The Scarabbean Society was organized in the latter part of 1914 and the spring of 1915 as a senior honor society. Founded as a secret society (but sometimes allowing its members to identify themselves in yearbooks and other publications), it held its initiations away from the campus—at one time in a cave on Cherokee Bluff. Charter members were Dr. E. P. Frost, James Ruffin Matthews, William VanDyke Ochs, Clifton B. Cates, Alexander D. Cameron, Dr. George Herbert Clarke, Spencer Tunnell, Evan A. McLean, and R. F. Thomason. The first public notice of the society surfaced in 1916 when senior members’ names were listed in the yearbook.
The 1919 Volunteer defined the society: “The Scarabbean Society is composed of those male members of the Senior Class who have manifested in an exceptional degree during their undergraduate career the qualities of dependable manhood, natural leadership, and active, intelligent loyalty to their Alma Mater. The purpose of the organization is to help and improve The University in every way possible, and it selects its members from among the leaders of the student body, and also includes faculty and administrators.” Although secret, the society was mentioned in some manner—usually by a membership page—in every Volunteer yearbook from 1920 to 1969. Chris Whittle was commended in 1969 as being the Scarabbean’s “Outstanding Freshman.”
In the 1980s the society again moved completely underground and also began to admit women to membership. The society now includes both women and minorities and is said to have 15 to 20 active undergraduate members, with a leader, “Worthy Osiris,” who is unknown to those outside the group. From time to time, the organization has been accused of being a “shadow government” of student affairs, implementing the agenda of the administration. Younger students are reputed to be “groomed” for membership by being offered “perks” and opportunities to serve in public roles on campus.
A 2002 society newsletter obtained by the Daily Beacon in April 2003 suggested that the Scarabbean Society had been involved in planning the revamping of the Ambassadors (now Ambassador Scholars) program in Admissions for a year prior to the announcement of consideration of revamping. The society has also been linked to the acquisition of the bowling alleys in the Carolyn P. Brown University Center; the 1965 implementation of the Student Activities Fee and expansion of the student newspaper to a daily; the revitalization of the Aloha Oe ceremony; the establishment of the Senior Gift Committee; and a number of other initiatives.
In 1992 former members of Scarabbean established the L. R. Hesler Award, in honor of their longtime faculty adviser. They have also had their own loan fund, the E. P. Frost Memorial Fund.
Until Ayres Hall was taken out of service for renovation, the Scarabbeans are reputed to have held some meetings in the tower room of Ayres, a place strictly off-limits to all other students.