User:LazarusCK/Coffin and Keys

Coffin & Keys or Coffin and Keys, is a secret society at the University of Nevada, Reno. Also known by the abbreviations CK or XK (Greek letters Chi and Kappa).

On the night of October 24, 1916, ten men representing each of the various factions existing at the time at the University of Nevada, and comprising men of all walks of college life, met together with the idea of promoting the common good. The consensus was that a force was needed to give the proper impetus to affairs of school life. At the time the rivalry among the various groups threatened to supplant the steadfast loyalty to the university that all its citizens should unite in giving. It was evident that unless energetic steps were taken at once, our community would become a collection of wrangling cliques instead of a united whole. Under such conditions, no progress would be possible. The very life of our university would be threatened. Realizing this, and bound by a pledge to work for the common good, these men founded this society in which all the component parts of our school may be represented around the council table.

On October 27th 1916, the same ten men petitioned the President of the University of Nevada for permission to start a secret society. Their main goal would be to work solely towards the betterment and unity of the university. All major factions of the university were represented at the council table to which they brought different views and perspectives. Coffin and Keys became a forum for campus leaders to discuss issues that faced the campus. Originally the name of members were known by all, but in 1962 the administration decided that it no longer felt comfortable with power resting in the hands of the student body. Facing expulsion for the criticisms the members publish in their newsletters, Coffin and Keys decided that their purpose would be better served if they became completely anonymous.

To this day, almost a hundred years later, their aims and goals remain unchanged. They are still the voice of the students and will always work towards making the campus on the hill a better place. They have watched as the University of Nevada has grown and matured into the prestigious institution that now stands. They are the guiding hand that has helped shape the path that countless students have walked. They may stand in the shadows but their actions are seen by all.

Some current and past members are rumored to include student body presidents, fraternity presidents, school athletes, and other male student leaders.

Miscellaneous
Currently, Coffin & Keys puts out a newsletter twice a semester or otherwise needed. At the beginning and the end of each semester, Coffin & Keys gives various institutions, buildings, and classes grades and commentary.

Articles on Campus
Jordan C. Butler, a columnist for the Nevada Sagebrush, wrote a controversial editorial on Coffin and Keys. Read the article

Daniel Hansen, a columnist for UNR Insight Magazine, wrote an article on Coffin and Keys entitled "Coffin and What?" Read the article