’s first poet laureate.

• Barbara Lee – U.S. Representative for California.

• Alice Waters – Renowned chef and food activist.

• Chien-Shiung Wu – Chinese-American experimental physicist.

Legacy

Prytanean Women’s Honor Society has played a significant role in promoting the achievements of women in higher education and beyond. Through its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and service, the society has helped to cultivate generations of women leaders who have made substantial contributions to their communities and the world

References

1. "History". UC Berkeley Prytanean Society Official Website. 2. "University of California, Berkeley Archives". 3. "150 Years of Women at Berkeley History Research Project" (PDF). California Alumni Association. 4. "Prytanean Alumnae Chapter". California Alumni Association. 5. "Dr. Samantha Lewis Receives 2023 Prytanean Faculty Enrichment Award". UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science. 6. "Remembering Susan Meadows Hone, a former vice mayor of Berkeley". Berkeleyside.