The Stoic Society was names after the teachings of the Greek philosopher, Zeno, who said that a true Stoic was strong, calm and unmoved by good or bad fortune. Eastern Michigan University's oldest honorary society had its beginnings in January, 1909, at an informal gathering of students in the home of Mr. J. Stuart Lathers, Head of the Department of Oratory.

Early on the organization was simple and informal with no dues, no officers, and no constitution. The group had no name until after several meetings, when Clark Davis suggested Stoic Society. Stoic meetings were held at irregular intervals during the year to discuss topics of general interest, hear speakers, sponsor plays, etc.

The Stoic Society really came to the attention of the student body late in the spring of 1909 when it sponsored a play by a traveling group known as the Ben Greet Players. Proceeds from this performance began a scholarship fund to encourage promising second year students to return for a third year of study because at the time it was customary for those preparing to teach to remain only two years.

Clare Milton received the first scholarship granted by the Society, which was also the first such award ever given at the Michigan State Normal College. He and his ten fellow nominees were made members of the Stoic Society, and it was this move which marked the beginning of the organization's history as an honor society.

By 1921 it was decided that the recipient of the scholarship should keep the minutes for the ensuing year. Since then it has been customary for the officers of the Stoic Society to receive scholarships in return for their services. Stoic-of-the-Year awards are also made to a member or members who have worked particularly hard for the organization.

Many of the activities of the early Stoic Society centered around raising funds for scholarships. The organization sponsored plays and traveling entertainment groups, sold ice cream at commencement time, and began a White Elephant Sale.

The first annual banquet was held in 1913 for the purpose of presenting to the school the E.A. Strong Scholarship fund. It was not until 1928 that a system of announcing the recipients at a Spring breakfast and awarding the actual scholarship at a banquet the following winter took place.

The procedure for selecting and receiving new members has changed over the years. Today nominees are informed of their selection for the Society on the basis of their academic standing after their sophomore year. Previously faculty members recommended student for membership using the following guidelines: 1. High standard of scholarship, 2. Interest and helpfulness in general school affairs, 3. Moral Responsibility, 4. Active rather than passive ability in recitation, i.e., initiative.

The Stoic Society has grown with the University. It has a total of twelve scholarships and loan funds commemorating outstanding faculty members. The traditional banquet, Spring Breakfast, and reception for new members are continued as annual events.