It was a dark and stormy night, and profiles of black birds were projected onto the walls of Memorial Gymnasium, looming over the crowd.
The atmosphere was completely appropriate for the centennial anniversary of the Raven Society, said Alexander G. "Sandy" Gilliam, co-chair of the event.
Raven Society President L. Cameron Howell said the Raven Society's mission is to bring together outstanding students, faculty and alumni to promote the welfare, honor and dignity of the University. The Society also works to celebrate and protect the legacy of Edgar Allen Poe's time at the University.
The crowd of approximately 720 members began the black-tie gala March 20 with drinks at Alumni Hall before moving to Memorial Gymnasium for the night's main festivities, Howell said.
Traditionally, the Society's annual dinners are limited to members only, but because this was a special event, members were permitted to bring friends and family, Howell said.
"The evening was a great opportunity for people who had not seen each other in a long time to catch up," Howell said.
Gilliam said a highlight for him was a reading of the poem "A Century of Raven," written for the centennial festivities by English Prof. Stephen B. Cushman.
"I received a lot of positive feedback," Howell said. "The guests felt that the evening was worthy of the Raven Society's history and purpose."
The Society presented Raven Awards to two faculty members and two students. Annette Gibbs, director of the Center for the Study of Higher Education, and English Prof. William H. Fishback both received awards.
"I so enjoy teaching students here, as I have for about a quarter of a century," Fishback said. "To receive a Raven Award is something very special."
The students honored were third-year Law student and former Raven president Kevin G. Ritz and fourth-year College student Kurt E. Mitman.
Howell said recipients of the award excel in their scholarly work and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the University. He added membership in the Raven Society is not a requirement for nominating someone or winning the award.
Gibbs, Ritz and Mitman could not be reached for comment.
The Raven Society was created in 1904 in response to the creation of Phi Beta Kappa, an organization that also promotes academic excellence, Gilliam said.
The Society admits 75 individuals per semester -- alumni are admitted in the fall, faculty in the spring and students during both semesters.
The Society offers annual fellowships and scholarships made possible by gifts from its members.
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