The Blue Pencil Club was formed in 1922 as an organization for freshmen and sophomores who were interested in literary endeavors and to prepare them for membership in Sigma Upsilon when they became juniors. Sigma Upsilon chose the charter members for the organization, and all members of the Lanier Club of Sigma Upsilon were automatically members of the Blue Pencil Club. The active members of the Blue Pencil Club were chosen from the freshmen and sophomores of the university.