[6] It was the first senior honor society at the university, created to recognize top student leaders who made significant contributions to the campus community.

[4] Members advised the university's administration, proctored exams, oversaw campus elections, provided freshman orientation, and were referees for the annual freshman-sophomore class contests.

Members, officially called "Sphinges," represent student leaders who have served the university community in some form or manner and are selected based on their character, involvement, leadership, and vision.

This membership perpetuates through a "tapping" process every spring, during which current members personally nominate deserving juniors to attend a smoker.

This informal smoker provides an opportunity for the taps to pick up an application as well as for the current members to meet and screen nominees before starting the selection process.