The Elihu Club (named after the primary benefactor of the university, Elihu Yale) was founded in 1903, and is Yale's fourth oldest secret society after Skull and Bones, Scroll and Key, and Wolf's Head. Its official website states that the society's purpose is to cultivate "a stronger affection for Yale; a broader view of undergraduate life and its aims; a deeper and more helpful friendship for one another; and to give its members, after graduation, an additional tie to bind them to Yale and to each other."
Despite its elder status, the Elihu Club differs quite a bit from its 19th-century colleagues. For one, it was established to accept men who'd been rejected by other societies. But its male-only membership wouldn't last forever, as it would eventually accept women into its ranks. As one of the more modern and progressive societies on campus, Elihu gives all juniors an opportunity to apply for membership. Of course, because of its more inclusive policy, the club isn't considered as elite as some of the other clubs on campus.
Still, Elihu does have a few distinguishing traits. Since 2002, the society has hosted the Elihu Yale Lecture series, which has featured appearances from a wide range of notable figures. One of its standout speakers was Yale alumni and Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterston, most famous for his role on the TV show "Law & Order."
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